SRAM has indeed done more than bold new graphics and minor updates, ushering in significant developments like the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) and direct-mount Transmission derailleurs in past groupset releases.
Sharp-eyed gravel bike aficionados have spotted what looks to be a new SRAM Red XPLR groupset on sponsored riders’ bikes for months. It looks to be 13-speed and utilizes a direct-mount rear derailleur, like SRAM’s mountain bike Transmission units.
Both are now confirmed true, and SRAM didn’t stop there. The new top-end gravel groupset follows hot on the heels of the brand’s recent release of its Red AXS road groupset, which was released in May. Indeed, Red XPLR AXS borrows key items from Red AXS and SRAM’s existing Eagle mountain bike lineup.
The Big Deal: 13 Speeds on SRAM Red AXS XPLR
The most significant change for SRAM Red AXS XPLR is the 13-speed rear cassette. It sports a 10-46T range, adding a new 12-tooth cog and the larger 46-tooth cog, up from 44T. This expands the range from 440% to 460%. Interestingly, the additional cog shrinks the gaps on the smaller side of the cogset but enlarges the “bailout” jump from the 38-44T of the 12-speed XPLR to 38-46T on this new 13-speed version.
Gravel hounds who wanted more range than the outgoing top-tier XPLR groupset often built SRAM “mullet” drivetrains, mating an Eagle rear derailleur and cassette to the remainder of their Red bikes. This setup afforded a 500% range, given the 10-50T cogset. The new 13-speed XPLR cogs straddle the difference.
The newest cassette is still compatible with XDR freehub bodies. SRAM has a new Red chain to mate with the new cogs, but the new groupset is backward-compatible with all flat-top chains.
UDH-Only Rear Derailleur
Just as significant to me is the UDH-only rear derailleur, which definitely has some pros and cons. The new Red AXS XPLR completely eliminates the hanger, mounting exactly like the SRAM Transmission units.
This “Full Mount” offers several advantages, like zero derailleur adjustments and a much more robust attachment. But it also presents a bevy of potential problems, with frame compatibility being one of the largest of them.
The new SRAM Red AXS XPLR rear derailleur borrows the Magic Wheel from the mountain bike side. This is an oversized lower pulley wheel that is essentially a wheel within a wheel. If a stick or other object gets jammed in this pulley wheel, the outer toothed portion can keep spinning on the stationary inner portion, potentially preventing catastrophic damage.
The new rear derailleur also has a spring clutch, like mountain bike units, which improves chain slack management. SRAM also offers parts, and the Red AXS XPLR rear derailleur is set up to be rebuildable. The unit is compatible with existing AXS batteries.
You Don’t Have to Pitch the Power Meter
One thing about SRAM Red power meters that has always bothered me is the one-piece design with the chainrings. This integrated approach does reduce weight and increase accuracy, but it seems like such a waste of money and materials to toss a working power meter into the trash when a chainring is worn. It also made changing gearing up front financially unfeasible to everyone I know.
The new Red AXS XPLR 1x Power Meter finally eliminates all of this. The new power meter is based on a spider, so the chainrings can be replaced or swapped out for different gearing without huge waste or emptying your wallet. The Tread Mount chainrings are available in 38T to 46T.
SRAM claims the new dual-sided power meter’s accuracy to be ±1.5% and offers cranks from 160 mm to 175 mm. The power meter is IPX7 waterproof and uses a single CR2032 battery with a claimed life of 200 hours.
Brake Calipers and Shift-Brake Levers From Red AXS Road
The SRAM Red AXS road brake calipers and shift-brake levers transfer to the Red AXS XPLR gravel groupset, bringing all the upgrades and improvements from that still-new setup. You can read about it all here: SRAM Red AXS Road Groupset: Leaked, Spied, but Finally Here.
Of Course, It’s Lighter and Costs More
The new SRAM Red AXS XPLR groupset is at least 100 g lighter than the outgoing groupset, and it’s even lighter than the new SRAM Red AXS road groupset.
And, you guessed it, it does cost more — a lot more. The top-of-the-line SRAM gravel groupset costs an astounding $3,979 with a power meter and $3,529 without. This is about $1,000 more than Shimano’s new top-level gravel offering, 2 x 12 GRX Di2, which weighs about 350 g more.
The New SRAM Red AXS XPLR: For Racers Only?
The new SRAM Red AXS XPLR certainly has enviable features and qualities. I have not tested the groupset yet, but man, I want to. With the pricing the way it is, this might be a “racer-only” product. The cassette alone is $650!
However, SRAM has historically brought many top-tier features down its lineups. SRAM Force is so good, and the Apex groupset significantly reduced the financial entry point of electronic shifting. I sincerely hope SRAM follows suit with the new Red XPLR AXS.
Read all about the SRAM Red XPLR AXS.
