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Tips for achieving ergonomic comfort and control

The latest road AXS shifters feature a redesigned hood shape for maximum control, grip, and comfort for all hand size sizes. This hood found on new RED, Force, and Rival AXS shifters accommodates a more natural hand position to prevent pressure points, hotspots, and numbness. With improved ergonomics and light-action levers, you can even brake with one finger from the hoods. To ensure optimal fit and function, follow our recommended installation steps to set the shifters at an ideal starting point.

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Image showing proper angles of shift lever alignment

STEP 1: LEVEL YOUR SHIFTERS

Start by positioning your bike level to the ground. While it’s possible to do so with your bike in a repair stand, you may find it easier to spot the levelness of the shifters with the bike standing upright on an even surface. Once you’ve confirmed the bike is level, select your shifter type below to continue:

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RED AXS: Locate the the molded grooves on the outboard side of the hood cover. Raise or lower each shifter on the handlebar until the bottom of the molded grooves are aligned parallel to the ground.

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Force and Rival AXS: Locate the alignment hash marks on the outboard side of the hood cover. Raise or lower each shifter on the handlebar until the middle of the three alignment hash marks are aligned parallel to the ground.

STEP 2: ENSURE PROPER WRIST POSITIONING

The top of the hood will now be seven degrees from level. Why a seven-degree rise? It’s the optimal hood angle to create a neutral wrist position. Rest your hands on the hoods to make sure your wrists feel comfortable in your primary riding position.

STEP 3: CENTER YOUR SHIFTERS

Rotate each shifter so that the edge of the molded grooves on the top, inboard side of the hood cover are aligned 90 degrees to the centerline of the handlebar. Note that the molded grooves look slightly different on RED, Force, and Rival AXS hoods, but they will all align using the same procedure.

STEP 4: ADJUST TO YOUR DESIRED POSITION

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Keep in mind that these adjustments are a starting point, and we encourage you to refine your shifter positioning to your liking. Sit on the bike and check your fit and feel on the hoods before fully tightening the shifters.

STEP 5: TIGHTEN YOUR SHIFTER CLAMP BOLTS

From the front of each shifter, fold the hood cover back to access the shifter clamp bolt. Tighten the bolt with a 5 mm hex wrench by turning clockwise. Torque each bolt to 6 Nm with a torque wrench.

STEP 6: CONFIRM YOUR SHIFTERS ARE PROPERLY TORQUED

Once torqued to spec, make sure the shifters do not move when force is applied. If you feel any movement when you push them from side to side by hand, loosen the clamp bolt counterclockwise two full rotations and torque the bolt again.

STEP 7: RESET YOUR HOOD COVERS, WRAP YOUR BARS, AND RIDE

With your shifters properly positioned and tightened, you’re ready to roll the hood covers forward. When you reach the top of the shifter body, find the groove where the hood cover rests and push the top of the hood into place. Grip the hood cover and pull it downwards to fully seat the rubber.

The final step is selecting the perfect bar tape to complete your AXS build. Wrap your bars and enjoy the ride with ergonomic comfort and control like never before.

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