SRAM's all-new gravel group is here, and there is a lot going on, including:
-a straight-parallelogram derailleur that mounts around the axle on frames that have the Universal Derailleur Hanger design
-the elimination of all adjustment screws on said rear derailleur
-multiple chainring options but only one cassette
-the new shifters we saw released with the latest 12spd SRAM Red road group
-a groupset weight of 2476 grams - including a power meter
-and, yes, 13 gears on this 10-46 cassette
I was one of a few journalists invited to the global launch in the Alps - and the only one from the United States in attendance. There, over three point to point days starting in Innsbruck, we tested the group up and over an alpine climb, on gravel forest paths and on farm roads, and then down into the heart of Munich on a variety of surfaces, including asphalt and even a bit of cobbles.
In this video I’ll give you all the details of this new group - what’s brand new, what carries over from existing technology - and my experience riding it. On the whole, I’m pretty smitten with the group, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering buying the group or a bike with it.
I’ll explain what this new group means overall for the design of gravel bikes going forward.
I’ll also talk about the new Zipp 303 XPLR wheels with their massive width that dovetails with Goodyear’s built-for-Zipp tires, and the Zipp XPLR bar.
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Save $50 on your registration for USA Cycling Gravel Nationals with the code TheRide24 at https://gravelnats.usacycling.org/
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Videos I reference:
SRAM Red 12spd road group review: https://youtu.be/h5OvPl6lfbI
SRAM Red 13spd XPLR AXS installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-gYcWr5PnQ
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SRAM Red XPLR AXS weights and prices:
Levers & brakes, 692g - $675 / €755 / £675 (each side)
Power meter cranks, 42t ring, 516g - $1,100 / €1,235 / £1,100
Derailleur, 375g - $700 / €785 / £700
Cassette, 288g - $600 / €675 / £600
Chain, 236g - $89 / €100 / £90
Rotors, 280g - $70 / €80 / £70 (each)
Batteries, 24g
Bottom bracket, 76g
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Gear I use for shooting (not sponsored!):
Hover X1 Self-Flying Drone: https://amzn.to/3V7MUn5
DJI Mini 3 Drone: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY
GoPro Hero Black 11: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY
DJI Action Cam 4: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY
DJI Pocket Osmo 3: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY
Sony Alpha ZV-E10: https://amzn.to/3QUSqHf
Sony Alpha a6300: https://amzn.to/3K7jFKK
Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS lens: https://amzn.to/3QNGh6L
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The Ride is supported in 2024 by:
Castelli clothing: http://tinyurl.com/43k6pftp
Perc Coffee: https://tinyurl.com/etzyekwr (save 15% with code 'ride15')
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Silca maintenance: https://bit.ly/47xxvzj (save 10% with code 'theride')
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Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep
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0:00 intro
0:54 overview
2:27 big changes
4:35 new derailleur
6:49 shift speed
8:23 why?!
10:50 frame compatibility
11:52 magic pulley
13:06 cassette
14:10 chainrings
14:57 shifters
16:42 Gravel Nats
17:35 ride review