Exploring SRAMs new XPLR road drivetrains

SRAM has long been recognized as a leader in cycling innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in bike technology. From pioneering the first widely adopted 1x drivetrain to their industry-leading wireless electronic shifting, SRAM continues to revolutionize the way we ride. Their latest offering, the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain, is no exception.

Designed specifically for the rigors of gravel and adventure cycling, the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain introduces a 1x setup with a 520% gear range, made possible by its 10-52T cassette. This drivetrain is more than just a collection of parts; it’s a system engineered to tackle the unpredictable and varied terrain that defines gravel riding. In this post, we’ll explore the technical details, the pros and cons, and how this drivetrain is being used in the real world by both everyday riders and professional cyclists.

Technical Analysis

At the core of the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain is its 10-52T cassette, offering an impressive 520% gear range. This wide range is designed to maintain an optimal cadence, regardless of whether you’re climbing steep grades, cruising on flat sections, or descending at high speeds.

Biomechanical Benefits

Maintaining a consistent cadence is crucial for endurance and efficiency in cycling. The XPLR drivetrain’s 520% gear range allows riders to stay within their preferred cadence range across various terrains. On long climbs, the 52-tooth cog provides a low enough gear to spin comfortably without overtaxing your muscles. Conversely, the 10-tooth cog offers a high-speed option comparable to traditional road setups, albeit in a 1x configuration.

Comparison to Traditional 2x Drivetrains

Traditional road bikes typically use a 2x drivetrain, offering a wide range of gears with smaller increments between each shift. While these setups are excellent for fine-tuning your cadence, they come with the added complexity and weight of a front derailleur and an additional chainring. The XPLR drivetrain simplifies this by providing a similar range in a 1x setup, which is lighter, less prone to mechanical issues, and easier to maintain. However, the trade-off is that gear steps can be larger, which might be noticeable on rolling terrain where finding the perfect gear is more challenging.

Pros of the SRAM AXS XPLR Drivetrain

Simplicity and Weight Savings

One of the standout advantages of the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain is its simplicity. By eliminating the front derailleur, shifter, and second chainring, SRAM has created a system that is lighter and less complicated. This reduction in moving parts not only saves weight but also increases reliability—an important factor when riding in remote or rugged areas where mechanical failures can be costly.

Versatile Gear Range

The 520% gear range offered by the XPLR drivetrain is among the widest available in a 1x setup, making it highly versatile for gravel riders. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs, accelerating on flat sections, or maintaining speed on descents, this drivetrain has the gears to match your needs.

Electronic Shifting Precision

The XPLR drivetrain is part of SRAM’s AXS ecosystem, which means it benefits from wireless electronic shifting. This technology offers precise, customizable shifts that are consistently smooth and reliable. Additionally, the AXS system is easy to maintain, requiring less frequent adjustments compared to mechanical drivetrains.

Gravel-Specific Design

SRAM has tailored the XPLR drivetrain for gravel riding, with features that enhance its performance on rough terrain. The derailleur’s clutch mechanism helps keep the chain secure, reducing chain slap and noise, and ensuring a quieter ride on bumpy roads. This attention to detail makes the XPLR drivetrain particularly suited for the challenges of gravel and adventure cycling.

Cons of the SRAM AXS XPLR Drivetrain

Gaps Between Gears

While the wide range of the XPLR drivetrain is a significant advantage, the larger gaps between gears can be a downside for some riders. On rolling terrain, where small adjustments in cadence can make a big difference in maintaining speed, these gaps may make it difficult to find the perfect gear.

Trade-Offs in Descending Performance

The 52-tooth cog on the XPLR drivetrain is excellent for climbing, but when paired with a larger chainring to enhance descending speed, the lower gears may become less effective for climbing steep grades. Riders who prioritize descending prowess might need to consider how this setup impacts their ability to climb efficiently, especially on longer rides with varied terrain.

Cost

As with many high-end components, the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain comes with a premium price tag. For riders new to gravel cycling or those on a budget, this could be a significant barrier. However, for those who prioritize performance and reliability, the investment may be well worth it. SRAM offers the GX RD option, which is the lowest price of the line at $390 for a rear mech. While that’s expensive as compared with other rear derailleurs, there are few other things to purchase, making the overall build quite competitive with 2x offerings from Shimano on price.

Real-World Applications

Several top gravel bikes come equipped with the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain, showcasing its versatility and performance:

• Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 eTap: This bike combines lightweight carbon construction with the XPLR groupset, making it ideal for fast, long-distance gravel adventures.
• Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap: Trek’s top-of-the-line gravel bike, equipped with the XPLR drivetrain, is designed for serious gravel enthusiasts who demand the best in performance and reliability.
• Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon: Known for its innovative Future Shock technology, this bike pairs comfort with the XPLR drivetrain to create a smooth and capable ride on any terrain.

Professional Endorsements

Professional gravel racers like Ted King and Lachlan Morton have been using the SRAM XPLR groupset in some of the most challenging races. Ted King, a former WorldTour rider turned gravel specialist, has praised the XPLR for its simplicity and reliability in events like Unbound Gravel. Lachlan Morton, known for his ultra-endurance exploits, has used the XPLR drivetrain’s wide range to tackle diverse terrains with confidence and efficiency.

Conclusion

The SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain represents a significant advancement in gravel cycling technology, offering a blend of simplicity, versatility, and precision that is well-suited to the demands of modern gravel riding. While there are some trade-offs, particularly in terms of gear gaps and descending performance, the benefits of a wide gear range and electronic shifting make it a compelling option for many riders.

Whether you’re a seasoned gravel racer or a newcomer to adventure cycling, the XPLR drivetrain offers a performance edge that could enhance your riding experience. With its growing popularity among top professionals and its availability on some of the best gravel bikes on the market, the SRAM AXS XPLR drivetrain is poised to become a staple in the gravel cycling community.