A year ago, SRAM unveiled its new Red AXS, featuring a host of new features and improvements. Now is the time to update the American brand’s Force and Rival groupsets.
This natural evolution presents the perfect opportunity to narrow the gap between SRAM’s drivetrains and bring the features and improvements they’ve developed for their high-end products to the rest of their catalog. This upgrade will undoubtedly be welcomed by cycling enthusiasts, who will be able to access more affordable products without sacrificing quality or performance.
One of the highlighted features is that, in addition to the road versions of Force AXS and Rival AXS, they will now also offer an XPLR option for gravel.
Reviewing the new features
One of the most notable changes SRAM introduced with the new Red AXS last year were the redesigned levers and improved braking system. Now, this same technology is becoming available also on the Force and Rival groupsets. What they call their most effortless drivetrain now extends to SRAM’s lower tiers, ensuring better ergonomics, superb braking, and greater control.
The front and rear derailleurs have also been improved. They’ve modified these two components to be more precise, faster, and quieter. The drivetrain features the SRAM Yaw and the self-adjusting system that allows the shifting to adapt to any chainring and sprocket combination. This release also features a single rear derailleur, which can be used for 1x or 2x setups.
The brake rotors, now equipped with Paceline technology, also feature enhanced performance and effectiveness.
In addition to all the above, SRAM managed to reduce the weight of all components in both groupsets, making them attractive in this sense as well, not just for their effectiveness and performance.
Expanding the XPLR Family
In case the revamp of the Force and Rival AXS for road bikes didn’t seem enough, SRAM’s move to further position itself in gravel and expand its product range in this discipline is the perfect move. Now, your budget for this discipline will take a backseat, as you’ll have a much better chance of accessing 1×13 gears, whether through the Red, Force, or Rival.
Becoming XPLR means becoming a dedicated single-ring gravel drivetrain that combines strength and precision to deliver maximum performance. It features improved drivetrain tuning, a full-mount rear derailleur that eliminates the need for a derailleur hanger, a more effective braking system, and ergonomics comparable to those of its road version.
Tête de la course
Without a doubt, SRAM has been investing heavily in its product for years, and this presentation is just one more example of how well they’re doing. The innovation, development, communication, and path the brand has forged over this time have positioned it as a benchmark in the sector and have gained ground on its main competitors.
The SRAM group, which encompasses a diverse range of brands within the cycling world, has successfully developed a unified strategy and guided consumers to utilize the SRAM ecosystem, ensuring everything is seamlessly interconnected and works perfectly.
