SRAM revamps and expands Force & Rival electronic groupsets for Road & Gravel
SRAM has overhauled their Rival AXS and Force AXS road groupsets. The gains, as we understand it, are better ergonomics, shorter crank options, true one-finger braking and faster shifting. From what we can see, things are a little bit lighter too. The other big news is there’s two new gravel groupsets, Rival XPLR AXS and Force XPLR AXS.
All four new groupsets feature the brand’s existing wireless electronic shifting tech, known as AXS. The brand’s cross-compatibility of components carries over too. Amongst the improvements, is a trickle down of the tremendously popular shifter/brake design that previously remained exclusive to riders with sufficient monies to cover the cost of the range-topping, super-bling, Red AXS or Red XPLR AXS groupsets.
It’s the elongated body of the shifter/brake that is a big deal. It enables a true full-finger wrap which as I reported when riding it last year, is a game-changer for comfort, control and rider safety. Of course, there’s more to the new groupsets than just a better shifter/brake design.
Force AXS
The new SRAM Force will still be a pro-level groupset. It’s available as a 2x or 1x chainring configuration and features include the all-new hood ergonomics with carbon brake levers, reach adjust and auxiliary shift options or ANT+ device control, courtesy of the lever mounted Bonus Buttons. The crankset is carbon and is now available in 160, 165, 170, 172.5 and 175mm lengths, with or without the integrated power meter.
The 2x chainring is available in a 46/33T, 48/35T or a 50/37T combo and for the 1x fans, aero chainrings run from 44T to 50T. Out back, the 12-speed offering comes in a 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T or 10-36T. The Force chain is compatible with 12-speed road and 13-speed gravel cassettes.
SRAM tells us the cage on the front derailleur is slightly narrower which speeds up outboard shifting and enables shifting under big loads. The rear derailleur is a little lighter (12grams) than the previous generation and is ready for 2x or 1x setups. Now using an aluminum carrier, there’s more weight savings (20grams) on the Paceline Rotors. In terms of weight, configurations vary but the stated complete weight of the Force groupset can be as light as 2,776 grams including the hoses, brake fluid, mounting hardware and all the batteries.
Rival AXS
Rival remains as the brand’s more affordable option yet still includes most of the performance features of Force, – and even Red for that matter. The brake lever is now carbon and yes, the hood is the same (and very yummy) more ergonomic version.
As on Force, the Rival front derailleur has also been updated to speed up shifting. The most obvious change to Rival is the cutout in the aluminum crank arms, a move that has trimmed some 50 grams from the previous generation. The Rival rear derailleur is compatible with 1x and 2x drivetrains and with cassettes as small as a 10-28T to a 10-36T configuration.
The redesigned shifter/brake of both Rival and Force has a higher brake lever pivot and we are told that stopping from the hoods uses 80% less effort than before. The range of the reach adjust has also been increased, which should eliminate any finger pinching when braking hard.
Force XPLR AXS
11 months after releasing the first wireless electronic 1×13 gravel drivetrain, we have another two to choose from. The all-new Force XPLR AXS runs on the newish and more robust full mount derailleur standard, is a 1x specific design that marries to a 10-46T XPLR cassette. SRAM says it’s ‘made to endure it all.’
Standard chainring sizes run from a 38T to 46T and of course, the blingy aero chainrings are also available, in 44T to 50T. The Force XPLR AXS crankarms are carbon and available in 160, 165, 170, 172.5 and 175mm lengths.
Of course, as with pretty much everything from SRAM, the crankarms can be upgraded with a spindle-based power meter and everything runs on the brand’s Flattop chains and XDR driver body.
From what we can make out, it appears the Force XPLR AXS Groupset will tip the scales at 2,686 grams which is only 210 grams more than Red XPLR AXS. That’s with a 172,5mm crank length, 40T chainring, brake hoses, brake fluid, mounting hardware, chain, batteries and cassette — pretty much everything. Obviously, smaller chainring sizes and shorter cranks will trim those grams down further, but not by too much.
Rival XPLR AXS
Looks like there’s little to no performance compromises in this wallet-friendly option. It’s the same carbon lever equipped brake/shifter as Rival AXS, with the same ergonomics and brake technology which should give the same brake performance. What’s also cool, this aluminum crankset is available in the same array of lengths as on Force XPLR AXS, so 160mm to 175mm.
Rival XPLR AXS has the same ‘simple setup’ as all the AXS mechs, with no need for adjusting screws. Also, the derailleur is a rebuildable component and if something does break, replacement parts are available. Chainring sizes are 38T through 46T.
Pricing varies per retailer but it looks like the Rival XPLR AXS will drop at around 20% more affordable than the Force XPLR AXS groupset. Factoring in that it’s only around 275 grams heftier, yet still has all the tech of XPLR AXS family, this could prove to be the most popular option. //
