Rumors abound in the bike industry about the next update to SRAM's top-of-the-line groupset Red AXS. There have been patent applications, early prototype tests, and leaked images, but no groupset has been spotted under SRAM's sponsored team. [Simone Consonni of Lidl Trek was photographed by Getty Images photographer Luc Claassen at the start of the first stage of the Tour de Romandie, apparently carrying a Trek Madone equipped with a new version of SRAM's shift/brake levers From.

Consonni was also photographed the day before using this new groupset in the short but fast opening prologue around Payerne.

So far, few images are available and details of the remaining groupset have not been revealed, but three things can be learned from these photos.

First, the design of the hood, shifter, and brake levers are clearly visible. Compared to the current model, they appear smaller and the shape of the levers themselves is more pronounced. The pivot point of the brake lever appears to be higher, with a small indentation near the top, presumably to aid braking from the hood.

The shifter button is also smaller than on the previous model. There is only one on each side, and it is almost certain that SRAM will stick with the shifting process of using the left paddle to shift into easier gears, the right paddle to shift into harder gears, and both together to operate the front derailleur.

There also appears to be a small button on the inside of the hood, at the top. The small size of this button makes it unlikely that SRAM will adopt Campagnolo's thumb shift system. More likely, it will function as an auxiliary button to control the cycle computer, lights, etc. That said, SRAM is known for its customization options, and given that a similar hidden button on Shimano's Di2 groupset can be used for shifting, there is nothing to suggest that this would not work in a similar fashion.

Brake levers have a large "SRAM" logo on the lever blade, but this design is often reserved for pro team components. Consumer models will likely feature a different finish.

Second, the validity of previously leaked images has been confirmed. These leaks date back to January, but the authenticity of the photos could always be questioned because they were from unidentified sources on Twitter. Given that the shifter in these leaks is exactly the same as the one used by Consonni, evidence suggests that the rest of these images are also likely accurate.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, the fact that Lidl-Trek used this product in a World Tour race rather than a training ride, as Movistar did in December 2022, suggests that a new Red Group set is coming soon.

The exact launch date and price are unknown at this stage, but we will share them with our readers as soon as they are known.