comes the new Sram Red XPLR (acronym for Explorer), the group dedicated to the world gravel high-end (in terms of performance and the range of bikes it is aimed at). The connection with the latest version of the Red road bike it is clear, even if there are the 13 rear sprockets. Top of the range in every way.
Like its street brother, the new one too XPLR system was born with the clear intent of increasing the immediate feeling, precision and single crownWe go into detail also thanks to the contribution of Jason Fowler, Sram R&D Manager.
The adventure includes everything, nothing excluded
«The new group Sram for gravel is built for adventure – Jason Fowler, Category Manager at SRAM tells us – and adventure for us means a really wide range of interpretations. Adventure also means robustness, versatility and repeatability of technical performance regardless of the type of terrain.
«During the different development processes, even if The new XPLR is based on the new Red road bike We asked ourselves two questions. What do we really need in gravel? A wider range of gears or something even more specific? In fact, the new Ram XPLR becomes the connection point between the Red road bike and the Sram Eagle MTB platform. From the Eagle it borrows part of the design and some technical solutions of the rear rocker, from the road group the shifters».
In particular
Thirteen rear ratios with a ladder 10-46 of 288 grams declared (previously it was 10-44). 10 and 11-12-13 and 15-17-19 and 21-24-28 and 32-38 to move to 46. The Full Mount rear balancer è designed specifically for UDH dropouts and for the single front chainring. There are no adjustment screws, all micro-adjustments are made by pressing the AXS button of the lever. There are two oversized pulleys and the lower one is of the Magic Wheel type, that is, it always flows even if blocked by branches, debris or external blocks.
The internal spoked wheel acts on the toothed seat. Last but not least, the clutch borrowed from the Eagle MTB which always keeps the chain tension correct: it is the same as the latest Red AXS road bike. It was created for 12 speeds and is part of the 13 XPLR systemThe batteries are fully compatible with current AXS systems.
Cranks of 6 different lengths
From 160 to 175 millimeters. Available with crowns ranging from 38 to 46 teeth. with or without Quarq power meterCompared to the past, the layup (and therefore the construction) of the carbon for the cranksets has changed, they are lighter (29 grams and hollow inside), more rigid and the thru axle is DUB.
Il power meter does not change, the only change is related to the shape of the external cover, which is more streamlined and minimal. The CR2032 battery remains.
The same levers as the street group
Has been the “one finger” concept was revived, one of the cornerstones used to design the new levers, where ergonomics makes a big difference. The central/upper flare of the lever makes braking easier even with just one finger. The distance between the levers and the brake pads from the discs is adjustable.
Change the positioning of the hydraulic piston which is now horizontal (as for the Sram road version). The whole thing is configurable with Sram Blips wireless remote buttons.
The curiosity
The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. brake calipers were taken from the new Red road bike, as well as the discs. The overall weight of the XPLR (declared, power meter included) is 2.488 grams (2.476 grams without meter), 102 less than the previous one with the same configuration. AXS nature system, means a great compatibility with previous generation AXS 12-speed.
The chain is part of the family FlattopThe situation changes for the rear barbell which is optimised to work with the cassette Red XPLR with 13 sprockets.
Management via AXS App
Still regarding the XPLR rear derailleur, this works with a chain line categorised as wide, that is, 47,5 millimeters. The Sram Red XPLR transmission is configurable with the AXS App, which functions as a real management filter and console. Thanks to the app, you can analyze in detail every single number relating to gear changes and even the Quarq power meter (and much more, intuitive and complete thanks to the latest updates).
The possible using a Reverb seatpost It is configurable with the new AXS system and the Bonus Buttons positioned at the top of the levers can be used to operate the telescopic. To conclude, nothing changes regarding the sprocket engagement spaces, as it comes used the same XDR bodice used in the past.
