SRAM RED XPLR AXS 13-Speed: What You Need to Know
The eagerly anticipated SRAM RED XPLR AXS 13 speed is finally here! First seen under professional off-road racers at Unbound, pictures but no details have been released. Gravel-specific and with another cog, this groupset is the new standard for top-end groupsets designed for the fastest possible speed on dirt.
Unveiling The New Drivetrain
The new groupset is not a full new groupset, a lot of the parts cross over from the release of RED AXS road 2x drivetrain earlier this year. The hoods/shifters, brakes, chains, rotors, 1x chainrings, and cranks are the same. The only real change is the cassette and rear derailleur. The chainrings and cranks have some slight differences, but aren't really new parts, I.E., they added a wide spindle version to the RED cranks for the bikes that need it, but the cranks are still the same, and they added smaller chainring sizes, but the chainrings are the same too.
The new XPLR is 1x specific, as SRAM claims the gravel bike market is already at 60% 1x. 1x specific, with the ability to run 40-50T chainrings, and the new 10-46T cassette. This new cassette does have improved range over the previous XPLR, as the additional 1 cog over 12 speed allows for riders to have an easier time finding the right cadence.
The new XPLR is top-end specific for now, and just RED. As you might have seen from the photos, the new RED XPLR is UDH full-mount, like SRAM’s mountain groupsets. This boasts the same advantages as Transmission, of shifting under power, durability, and reliability. The XPLR does, however, shift faster than the MTB T-Type.
The clutch in this derailleur is similar to the T-Type one, But it is tuned slightly lighter for gravel use. This derailleur also has the magic pulley, like top-end XX and XX SL. Over previous XPLR, the pulleys have been increased in size for reduced friction, like both the road and MTB group have been doing.
As far as setup goes, it is the same as MTB T-Type but with no setup key. Because there is no rear shock to compress, the chainstays will never grow, so there is no need for one. Just like the MTB version, this new drivetrain is fully rebuildable and serviceable.
As for the 13-speed setup, the new drivetrain includes a new cassette and derailleur, while all 12-speed AXS road cranks, chainrings, shifters, and chains remain backward compatible.
Wheels And Tires: A New Era Of Speed
Along with the release of this new drivetrain, SRAM and ZIPP are also launching new gravel wheels and tires, meant for racing. The new ZIPP 303 XPLR wheels are dedicated to the fastest possible setup off-road and are as wide as can be. Featuring a 32mm internal rim width, these are the widest gravel wheels on the market. Meant to be as aero as possible over a wide gravel tire. With a 54mm depth, all the aero advantage from ZIPPs 303 road wheel is coming to the flats of Kansas. These new wheels have two new kinds of ZIPP tires to go along with them, one in 40c, and one in 45c.
Conclusion
The SRAM RED XPLR AXS 13-speed groupset marks a significant advancement in gravel cycling technology, offering improved range, faster shifting, and enhanced durability. Combined with the new ZIPP 303 XPLR wheels and tires, it’s clear that SRAM and ZIPP are committed to pushing the boundaries of off-road performance. Whether you’re a competitive racer or an avid gravel rider, this latest release is poised to elevate your riding experience to new heights.