SRAM releases new 13-speed 1x Gravel Groupset | Is it bonkers or brilliant?
SRAM just released the new RED XPLR AXS.
It’s a 1x specific, wireless electronic gravel groupset, running on a 13-speed cassette. Built for UDH equipped framesets, it is gravel specific, however you could install it on road bikes that have the direct mount derailleur system and it looks like it would even work on mountain bikes. So what’s the big deal, who is it for and more simply: is it bonkers or brilliant?
Built to withstand all the rough stuff that comes with gravel riding, SRAM tells us the big focus when designing the new derailleur was to prioritize shift speed over ‘shifting under load’. As with the Transmission mountain bike groupset launched in March last year, the new Red XPLR AXS derailleur is fixed to the bikes axle (aka: UDH or Full Mount derailleur) which creates a more robust unit with better shifting precision. Also new, a MTB-inspired clutch contributes to a quieter ride with less chain dropping.
Another boon is setup. The rear derailleur requires no specialized tools to install and it has no B-adjust or limit screws that would need tweaking. Other features include Cage Lock for easy wheel removal and the Magic Wheel which allows the chain to keep moving when an object (like a stick) gets stuck in the lower pulley. To improve efficiency, the lower pulley wheel is also larger than before. If things go wrong and you hit the deck and damage the derailleur, it’s not necessarily a throw-away item. The mounting assembly, outer link, cage, damper, pulley assembly and battery latch, are all replaceable items.
Looking at the 13-speed XPLR cassette, it’s a feathery 288 grams with a 10-46T, or 460% gear range. Cog sizes are 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 32, 38 and 46. Now, there is only one cassette available and its been designed specifically to run with the XPLR derailleur. Gearing options are tweaked upfront, on the chainring, and the selection includes a 38T, 40T, 42T, 44T and 46T. Additionally, SRAM has three aero rings available in a 48T, 50T and 52T.
Looking a little deeper at that XPLR gearing, it would seem adventure riders who are doing 10+ hours of riding would probably be better off on the Eagle 10-50T or 10-52T options, which gives them the easier gears for challenging terrain and dead legs. SRAM’s research says this group of riders represents less than 15% of the gravel market.
For gravel bike riders who do the majority of their riding on the road, with just a few sections of gravel (aka the All Road category), sticking to a 2x drivetrain with a 10-36T cassette might be the best build for them. The same research indicates this riding style represents less than 30% of the total gravel market and it’s a segment which, due to the added simplicity and durability, will likely eventually move to 1x drivetrains.
With all this research, SRAM says the new XPLR groupset is designed for a segment that represents around 60% of the riders in the current gravel market. It’s their top tier, premium build, satisfying the needs of riders and racers. Perhaps the main drawcard of XPLR is the small jumps between cogs, meaning riders will always feel they are in the right gear when hammering fast sections. Coupled with the right gearing to stomp the flats, the groupset has generous progression through the climbing gears, to improve ascending efficiency.
In my opinion, (and looking past the significant cadence-optimizing benefit of the tight gearing) the real brilliance of XPLR appears to be in how SRAM made it fit. Considering that the chain is not narrower and the cog spacing is unchanged from other 12-speed SRAM cassettes – the new 13-speed setup is likely just as strong as any. If, like me, you’ve ever snapped a chain during a flatbox sprint and landed straight on your head, spraining both wrists, you’ll appreciate the importance of chain strength. Admittedly, I was a teenager back then and bounced back, yet I vividly recall the crash, the concussion, and the pain. The prospect of snapping a chain still horrifies me. Needless to say, when shopping for bike chains, I always opt for the stronger version.
Enough about me. To be clear, the 13-speed XPLR groupset runs on the existing flattop RED AXS chain used on the 2×12 speed groupsets. The extra space to fit in another gear is provided both by the hanger-less interface and by dishing the largest cog, slightly more inward. A bloody brilliant piece of engineering, I say.
The new groupset comes with multiple crankset options – both with and without the RED XPLR AXS power meter. The crankarms are 23 grams lighter than before and have a Q-factor of 150mm. Crank lengths now start at a stubby, 160mm.
RED XPLR AXS also uses the same controls and caliper as the recently released, RED AXS groupset that has a completely new brake architecture. The pivot locations, the primary cylinder inside the levers, the length and size of the hood were all overhauled to provide better ergonomics, finger clearance, power and modulation. The brake caliper is stiffer and the rotors are lighter with a new brake track.
For riders going all-in on the new bling — don’t forget the Bonus Buttons. These auxillary shift buttons can also operate a Reverb Dropper Post and be synced to communicate with ANT+ head units, like the Hammerhead Karoo.
Availability in South Africa is immediate and we understand there is plenty of stock. As always, pricing will vary so check with your local retailer on those details. Dear SRAM, any long-term test units lurking? // sram.com