Important questions about eTap, answered

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I’m going to be your doctor and tell you the bad news first about SRAM’s new eTap group. Okay, lab coat and stethoscope on. Is SRAM’s eTap rear shifting slow? Yes.

Is it so slow that it compromises ride quality? No. In fact, the slow shifting is overshadowed by an exceptionally intuitive shifting layout, easy installation, great battery life, and superb front shifting. As a whole, the eTap system is very, very good. Here are a few questions that will give you a better perspective on eTap’s true performance.

How does the shifting speed compare to other electronic groups?

If you’re making the switch from Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 or Ultegra Di2 systems, or if you’ve spent time on Campagnolo’s EPS systems, you’ll notice eTap’s sluggishness in the rear derailleur. You’ll bemoan it. And then you’ll probably forget about it.

But if you’re coming from any mechanical group, the slow shifting won’t be a problem because eTap is smoother than any mechanical system out there.

And some more good news: Some of that sluggishness can be remedied. We tested the group with a Shimano 105 cassette and shifting speed improved. It still wasn’t as quick as Di2 or EPS, but it improved enough that the sluggishness wasn’t noticeable during mad-dash shifting heading into a sprint. That may have something to do with the tooth profiles on the Red cassette, which likely prevents that ‘slam-it-in-place’ feel you often get with Shimano shifting. So if that extra millisecond matters to you — and it should, to racers, at least — ditch the Red cassette and try out a Shimano Ultegra cassette. You’ll notice a difference.

Is it slow in both the front and rear derailleur?

No. The front derailleur shifts as well as Shimano’s Di2 systems, which is a big endorsement. Shimano has long been the standard-bearer for front shifting, but the eTap front shifting is as smooth and as quick as any electronic system I’ve used. It does not self-trim like Di2 front derailleurs do, but in my extensive use, I’ve not once needed it. Every shift has been smooth and exact. Chalk that up to SRAM’s Yaw tech that essentially changes the angle of the front derailleur as you shift so it’s always parallel to the chain. Considering SRAM recently held an elegiac memorial for front derailleurs, they sure did some fine work with eTap’s front mech.

Is it slow in shifts to both easier gears and harder ones?

The …

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