SRAM is coming in hot with a rider-focused refresh across its road, triathlon, and time-trial lineup. Rather than rolling out a single headline product, the brand is delivering a suite of updates. The new lineup includes TT and Triathlon aero-specific hydraulic disc brakes for RED, Force, and Rival, matching the newly updated SRAM road lineup. Spin-masters (and fit wizards) can also rejoice, RED crankarms now go down to 150 mm. Plus a slightly refined Universal Derailleur Hanger, and an updated USB-C AXS battery charger. Lots to unpack – let’s start with the new TT levers.
SRAM Aero Braking For TT and Tri
The biggest upgrade arrives in the cockpit with SRAM’s new Aero Disc Brakes, developed specifically for time trial and triathlon bikes. This update was a long time coming.
The current S900 aero brake lever (pictured above) was good enough to get the job done. However, when SRAM’s new RED dropped (along with it a much better braking experience), the TT crowd was left waiting – but no longer.
SRAM says these new systems are designed to deliver more power with less lever effort, much like its newest hydraulic brake line. Allowing riders to scrub speed quickly without sacrificing hand comfort, especially important in long aero efforts.
The updated levers feature textured carbon brake levers for better grip, reach adjust for dialing in hand fit, and SRAM’s Stealth-a-majig hose connection for easier installation for internal routing. The new levers operate under the same service as the current SRAM lineup and use SRAM’s Bleeding Edge port. They use SRAM’s flat-mount calipers and Paceline-series rotor compatibility, aligning with the rest of SRAM’s road ecosystem.
What’s the Difference Between Them?
- RED E1 Aero Disc Brake: The RED Aero disc brake features alloy hardware and a carbon lever with a sculpted, textured lever blade. It arrives with the newly updated RED calipers and all the top-end titanium bits of RED. Though the external appearance will differ (same with the weight), the braking performance should be the same.
Price: $310 USD - Force E1 Aero Disc Brake: The Force Aero disc brake arrives with the same trappings of the RED but without a carbon lever. The caliper is updated and sculpted SRAM Force from the latest update.
Price: $250 USD - Rival E1 Aero Disc Brake: The entry point to SRAM’s new Aero lever brake is Rival. This lever is more basic but still includes all the functionality of the Force and RED levers. The Rival Aero lever is alloy and lacks some of the extra features of the above, but should still offer the same braking performance, paired with the updated SRAM Rival sculpted caliper.
Price: $210 USD
RED Crankarms Go Shorter Than Ever
SRAM is shrinking (its cranks) with the new RED E1 crankarm lengths that now go down to 150mm and 155mm. Shorter cranks are increasingly popular among riders (especially TT specialists) seeking improved hip angles, aerodynamics, and efficient pedaling mechanics.
The new arms are built around SRAM’s 8-bolt direct-mount interface, making them compatible with power-meter spiders and integrated chainrings. Plus, they’re 29 grams lighter than the previous generation and work with both standard and Wide DUB road spindles, supporting 1x and 2x drivetrains.
Pricing for the RED crankarms is $440 USD (arms only), with lengths now ranging from 150mm to 175mm, giving riders options to pursue their wildest fitting dreams.
UDH Gets Silver
SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger gets a small update for 2026 with the addition of a silver bolt and washer option. Wild times we live in, eh?!? Still, the hanger offers the same cross-brand compatibility, crash-rotating protection, and chain re-railing capability, but the updated hardware adds a silver look and easier replacement.
USB-C Finally Comes to AXS Charging
SRAM is also modernizing one of the most used parts of its electronic ecosystem: the AXS battery charger. The new charger now supports USB-C and delivers a full charge in about 60 minutes. SRAM has also removed the included cable to reduce packaging waste, acknowledging that most riders already own multiple USB-C cords.
All of it officially drops today, with retail availability starting in February.
