All about SRAM AXS batteries
- Ivo - Team Laval Bikes
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Introduction
The SRAM AXS system works with 2 types of batteries. In this blog I will explain everything you need to know. The batteries on the derailleurs are rechargeable and interchangeable. There is also no distinction between Apex, Rival, Force and Red batteries. In addition, there are batteries in the shifter/brake levers. These are of the type CR2032 (non-rechargeable). I recommend regularly checking the status of the batteries via the SRAM AXS app or via the LEDs on the components.
For which bike?
This blog applies to the Laval G-series, R-series and A-series.
Required material
SRAM AXS charger (link)
SRAM AXS batteries (link)
CR2032 batteries
Coin or wide screwdriver
SRAM AXS app
Derailleur cover
Battery cover
Charging derailleur battery
You can charge the batteries of the front/rear derailleur. Place the battery in the charger as shown below. Connect the charger to a USB socket or e.g. to the charger of your phone. You need at least 1A at 5V. As soon as the battery is full, the LED will turn green. Allow for approx. 1 hour of charging time.
Replace shifter battery
Your shifter contains 1 CR2032 battery. These cannot be recharged and must therefore be replaced as soon as they are empty. It is better to replace them when the LED flashes red during inspection. This way you know for sure that you can continue to shift. Replacing the battery is done as follows:
Place your bike in a bike stand or upside down on a stable surface. Pay attention to protruding parts of bike computers or phone holders.
Roll up the rubber protection of the shifter so that the space where the battery is located is visible. Start rolling from the side where your shifter is attached to the handlebars and roll towards the front of the shifter.
Place a coin (20 euro cents will fit nicely) in the slot and turn it gently counterclockwise. You only need to turn a little bit. Remember this position.
You can now remove the cover from the shifter.
Remove the battery from the cover and insert a new one. The + (plus) side of the battery should be against the cover, the - (minus) side of the battery should be against the contact points in the shifter. Also note the + (plus) sign on the cover.
Place the cover back into the shifter in the position you removed it.
Once you are sure it is seated properly, turn the cap clockwise back to its original position.
Then roll the rubber protection back.
Check that you have installed the battery correctly by running the battery status check. See below.
In the video below, SRAM explains it itself.
Transport or storage battery
When transporting or storing the battery of your front/rear derailleur, place the supplied cover on the battery.
Cleaning your bike
The AXS system is completely waterproof. However, using a lot of water/hard jet and aggressive cleaning agents is not entirely without worries. Therefore, when cleaning your bike, remove the batteries from the derailleurs. Place the supplied cover to protect the contact points.
Transporting your bicycle
If you put your bike on a bike rack I recommend removing the batteries from the front/eight derailleur. This prevents theft, loss, damage (rainfall at car speeds) and battery capacity. The latter because on the car the bike is constantly moving and the components do not go into sleep mode.
Check battery status via the app
Make sure the bike and your phone are close to each other.
Wake the AXS electronics from sleep mode by moving/lifting/touching the bike.
Open the AXS app on your phone and wait for the components to connect.
Click on the “Components >” button.
Here you will see an overview of all AXS components including the status of the different batteries.
Check battery status via the LEDs
Press the AXS button on your derailleur or shifter. These are the small black buttons near the LEDs.
The LED on the relevant derailleur and shifter will light up or flash.
Green = 25-100% battery life = < 15-60 hours for derailleurs; 6-24 months for shifters
Red = 10-25% battery life = < 6-15 hours for derailleurs; 1-6 months for shifters
Red flashing = <10% battery life = <6 hours for derailleurs; <1 month for shifters
This is an indication; battery life depends on temperature and driving/shifting behaviour.
On the road with an empty battery
There is no need to panic immediately if a battery runs out along the way. There are 2 “hacks” that will allow you to continue your route (albeit with adjusted ease and pleasure).
If the battery of your rear derailleur is empty, you can transfer the battery of the front derailleur to the rear derailleur. First, switch to the chainring that you can best use for the rest of your route (small or large). After transferring the battery, you can use your rear derailleur again.
If the battery of your front derailleur is empty, you can transfer the battery of the rear derailleur to your front derailleur. This way you can switch to the chainring that you can best use for the rest of your route. Then I would change the batteries again so that you can continue to use the rear derailleur.
If the battery of one of your shifters is empty, you can indicate in the SRAM AXS app that you want to switch the operation of the buttons. Suppose you normally shift to a smaller sprocket with the left shifter and that battery is empty, then you can indicate that you now want to shift to a smaller sprocket with the right shifter. This way you can still choose a gear with which you can "come home". Shifting your front derailleur requires an action of both shifters/brake levers and therefore also 2 full batteries.
⚠️ Never try to move the derailleurs by hand, this will damage the motor and the electronics.
Using non-SRAM batteries
I and SRAM strongly advise against this. All SRAM AXS products are designed and tested to work together. Using non-approved components will result in loss of performance or danger. In addition, the warranty may be voided. In the video below, SRAM explains it themselves.
Relevant weblinks
Also see the SRAM pages below.
Relevant documents
Also see the SRAM documents below.
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