Updated 11-speed SRAM Red eTap rear derailleur adds Orbit pulley cage clutch
SRAM quietly updated its Red hydraulic disc-brake calipers several months ago, and it has now snuck another component redesign under the radar. This one comes on the drivetrain front, though, in the form of a new clutch-equipped version of its 11-speed SRAM Red eTap wireless electronic rear derailleur that began shipping August 1.
Functionally, the biggest difference from the original Red eTap rear derailleur is the addition of SRAM’s Orbit hydraulic pulley cage clutch to help control unwanted chain motion on rougher terrain. SRAM has also equipped the updated model with a “faster and more accurate” motor, and larger X-Sync narrow-wide 12-tooth pulleys that spin on hybrid ceramic bearings.
Unlike the original Red eTap rear derailleur, this version comes in just a single pulley cage length that will accommodate cassette sprockets up to 32T. The same version also works with both single-chainring and dual-chainrings drivetrains. Carrying over are the same removable Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
The original SRAM Red eTap 11-speed rear derailleur is pictured at left, in short-cage form. The new one (at right) will only come in a single mid-length cage. Both are designed to communicate with first-generation SRAM eTap wireless components, not the newer 12-speed eTap AXS stuff.
“SRAM developed the new Red eTap 11-speed rear derailleur for replacement and warranty purposes,” explained SRAM’s senior global corporate public relations manager, Michael Zellmann. “The new eTap rear derailleur was developed from our AXS model, so it looks different from the original eTap, because it was far more practical from a production standpoint. It is labeled as 11-speed and will not work with AXS 12-speed.”
Retail price in the United States is US$649. Prices for other regions are to be confirmed.
More information can be found at www.sram.com.
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