Review: FaceRide Lightweight Battery for SRAM AXS – The Ultimate Spare for Weight Weenies?

 

Review: FaceRide Lightweight Battery for SRAM AXS – The Ultimate Spare for Weight Weenies?

This time, we're diving into the FaceRide battery, an aftermarket gem for SRAM AXS systems that's making waves as a lightweight, affordable alternative to the official SRAM packs. I pulled together insights from hands-on tests in articles and real user feedback across forums and Amazon to give you the full picture. If you're running SRAM's wireless shifting on your road or MTB setup and hate the idea of getting stranded mid-ride with a dead battery, this could be your new best friend – especially as a spare.

First off, what is this thing? The FaceRide is a third-party rechargeable battery designed to slot right into SRAM's eTap AXS ecosystem. It's compatible with pretty much everything: front and rear derailleurs, the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post, and groupsets like Red AXS, Force AXS, Rival AXS for road, or Eagle XX1 AXS, X01 AXS, GX AXS for MTB. It charges with any official SRAM charger and even plays nice with the SRAM app for monitoring. Available in two capacities – 240mAh and 300mAh – and a rainbow of colors (black, blue, orange, red, gray, yellow, crimson, etc.), it's marketed as smaller and lighter than the stock SRAM EP-EAC-BAT-A1 battery.

Here's a quick spec breakdown for clarity:

Feature	FaceRide 240mAh	FaceRide 300mAh	Original SRAM
Weight	14.5g	~20g (estimated)	24g
Capacity	240mAh (~15 hours continuous use)	300mAh	300mAh
Price	~£20 / $25	~£25 / $30	£56 / $60
Colors	Black, blue, orange	Up to 7 options	Black only
Compatibility	Full SRAM AXS (road/MTB/dropper)	Same	Same

The standout here is the weight savings – shaving off nearly 10g per battery is a big deal if you're chasing grams on your build. Users on weight weenie forums rave about how it's half the size of the OEM version, making it super easy to stash in a jersey pocket or saddle bag without noticing it. And at a third of the price, you can grab a couple as backups without breaking the bank.

In terms of performance, tests show it's reliable for everyday rides. One in-depth review from Italy put it through its paces and found it holds up well, with quick charging (full in about an hour) and no compatibility hiccups. Many riders on TrainerRoad and Chinertown forums echo this, saying they've used similar off-brand batteries (including FaceRide rebrands like Takewell or TESSRAM) for over a year with zero issues – shifts are crisp, and it doesn't glitch out. It's especially handy for long gravel epics or multi-day trips where you might not have access to a charger.

amazon.com

Amazon.com: takewell Small Battery, Lightweight and Compact Design, 100% Compatible with All SRAM AXS/eTap Systems, Blue, 1 pcs. : Sports & Outdoors

But it's not perfect. The 240mAh version has slightly less juice than the original, so if you're a heavy shifter or ride in extreme conditions, you might notice shorter runtime – think 15 hours vs. 20+ on the stock one. There's no precise battery indicator, which can lead to surprise discharges, and it's sensitive to cold temps (keep it warm in winter!). A few Amazon reviewers reported failures after 3 months of light use, like on a dropper post, where it just stopped charging. Another quirky complaint? Some buyers were bummed when their unit arrived without the "FaceRide" branding – apparently, it's a rebranded generic, but it still works fine.

Pros:

• Insanely light and compact: Perfect for weight savings or as an emergency spare.
• Budget beast: Way cheaper than SRAM, with Amazon's easy returns as a safety net.
• Fun colors: Add some personality to your bike.
• Solid compatibility and reliability: Most users report it performs just like the original.

Cons:

• Lower capacity on base model: Might not last as long in demanding scenarios.
• Potential longevity issues: A handful of duds reported after a few months.
• Cold weather woes: Needs babysitting in freezing rides.
• No frills: Lacks advanced indicators or premium build feel.

amazon.com.be

amazon.com

Overall, I'd give the FaceRide 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's not meant to replace your primary battery – stick with SRAM for that warranty peace of mind – but as a spare? Absolute no-brainer. If you're a weight weenie and just want to trim some fat from your rig, snag one (or two) on Amazon. Test it thoroughly before a big event. Have you tried it yet? Let me know your thoughts!