SRAM debuts new MultiClic remote shifters and wireless Zipp AXS aerobars
Not a big fan of the SRAM Blip remote shifter buttons for the eTap and eTap AXS wireless road drivetrains? While the idea was always sound, the execution was a bit lacking – but SRAM has now made things right with the release of the vastly improved Multiclic remote shifters.
While the original Blips were rather bulky, tricky to install, and somewhat disappointing in terms of feel, the new MultiClics have a far more tactile action. They’re also much smaller than before and are easier to mount thanks to the newly curved and flexible base that should work equally well on the tops or down in the drops.
The new MultiClics should also be a hair lighter (although SRAM didn’t provide official figures to verify), and just like the original Blips, they’ll work with both the first-generation Red eTap and the more recent Red eTap AXS and Force AXS components.
Retail pricing has crept up very slightly, with a pair of MultiClics now carrying a retail price of US$120 / £115 / €130. Australian retail pricing is to be confirmed.
The new MultiClic remote shifters are far smaller, more tactile, and easier to install than the old Blips. They’re arguably more ergonomic, too.
The curved base is designed to conform to drop bars, whether mounted to the tops or the drops.
A new integrated wireless solution for triathletes and time trial racers, too
SRAM has also cooked up a new configuration for triathletes and time trial racers that’s much cleaner-looking than what’s currently available.
Instead of the standalone BlipBox and array of wires that’s required for aero setups now, the new Zipp VukaShift AXS 90 integrate the system “brain” and all of the wireless bits directly into the special carbon fiber extensions. Essentially, the new extensions are akin to standard SRAM Red eTap AXS or Force AXS drop-bar levers as far as the derailleurs are concerned, and the standard diameter will supposedly work with “more than 90 percent of the integrated aerobar systems currently on the market.”
As before, shift buttons are mounted directly into the ends of the extensions for easy shifting while in the tucked position, and riders who still want the ability to shift from the base bar as well can still do so just by adding the included Clics wired remote shifters. There’s also an integrated mount with interchangeable inserts for Garmin, Wahoo, and Bryton GPS computers, and dedicated rubber grips.
Claimed weight for a pair of VukaShift AXS 90 extensions is 390 grams, and the stock 410 mm length can be trimmed by up to 10 mm at the front end and 90 mm at the rear end. At least for now, Zipp is only offering the new integrated controls in its most popular Evo extension shape.
Retail price is US$850 / £750 / €850. Australian pricing is to be confirmed.
The new Zipp VukaShift AXS 90 extensions incorporate all of the electronics that you’d normally find in a standard SRAM Red eTap AXS or Force AXS drop-bar lever, thus eliminating the BlipBox and dramatically cleaning up the cockpit.
The integrated computer mount is a nice touch.
If you still want to be able to shift from the base bar, you can just plug in a pair of wired remotes.
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