SHOP SRAM RED XPLR
It wasn't that long ago that we saw the new SRAM RED AXS groupset; designed for dedicated road use, the ultra high-end groupset made some big leaps forward in terms of ergonomics and control, including true one-finger braking. Now that technology is also available for SRAM's new gravel group, RED XPLR AXS, bringing superior ergonomics and control to the top tier gravel groupset.
This One Goes to 13
You read that right - new RED XPLR AXS is 13-speed. Not only that, but the derailleur uses SRAM's new full-mount standard, meaning it only fits on UDH-compatible frames. Using the full-mount standard allowed a little more space on the drive-side, and combined with a domed cassette, the 13-speed drivetrain uses the same flat-top chain as 12-speed road.Â
Running 13 speeds means that SRAM can confidently make the new RED XPLR group single chainring, maintaining good steps between gear ratios, while having a huge range. The new RED XPLR cassette now goes 10-46t, with 1-step jumps at the bottom of the cassette, giving road bike ratios, and mountain bike spread, with a 460% range. As such, the new RED XPLR is only available in a 1x13 configuration, with no front derailleur.
Improved Ergonomics
Pairing with the new SRAM RED shift/brake levers, new RED AXS takes advantage of the improved ergonomics of the new lever design. With a hood shape optimised to fit in the palm of your hand, making for a more comfortable ride, and a completely redesigned brake system for true 1-finger braking, now gravel riders can benefit too. Once paired with the new derailleur, the RED/RED XPLR drivetrain works seamlessly as a 13-speed system.
Simplified Lineup
Adding an extra speed sounds like it may complicate things, but it actually simplifies the RED XPLR lineup. Since it uses the same chain as RED 12sp, the only new components RED XPLR introduces is a derailleur, cassette, and crankset. The new derailleur is compatible with current RED, and so uses the same shifters and brakes.
Derailleur
The new derailleur uses SRAM's full mount technology, for frames with the hangerless interface, making the derailleur super robust and precise-shifting. Similarly to the mountain bike Transmission derailleurs, it has replaceable skid plates and is fully rebuildable, because gravel bikes need to be able to take abuse. It also uses the same Magic Pulley on the lower tension pulley, keeping the chain moving and preventing derailleur failures if trail debris gets caught in there.
Compatible only with the 13sp cassette, the RED XPLR derailleur is lightweight and gravel race specific, with a carbon cage and a spring clutch from the mountain bike Transmission line. It's compatible with current AXS batteries, and only comes in one cage length for simplicity.
Cassette
The XG-1391 RED AXS XPLR cassette is domed on the backside, with the first 10 sprockets machined from a single piece of steel, and riveted to the last 3 larger aluminum sprockets. This saves a ton of weight, bringing the total weight of the cassette to only 288 grams. While it looks similar to the Transmission cassettes, the shift ramps have been designed for fast shifting, with less focus on shifting under load. It's compatible with all 12-speed road Flat Top chains, and a standard XDR freehub body. Compatible only with the 13-speed RED XPLR derailleur, it features tight jumps near the top end for sprints, and all the range you need, with a huge 10-46t 460% range.
Crankset
The new RED XPLR crankset is visually very similar to the RED road crankset, however it uses SRAM's WIDE spindle for a wider chainline, enabling greater tire clearance. The chainrings use a tooth profile very similar to Transmission, and come in 38t-46t sizes. The crank has a power meter option for Thread-Mount chainrings, and is also available for aftermarket upgrade, available in the same sizes again. The cranks use SRAM's existing DUB BB standard for simplicity.
Compatibility
Upgrade your existing groupset to the new RED AXS XPLR with only a couple of key components! Wireless connectivity means the derailleur is compatible with any road AXSÂ shifter. Simply replace the derailleur and cassette, and possibly chain and crankset and you're ready to go.
Things to know:
- UDH only - the derailleur is only compatible with UDH frames. Contact us if you're not sure about this.
- WIDE crank spindle - the chainline spacing is wider than standard road. If your gravel bike currently has a WIDE 1x spindle then you're good. If not, you need the new RED XPLR crankset, or another SRAM 1x WIDE crankset sduch as Force 1x WIDE.
- Chainring tooth profile - the 1x13 and 1x12 road tooth profile is different to Eagle mountain. If you're running a mullet groupset already with an Eagle tooth profile, you can upgrade, but will need the road-specific chainring and road flat-top chain.
- XDR freehub - the new RED XPLR AXS cassette is compatible with a standard XDR freehub body, nothing new here.
SHOP SRAM RED XPLR
Zipp 303 XPLR Wheelset
launching alongside the new RED AXS XPLR group are the Zipp 303 XPLR SW and S wheelsets. Designed specifically for modern gravel bikes, the 303 XPLR wheelets are truly groundbreaking in a couple of different ways. Specifically designed around modern gravel tires, the 303 XPLR wheels use an ultra-deep and ultra-wide rim to maximise aero gains.
By matching the width of the rim to the tire profile, it creates a smoother transition between tire and rim reducing drag, and saving around 2w compared to other rims, and up to 10w on fast descents, above 53km/h. Additionally, the wider rim allows for better efficiency when running lower tire pressures, saving 8w at 28psi on 40c tires compared to the same tires at 36psi on a more traditional wheel.
Finally, the wider rim allows for less tire squirm when cornering, meaning lower tire pressures can be achieved, while maintaining a fast and stable ride. A wider rim bed means more surface area when the tire bottoms out, resulting in fewer pinch flats.
In short - this might be the fastest, most radical gravel wheelset ever designed.
Due to the dramatically changed rim profile, the 303 XPLR rims are only compatible with specific tires.
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