Originally Posted by
Jrasero
I think the drops are overrated but not uncommon. I have used Rival AXS D1, Force AXS D1, and Force AXS D2 and even on the D2 FD I have had drops and this is with all my FD being setup with a block at a LBS. Luckily I run a chain catcher and even have mastic tape around the BB and chain stay areas and my drops I think are pretty isolated and maybe due to me shifting while putting down power. I will say I have dropped plenty of chains on Shimano mechanical 11 speed and I have heard of people dropping chains on 12 speed Di2. This is all to say I think SRAM AXS FDs are inferior to Shimano Di2 but not by much, like it hasn't stopped me from using SRAM AXS on my past four bikes now and if I were to build a new bike today I'd still go SRAM AXS. The only reason I'd go Di2 is if I was buying a complete bike
A lot of people want to blame the FD for chain drops, when the real culprit may be chain rings with poor shifting ramps. I've been using D1 Force AXS for 4 years and had no chain drop issues, but I started with Campy Chorus 48/32 12 speed cranks and later switch to Shimano GRX cranks, with spacing washers on the chain ring bolts to correct the chain line to normal road rather than +2.5mm gravel. Poor installation of the AXS FD is also a cause. Some people just aren't able to adjust the alignment marks parallel to the chain rings, or don't notice that the FD rotated out of alignment when the clamp bolt was tightened.
Chain drops are sometimes due to rider error like shifting under a heavy torque and/or a too low cadence. You can't blame the FD for those chain drops.
The first Rival FDs have a redesigned cage that works better and was used on D2 Force. D2 Red will certainly have an improved cage too.
I've got 3 bikes with GRX 46/30 cranks, force RDs with with extended range cages and 10-44 cassettes. I can ride grades up to 10% in the big ring if I get out of the saddle. I like the 10-44 enough that I decided to try a 1x Cervelo Rouvida with 46 big ring and 10-44. I haven't had good enough weather to try it on steep grades yet. I'm working on programming to get the ideal power boost to get up a 15% grade with the 46/44 gear ratio instead of a 30/44 or 30/38. In theory, it's 200 watts from me and about 100 from the motor.