Gravel bike offensive with SRAM XPLR complete groupset

The gravel bike fully from Niner, the short-stroke Lefty fork for the Cannondale Topstone and the GRX groupset from Shimano were just the harbingers. Now SRAM, one of the big players in the gravel offensive, is following suit with a whole series of components to give new impetus to the equipment lists of gravel and adventure bikes with racing handlebars. One trend is further fuelled by the minimalist Rockshox suspension fork, the slim Reverb AXS dropper post and the XPLR eTap AXS groupsets: in 2022, the latest generation of hip gravel bikes are moving further and further in the direction of classic mountain bikes. We present the new gravel bike components from SRAM, Rockshox and Zipp in detail here.

Rockshox Rudy: suspension fork with 30 to 40 millimetre stroke

Suspension forks with low travel? It has been done before: in 1992 and 1993, the Frenchman Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle won Paris-Roubaix on a front-suspension racing bike - with a model from Rockshox. However, the concept was not developed any further after that. Until now:

With 30 millimetre thin stanchions and the Charger Race Day damping cartridge - also used in the SID - with full lockout, Rockshox paves the way for suspension forks on gravel bikes. The Rudy is available with 30-40 millimetres of travel, it swallows tyres up to 50 millimetres wide and can be combined with special mudguards. In the TOUR test lab, we measured the weight of the Rudy Ultimate XPLR 1,220 grams measured. From the second half of the spring travel, an elastomer is used that combines sensitive response with good puncture protection. The elastomer must be checked and possibly replaced approximately every 200 operating hours during a major service. Due to the small air chamber and the elastomer, the fork could be sensitive to cold. The thru axle measures 12x100 mm and is therefore more orientated towards road bike dimensions. Disc brakes can be attached using a flat mount (160 mm without adapter).

The Rockshox Rudy Ultimate XPLR will be available in limited quantities from August 2021 and in larger quantities from September 2021. Price: 869 euros >> e.g. available here.

Rockshox Reverb XPLR AXS: seatpost with 50 and 75 millimetre stroke, without oil inside

The new electronic, lowerable seatpost for gravel bikes goes by the name of Reverb XPLR AXS. There are two lengths (350 mm and 400 mm) and two stroke variants (50 and 75 millimetres). The diameter of both models is 27.2 mm millimetres, which means that the dropper post fits most gravel bikes. The inner workings are also new: There is no longer any oil inside, only air. There is also a mechanical locking mechanism when fully extended. In addition, Rockshox has given the Reverb XPLR a new function called "Active Ride": as soon as the post is no longer fully extended, it provides minimal suspension. This should make the post more comfortable to ride and absorb vibrations. However, the post must first be adjusted to the rider's weight with the appropriate air pressure. The Reverb XPLR AXS works with high pressure: 300 PSI (approx. 21 bar) is required for a 70-kilo rider. The post is approved for riders weighing up to 125 kg. The post head and the clamp (for round and oval saddle racks) are identical to the current Reverb AXS. 600 euros is the price of the electronic 27.2 mm Vario post including charger and battery >> e.g. available here.

SRAM XPLR eTap AXS: New single derailleur and 10-44 cassette

To match the suspension fork and the Rockshox dropper post, SRAM is also launching three new groupsets for gravel bikes. However, only the derailleurs, cassettes and cranks are really new in the XPLR groupsets. The new gravel drivetrains are available in the three familiar quality and price levels Red, Force and Rival. The XPLR rear derailleurs are optimised for 1x12 use and are based on the classic road AXS rear derailleurs. Hydraulic cage damping keeps the chain in place even on bumpy tracks. Larger derailleur pulleys allow the new XPLR cassettes to be used with 10-44 or 10-36 teeth. The two sprocket sets, which are only available for the Force and Rival, have a maximum gear range of 440 per cent. They are only compatible with XDR freehub bodies.

With the new XPLR cranks, direct mount chainrings are also being introduced on the SRAM Red, Force and Rival drivetrains. The chainrings are available in sizes from 38-46 teeth, with 40 teeth being the standard. SRAM is also launching a wide version of the Force and Rival cranks, which creates more space for wider tyres. Thanks to a longer DUB crank axle, these cranks are suitable for both road bike and 73 millimetre wide MTB bottom brackets. With the Wide crank, the chainline is 2.5 mm wider than on the road bike versions and the Q-factor is five millimetres wider. The Force Wide crank should weigh 604 grams (435 euros), the Rival option 100 grams more.

Zipp: Gravel wheelset and G40 tyres

With the 101 XPLR, SRAM's sister brand Zipp also offers a new wheelset specially developed for gravel bikes. The Moto carbon rims without a hollow chamber are already familiar from the American brand's 3Zero MTB wheels. The gravel wheels from Zipp are available in 622 or 584 millimetre diameters. The inner width of the carbon rim is 27 millimetres. Weight: 1,665 grams or 1,590 grams.

Riding impression of the new SRAM XPLR gravel bike components for 2022

The Rudy fork works well with its short suspension travel, defuses potholes and bumps with ease and relieves wrists, hands and forearms on long-distance gravel bike adventures. A clear difference to classic, comfortable carbon forks can already be felt on light gravel paths. The gravel fork does not bottom out on hard impacts thanks to the elastomer used. Only the rebound adjustment using a small Allen key is a little fiddly. The electric drivetrain changes gears as reliably and smoothly as standard MTB drivetrains from the SRAM AXS series. The chain also runs quietly over the large sprockets. The gear ratio with a 40 t cassette and 10-44 t cassette provides a surprisingly wide gear range, which was sufficient for the Orbit Terra Trail route - both the climbing gear for the steep Altmühltal ramps and the lower end of the 12 gears for fast asphalt descents. There was also nothing to criticise about the function of the Reverb dropper post on our test ride, the saddle only had slight lateral play from the start. But we didn't really need it. A carbon comfort post (e.g. Syntace P6 Hiflex or Canyon VCLS) is sufficient for the vast majority of bikes and applications, at least in our opinion. To activate the spring function, you first have to lower the saddle slightly. However, the increase in comfort provided by the Rudy fork is clearly noticeable.