Gravel bike offensive from Sram

The Gravelbike-Fully from Ninerthe short-stroke Lefty fork for the Cannondale Topstone or the GRX groupset from Shimano were just the harbingers. Now Sram is following up with one of the big gravel offensives and bringing new momentum to the equipment lists of gravel and adventure bikes with racing handlebars with an entire component series.

The new gravel bike components from Sram and Rockshox for 2022 in the video presentation.

However, the minimalist Rockshox suspension fork, the slim Reverb AXS dropper post and the Sram XPLR eTap AXS groupsets also powered: classic mountain bikes and hip mountain bikes Gravel bikes of the latest generation are growing ever closer together in 2022. This is also the reason why we are presenting the new gravel bike components from Sram, Rockshox and Zipp in detail.

Rockshox Rudy: suspension fork with 30-40 mm stroke

With 30 millimetre thin stanchions and the Charger Race Day damping cartridge - also used in the SID - with full lockout, Rockshox is paving the way for suspension forks on gravel bikes. The Rudy is available with 30-40 millimetres of travelIt swallows tyres up to 50 millimetres wide and can be combined with special mudguards. In the BIKE test lab, we measured the weight of the Rudy Ultimate XPLR 1276 grammes 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 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: 50 and 75 millimetre stroke, without oil inside

The new electronic, lowerable seatpost for gravel bikes (and MTB hardtails) 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, meaning that the dropper post fits most gravel bikes and race hardtails. The inner workings are also new: There is no longer any oil inside, only air. There is also a 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 has 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 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 for the 27.2 mm electronic dropper post including charger and battery. Weight of the post: 591 grams including battery (BIKE measurement).

Sram XPLR eTap AXS drivetrain: 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 quality and price levels known from road bikes: Red, Force and Rival. The XPLR rear derailleurs are optimised for 1x12 use, are based on the classic road AXS rear derailleurs and a hydraulic cage damping system keeps the chain in place even on bumpy roads. 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, which are 1.85 mm wider than the XD freehub commonly used on mountain bikes.

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, this crank fits 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 hollow chamber is already familiar from the US company's 3Zero MTB wheels. The gravel wheels from Zipp are available in 700C or 27.5 inches. The inner width of the carbon rim is 27 millimetres. Weight: 1665 grams or 1590 grams.

Weights and prices at a glance

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

The Rudy fork works well despite 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 road bike handlebars are still the limiting factor on gravel bikes before the dropper post and suspension fork come into play. The shift/brake levers pinch your fingers when braking and you have to reach a whole level lower to get a wider grip on the lower handlebars. Neither is ideal. With a flat bar like on a mountain bike, a bike is simply much easier to control. Even with a suspension fork and lowered saddle, gravel bikes don't come close to this. However, the increase in comfort provided by the Rudy fork is clearly noticeable.