Can/should I swap Rival AXS shifters for Red AXS D1?

[proletariandan]

Hey all,

First off, are all AXS shifters interchangeable without changing lines/calipers? It certainly seems so, just looking for confirmation before I try it out. Seems like the only difference is that Red calipers have bleeding edge ports.

Second, does anybody who has tried both prefer the Red AXS D1 shape to the Rival AXS D2 shape?

I've heard that folks generally prefer the newer Rival shape but I am a sucker for bling and being matchy-matchy (and wouldn't mind bite point adjustment) but don't want to go through the hassle just to regret it.

Thanks!
Dan

[charliedid]

Yes

[CAAD]

I would save up and go with the new Red E1 levers. I know many who have upgraded just the shifters/calipers and they say the braking is MUCH better and was well worth the swap.

[Dave]

Do you really use contact adjustment to create deadband, where the lever moves but no pad movement occurs? I've used Force D1 levers for years, but with small hands, I never touch the contact adjuster. Brakes are bled with the adjuster fully CCW and stay that way.

I've got Rival XPLR too. I can be comfortable on either lever. The new Red levers may require a shorter stem by the look of them. If you need better braking there is that.

[proletariandan]

Originally Posted by CAAD

I would save up and go with the new Red E1 levers. I know many who have upgraded just the shifters/calipers and they say the braking is MUCH better and was well worth the swap.

why do they have to be SO UGLY lol

[gospastic]

Thinking the new E1 levers are ugly is certainly an opinion.

[Jdm]

I'd either keep the Rival levers or buy the Red E1 levers.

[Metz]

Originally Posted by gospastic

Thinking the new E1 levers are ugly is certainly an opinion.

Rival with Red crankset and cassette is the value to weight play. I have big hands but still prefer Rival ergonomics over Red D1. I just installed the set up I describe above on an Aethos and love it. IMHO Rival brakes are also better than D1 Red - not quite Campy good but really good.

I have Red E1 on my SL8 (thanks Clean!) and the improvements are real. The shifters look better in person and are now my favorite shifters - I always thought Campy hoods couldn’t be beat but E1 is the best disc groupset I’ve used.

If you're willing to spend go E1, if not I’d stick with Rival.