All you need to know about the SRAM RED XPLR 13 Speed groupset and ZIPP gravel componentry

SRAM RED XPLR AXS 13 SPEED GROUPSET

SRAM has just released their new gravel specific groupset featuring a 13-speed 10-46T range cassette. Taking inspiration from their MTB transmission, SRAM have utilised their full mount derailleur that fits on frames with the UDH (universal derailleur hanger) interface.

“Precise shifts with tight jumps between cogs keep you in the gearing sweet spot, and the true one-finger braking, and significant weight reductions mean RED XPLR AXS flies up and down any route, with all your effort propelling you forward.”

RED XPLR DERAILLEUR (375G)

A 13 speed groupset means a derailleur overhaul, and that’s exactly what SRAM has done. It’s been created specific for their 1x system, 13 speed cassette and SRAM’s road flattop chains and also features an MTB-inspired spring clutch. The rear derailleur uses Eagle MTB technology, it’s got a hangerless interface and full mount attachment, designed to fit on frames using a UDH. 

“Gravel throws just about everything at your bike, and the RED XPLR AXS rear derailleur will happily take it all. Bring on the sticks, stones, and airport baggage abuse because the Full Mount derailleur design fits onto frames with the hangerless interface to make for the most robust and reliable gravel drivetrain possible.”

SRAM have removed the adjustment screws from the derailleur, stating that ‘set up is now simpler than ever’. Current SRAM users, fear not! SRAM have made this groupset compatible with existing AXS batteries!

SRAM RED XPLR CASSETTE (288G)

13 speed is what makes this new SRAM groupset stand out. The new SRAM RED XPLR cassette gives gravel riders an expanded 460% range that 1x riding systems demand. So if you’re the kind of rider who likes to tackle gnarly hike-a-bike climbs, you may stand a chance now!

“As the terrain gets tougher and the pace gets faster, you need the right range to keep moving and the best steps between gears to keep up. The 460% range of the RED XPLR XG-1391 13-speed cassette gives you the climbing gears you crave on gravel and the tight jumps you need on spicy sprints.”

The new cassette features a 10-46t range, although smaller than the eagle transmission range, the XPLR groupset features an additional cog which theoretically should make shifting easier under load. The RED XPLR Cassette is compatible with and XDR driver body.

SRAM RED XPLR CRANKSET (516G INCL POWER METER)

The RED XPLR crankset is reportedly SRAM’s lightest and stiffest yet. Designed to maximise tyre clearance, the crankset will fit non-aero direct mount chainrings from 38T to 46T. These chainrings are able to be swapped out with a single tool.

The RED XPLR crankset can be paired with the RED XPLR power meter, a thread mount design that is light, stiff and accurate (+/-1.5% accuracy). Designed to fit a 38T-46T chainring. It runs off of a commonly found CR2032 coin battery with 200 hour battery life.

Available in 160, 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, and 175 mm crank lengths.

ALONGSIDE THE SRAM RED XPLR GROUPSET, SRAM HAVE ALSO ANNOUNCED ZIPP SL 70 SUPER-WIDE BAR AND ZIPP 303 XPLR SW WHEELSET.

ZIPP SL 70 BAR (240G)

The SL 70 is a super-wide gravel drop bar that is designed to be paired with the SRAM RED AXS groupset, purpose built for gravel and back country riding. The bar is made of carbon, weighing in at just 240g in the 44cm width.

“The bar features an overhang to cover the brake hose where it exits the hood. This shelf creates a platform that mates with the brake lever, providing an ideal perch for your hands when on the hoods. The Service Course SL 70 XPLR helps you go faster by placing your body, starting with your hands, in an optimal “comfort zone” position for hours of rough riding over mixed terrain.”

Clamp diameter: 31.8mm
Reach / drop: 70mm / 115mm
Width options: 40cm, 42cm, 44cm, 46cm, and 48cm

ZIPP XPLR 303 SW (1610G)

Zipp have created their fasted gravel wheelset yet, featuring mega wide hookless rims (32mm internal width) that will handle the gnarliest of gravel you can throw at them.

“The 303 XPLR S is a speed-focused gravel wheel designed with a new approach: Start with the perfect gravel tire and design a wheel around it. To develop this first-of-its-kind wheelset, Zipp engineers learned from studying how gravel racing has changed cycling in recent years, coming to several vital conclusions:

1. The progression of gravel speeds increases the importance of aerodynamic efficiency.
2. Current generation gravel wheels exhibit poor aerodynamic efficiency with gravel tires.
3. Low tire pressures are the key for unlocking speed on gravel, but current gravel rim design provides insufficient tire stance to support lateral cornering loads at lower tire pressures.
4. Current gravel rim designs do not help prevent pinch flats while using lower tire pressures.

Typical tire widths for gravel racing range from 38-50mm with varying tread patterns. Current gravel wheels have an external rim width of 28-30mm, which creates an aerodynamic mismatch when you use a 40mm+ gravel tire. With that narrower rim and wider tire, the tire-wheel interface looks more like the bulge of a lightbulb than the ideal seamless airfoil cross-section. According to Zipp testing, the efficient pairing of wheel and gravel tire of our 303 XPLR S design provides a 5-watt aerodynamic advantage over a leading competitor. This wheel is optimized for use with the Goodyear XPLR Slick and Goodyear XPLR Inter, both tires designed in partnership with Zipp.”

Zipp have created their fasted gravel wheelset yet, featuring mega wide hookless rims (32mm internal width) that will handle the gnarliest of gravel you can throw at them.