The arms appear to use SRAM’s current direct mount system for chainrings and DUB axle standard, but the arms themselves feature additional machining when compared to current SRAM GX crank arms with a central section completely removed to reveal a ‘window’ through the arm.

This should not only save a healthy portion of the weight from the arms but also help to improve stiffness while also improving the overall premium look and finish of the arms.

As SRAM X0 and X01 arms are carbon fibre, we expect this radical new SRAM crank arm design to first appear on GX-level bikes, but it may trickle down to NX and further in later years.

Our sources in the industry tell us that certain brands have already obtained these arms so we should expect these new SRAM GX crank arms to launch later in 2023.

If however, you cannot wait for lightweight cranks that feature a GX style, then you could look at U.S brand 5 Dev, whose machined arms take on the appearance of the current GX chainset if they had been completely machined to reveal the rear webbing. While beautiful and functional, the 5 Dev cranks are also vastly more expensive than anything we would expect from the SRAM GX family, with an RRP of $349.99.

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SRAM Solar AXS Battery Charger patent

SRAM seems to be embedding solar panels into any spare space on the bike, such as fenders, frames and water bottle cages, which will be able to charge AXS batteries, the name given to Sram’s radio sub-kits, by way of integrated fixing. These batteries are exclusive to Sram, such as front and rear waves or lift seat posts, and charging is currently done via a charger at home or via a USB cable to connect to a computer for charging.

In patent application number 20220131404, Sram’s rationale for the invention is as follows: “Modern bicycles are increasingly equipped with electronic components, such as hand shifts, front and rear paddles, power meters and lift seat tubes, and these batteries can run down and stop working, which can be inconvenient for some riders who must monitor the status of the batteries and recharge them regularly. ” “For this reason, riders may choose to carry spare batteries with them while riding. But these batteries also discharge naturally, they power the battery management system (BMS) and there is some internal chemistry to discharge them, which means that even batteries that have never been used may not stay fully charged.”

SRAM Thru-Axle Battery patent

Patent number 20220194509 shows that Sram is working on putting a replacement battery into the barrel axle and then connecting it to the rear derailleur with a wire.

The application suggests that this battery location could theoretically address the power needs of multiple components, not only the nearby rear derailleur but also “seat posts, bike lights, air pumps, GPS transceivers, shocks or other”

SRAM says that “conventional power sources can lead to unbalanced weight on the bike”, as well as exposure to bad weather or shocks. “Traditional power supplies may be limited in size to reduce unbalanced weight and the likelihood of impact, thus limiting the capacity of the power supply,” positioning the battery inside the axle may be the solution. Elsewhere in the application, SRAM suggests that a USB-C charging port could be added to the rear paddle, thus allowing for an external backup power supply.

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If you don’t already know, ShockWiz is a small pressure sensor that can be fitted to any air shock or air-sprung fork. Once calibrated, the bike is ridden with ShockWiz installed and the black box of tricks monitors and records suspension usage. The information is synced with the App and gives riders suspension set-up suggestions.

The surprise with today’s Flight Attendant launch is that while the smart system can wirelessly control the front and rear suspension, it hasn’t been designed to aid with suspension set-up and tuning suggestions, but that’s not to say SRAM hasn’t worked on this tech.

Last week a forum user came across a listing for a new 2022 Trek Rail from an online store that listed one feature as SRAM AirWiz. Details were sparse on what AirWiz can do, but upon further investigation, we have uncovered a Bluetooth certification for the system.

The official certification lists that it is for both front and rear AirWiz and goes on to say:

A Bluetooth system that measures suspension air pressure sounds a lot like ShockWiz to us, but AirWiz might just be a more polished version of the technology that is actually part of the front and rear suspension air-springs instead of an additional bolt-on component. Other than measuring air pressure, the certification doesn’t give any clue if AirWiz will also be able to suggest damper settings also.

Further online snooping reveals that at least certain 2022 Trek Rail ebikes will feature front and rear AirWiz as standard along with SRAMs TyreWiz. Looking at the available images of the bikes, it also appears that AirWiz is compatible with current generation RockShox forks. Flight Attendant will only come fitted to next-generation RockShox forks.

With a Bluetooth certification and online stores listing AirWiz equipped bikes already, we expect an official launch will be coming very soon.

Tell us what you think about AirWiz by joining the conversation in our forums.

The post What is SRAM AirWiz? SRAM Receives Bluetooth Certification For New Suspension tech appeared first on Edit MTB.