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

Words: Max Hobson

SRAM RED XPLR AXS 13 speed group

SRAM has dropped a new special gravel pack featuring a 13-speed 10-46T grade cassette. Taking some inspiration from its MTB transmissions, SRAM has introduced its full mount derailleur that fits on frames with a UDH (universal derailleur hanger) interface.

“Precise shifts with a firm jump between cogs keep you in the sweet spot, and true one-finger braking, along with a significant reduction in weight means the RED XPLR AXS flies up and down any trail, with all your effort to take it forward.”

RED XPLR derailleur (375g)

A 13-speed group means derailleur modification, and that's exactly what SRAM has done. It is specifically designed for their 1x, speed cassette and SRAM road flattop chainrings and features an MTB-inspired spring clutch. The rear derailleur uses MTB's eagle technology, has an independent interface and full mount attachment, designed to fit into frames using UDH.

“Gravel throws just about anything at your bike, and the RED XPLR AXS rear derailleur will take it all with joy. Bring sticks, rocks, and airport baggage abuse because the Full Mount derailleur design fits into frames with wireless connectivity that you can make for gravel the most powerful and reliable drivetrain possible.”

SRAM has removed the adjustment screws from the derailleur, saying 'setup is now easier than ever'. Current SRAM users, fear not! SRAM has made this group compatible with existing AXS batteries!

SRAM RED XPLR Cassette (288g)

13 speed is what makes this new SRAM group stand out. The new SRAM RED XPLR cassette gives stone riders the 460% extended range demanded by 1x riding systems. So if you're the type of rider who likes to fight and climb a bike, now's your chance!

“As the terrain gets tougher and the speed gets faster, you need the right distance to keep going and the best steps between gears to keep going. The 460% width of the RED XPLR XG-1391 13-speed cassette gives you the gears you crave for rock climbing and the solid jumps you need in hot sprints.”

The new cassette has a 10-46t range, although it is smaller than the range of the Eagle transmission, the XPLR groupset includes an extra cog which should in theory make shifting easier under load. The RED XPLR Cassette is compatible with the XDR driver body.

SRAM RED XPLR crankset (516g incl power meter)

The RED XPLR crankset is reportedly SRAM's lightest and strongest crankset. Designed to maximize wheel clearance, the crankset will fit chainrings from 38T to 46T. These chainrings are replaceable with one tool.

The RED XPLR crankset can be paired with the RED XPLR power meter, a simple, robust and accurate wiring design (+/-1.5% accuracy). Designed to fit a 38T-46T chainring. It uses a commonly available CR2032 coin battery with a battery life of 200 hours.

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

Alongside the SRAM RED XPLR group, SRAM also announced the super wide ZIPP SL 70 bar and ZIPP 303 XPLR SW wheelset.

ZIPP SL70 Bar (240g)

The SL 70 is a very wide drag bar designed to pair with the SRAM RED AXS groupset, purpose built for gravel and back country riding. The bar is made of carbon, weighs only 240g and is 44cm wide.

“The bar has an overhang to cover the brake pipe where it exits the hood. This shelf creates a platform that meets the brake lever, providing a comfortable place for your hands when you are on the hood. The Service Course SL 70 XPLR helps you go faster by positioning your body, start with your hands, in the ideal “comfort zone” for hours of hard travel in mixed terrain.

Photo by Caleb Kerr

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

ZIPP XPLR 303 SW (1610g)

Zipp has created a fasted gravel wheelset for the moment, with mega wide hookless rims (32mm inner diameter) that will handle the worst you can throw at them.

Photo by Gretchen Powers

“The 303 XPLR S is a speed-oriented gravel wheel designed in a new way: Start with a suitable gravel wheel and design a rotating wheel. To develop this one-of-a-kind wheelset, Zipp engineers learned by studying how gravel racing has changed bicycle racing in recent years, reaching several important conclusions:

1. Gravel speed progression increases the importance of aerodynamic efficiency.
2. The current generation of bearded tires show good aerodynamic performance with dirt tires.
3. Low tire pressures are the key to unlocking speed on gravel, but current gravel rim designs provide insufficient tire stability to support cornering side loads at low tire pressures.
4. Current gravel rim designs do not help prevent flats when using low tire pressures.

Common widths for gravel racing tires range from 38-50mm with various tread patterns. Current gravel tires have an outer rim width of 28-30mm, which creates an aerodynamic mismatch when using a 40mm+ gravel tire. With that thin rim and wide tire, the tire interface looks more like a light bulb than a seamless airfoil cross section. According to Zipp's testing, the efficient tire and gravel pairing of our 303 XPLR S design provides a 5-watt aerodynamic advantage over the leading competitor. This tire is designed for use with Goodyear XPLR Slick and Goodyear XPLR Inter, both tires designed in collaboration with Zipp.”

Details of the new wheelset are as follows:

Tire size: 700c
Rim Construction: Carbon – Hookless
Harp: 76/176
Inner rim diameter: 32mm
Maximum weight: 130kg
Maximum tire pressure: 50 PSI
Weight: 1610g