New Rockshox suspension fork, slim dropper post and matching electric drivetrains: Sram is launching an attack on gravel bikes for 2022 with the XPLR collection.

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.

The textile industry alone emits 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 every year. If you want to do something about it, you should take a closer look at these parts.

All international flights and cruises together cause less CO2 emissions than the textile industry alone. Crazy! But we don't have to stand by helplessly and can make a lasting change with our purchasing behaviour.

That really does the trick!

• Buy long-lasting products, drive for a long time.
• Care and maintain products for long durability.
• Passing on products instead of throwing them away.
• Avoid returns.
• Look for sustainability certificates when buying.

We have selected these environmentally friendly parts:

Welding art: Alutech Fanes 27.5

The production of mountain bikes releases emissions. But not riding a bike is not a solution either. There are differences in the material. While steel comes off best in the environmental balance, the production of a carbon frame consumes the most energy. The balance of an aluminium frame is somewhat better. If you look after your material, you can ride it for longer or pass it on. And if aluminium, then perhaps the Fanes 27.5. Price: 2500 euros (without shock) >> alutech-cycles.com

Warning colour: Endura Singletrack Lite Shorts

The Scots label aims to plant one million trees every year. The Scots are also making many adjustments to realise their goal: not only to become CO2-neutral by 2024, but even CO2-negative. We like the shorts because they are well ventilated, made of comfortable stretch fabric and have a zip pocket for keys. Price: 80 euros >> at Maciag Offroad* or at Rosebikes* available.

Crumple zone: Urge All Air

The trail helmet is made from 80 per cent recycled material and is designed to meet all relevant safety standards. In addition to features such as good ventilation thanks to 21 vents, the helmet weighs in at a lightweight 315 grams. Available with ERT system (a type of MIPS) and without. Inexpensive. Price: from 89 euros >> at XXL bike available*.

Clean powder: Muc-Off punk powder

The British are known for their pink bike cleaners in plastic bottles. The British have also realised that this is no longer in keeping with the times and have developed Punk Powder. Two litres can be mixed with 30 grams. This saves weight during transport and plastic. According to the manufacturer, the contents are environmentally friendly. Price: 32 euros (4-pack) >> at Rose available*.

Cosy wool: Patagonia 3/4 Jersey

Do you know the advantages of merino? Merino is comfortable to wear, keeps you warm and doesn't odour. To make the jersey dry even faster, the Patagonia engineers wove recycled polyester into the wool. Also available in all black. Patagonia is a pioneer when it comes to sustainable materials and fair payment in the manufacturing countries. Price: 100 euros >> at Mountain friends available*.

Key message: Bontrager XR Trail Comp

The grip core is made from discarded fishing nets. The ribbed profile provides grip and is designed to offer comfort even on long descents. The single screw clamp gives the grip a clean look. Available in five colours. Diameter: 31 millimetres. Price: 20 euros >> at Available on Amazon*.

Trail pedalling: Pearl Izumi X-Alps

Germans only have an average of 12.8 pairs of shoes in their wardrobe. Very few of them are produced sustainably. At least the Cordura fabric of this lightweight trail shoe is made from recycled material. The shoe can be fastened quickly and efficiently thanks to the Boa lashing system. The Vibram sole provides sufficient grip. Available as click and flat shoes. Price: 160 euros (SPD) >> available at Tradeinn*.

Space miracle: Deuter Bike 1 20

The touring backpack has all the features it needs, fits comfortably and has a sophisticated pocket management system. Deuter does not use environmentally harmful materials such as PFC in its production. Great: the in-house repair service. Replacing a zip costs from 10 euros. Price: 90 euros >> at Rosebikes* or Intersport* available.

Problem solver: BW sewing kit

Every German throws away five kilos of clothing a year - crazy! The longer you wear your clothes, the better it is for the environment. Our tip: sew small tears and holes yourself. You can do this with the Bundeswehr sewing kit, for example. YouTube tutorials show you how to do it. By the way: Membrane jackets are best repaired with adhesive pads. Price: 5 euros >> bundeswehr-und-mehr.de

Hose rescuer: Rema Tip Top

Mending inner tubes saves money and protects the environment. Our tip: pack up the broken inner tube and repair it at home. By the way: tyre manufacturer Schwalbe manages to turn flat inner tubes into new ones. Many bike shops take part in the campaign and accept broken inner tubes. Price: 5 euros, available from bike shops >> available at Decathlon*.

Bottle spirit: Animoz ML Wild Jersey

The French squeeze nylon yarn from recycled PET bottles and use it to weave their riding collection. We think that's great! In addition to the wild jersey, there are also shorts, short-sleeved jerseys, trousers and gloves. Price: 30 euros >> animoz-clothing.fr

Seat cushion: SQLAb 60X Infinergy

This saddle contains material that is normally used to make running shoes. The saddle specialist expects this to provide more comfort and cushioning. SQLab manufactures its saddle in Ansbach, Bavaria, in accordance with German pollutant guidelines. Regional production also creates short distances and saves the long journey from the Far East. Price: 200 euros >> available at Boc24*.

Power feast: Powerbar True Organic Oat

The latest Powerbar contains oats, dates, nuts and fair trade cocoa - all in organic quality. Fully eco: the plastic-free packaging. You can even put it in the compost heap, says Powerbar. Price: 1.79 euros >> available at Bergzeit*.

Replacement tube: PNW Dropper Post Loam

The young US brand PNW (Pacific North West) is declaring war on the high-priced component manufacturers. And the makers also want to be sustainable. Customers have the option of handing in their used Vario seatpost to be made into a new one. We think that's great. Price: 180 euros >> pnwcomponents.com