The SRAM Recall on 12 Speed is finally here. 

There were rumblings about it quite a few months back from most of the cycling news outlets, but not useful information until now. 

I reached out to SRAM to see about getting more information since after tightening my shifters to spec they would still rotate. Interestingly, I reached out to FSA, when I first installed the new bars thinking it was the bars, but really the problem was in the shifters.

This recall is potentially quite dangerous especially for gravel cyclists. If you hit a pothole or large bump, your shifter could twist and you could lose your balance and potentially crash.

Here is the email I received from SRAM laying out what to do. I would recomend taking it to your SRAM retailer to have a professional look at it that way it is officially documented.

“Hi Jason,

Thank you for your patience while we worked with the CPSC to finalize their recommended action to resolve this. We are conducting a safety recall action for the clamp bolts on all 12 speed eTap AXS Red, Force, Rival, and Apex shift-brake levers produced prior to July 1, 2023 that were sold as aftermarket sets. Some of these levers may rotate even after reaching the recommended torque level.

All 12 speed SRAM eTap AXS RED, Force, Rival, and Apex shift-brake levers which were not installed by a bicycle dealer on a new bicycle are involved in this recall.

Check the tightness of the shift brake lever installation by applying light pressure to the shift lever body, pushing toward the center of the handlebar on your bicycle. If the shift brake lever rotates or slips when you apply the light pressure, tighten the lever body clamp bolt using a torque wrench to 6 Newton-meters using a 5mm hex. If your shift brake lever does not rotate or slip when you apply light pressure, no further action is required.

If you are concerned and would like to double-check that your shifter clamp bolts are tight and in position, you can follow the following steps to ensure peace of mind that your bike is safe to ride: 

1. Roll the rubber hood cover back to expose the lever body fixing nut.
2. Using a 5mm hex wrench or socket bit, loosen the fixing nut 2 full turns. To reach the nut you may need to pull the front of the rubber cover back to insert the wrench underneath the cover.
3. Using a torque wrench tighten the fixing nut to 6N·m.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 an additional two times.
5. Loosen fixing nut 3 full turns and adjust lever to the desired position on handlebar and then tighten the fixing nut to 6N·m. Reposition hood cover on lever body.
6. If the shift-brake lever is not secure after the above procedure please visit an authorized SRAM retailer for further evaluation.

We also have a video format breaking down the necessary steps for any bikes that are affected by this recall here: [YouTube link given but it is a link to the wrong video]

If you are not comfortable performing this work or if you do not have the correct tools, please take your bicycle to an authorized SRAM dealer to have the clamp bolt tightened or replaced at no cost to you. SRAM appreciates the support of our riders for this action and regrets any inconvenience.

Warm regards,
SRAM Agent