Ultimate CF SL7.5 – new upgrades day

Stock: Ultimate CF SL7 2023 eTap AXS

SRAM Rival D1

48/35 172.5mm power meter crankset

10/36 (Force D1) cassette

July 2025 upgrades:

46/33 165mm Rival E1 power meter crankset

10/36 Force E1 cassette

Force E1 chain

Stock Rival D1 levers, rear derailleur, front derailleur

Wanted to do the short crank change for a while. I'd have preferred 160mm but the seat post raise would have meant the reach would be too far.

Rival E1 looks so much better. It uses the Force/Red 8 bolt design so it's stiffer and interchangeable.

An option was to buy the Force power meter crankset for double the price, but realistically I wouldn't be any quicker, but certainly lighter by ~150g and €300. 🦷

As mentioned, Rival E1 LOOKS almost as good as higher tier cranks. This makes the Rival E1 upgrade a much more worthwhile and value for € change.

The swap to 165mm cranks feels naturally much better and nicer. Cadence is certainly better and smoother.

One side benefit is that I'm not clashing with my knee when reaching for my bottle.

I raised the seat post by ~6mm to compensate, but this will affect your reach. I'm still dialing this in so trialling seat post drop by 1mm and saddle rail position.

On descents, I'm much more planted and stable on the pedals since the change to shorter cranks arms. This is very much welcome as descents are where I shine ⚡

35t to 33t is much needed. My regular rides consist of climbs of 5-12% for 8-20km.

The change from 48t to 46t has really benefitted me. I register almost zero KMs on the smallest 10t rear cog (according to the SRAM app). It's as sharp as it was since brand new.

Every person and their dog is obsessed with 64t /s chainrings. I am not a pro nor am I outputting 450w.

By changing the steps of the crank by 2t, I find myself shifting gears fewer times on flats and rolling hills.

The other benefit also seems to be riding in a headwind is… Easier? I seem to be doing ~2kmh more in a headwind. Again, the two fewer teeth mean my gearing a shade easier.

Conclusion.

Worth every penny.

Looks so much better.

Easier gearing has made all my rides much more pleasant and comfortable.

Shorter crank arms just feel better and nicer.

Just be aware when going shorter cranks, you may need to consider reach due to a higher seat post, and your cleat position as you'll be further back away from your current pedal/cleat position.