SRAM AXS & XPLR Explained: Decoding The Gravel Bike Tech

What exactly does the acronym "AXS" signify in the realm of SRAM components? It's the brand's innovative wireless component integration, building upon the foundation of eTap electronic shifting technology, and it's revolutionizing the cycling experience.

The cycling world is constantly evolving, and within this dynamic landscape, SRAM's AXS technology stands out as a beacon of innovation. Pronounced "access," AXS isn't merely a collection of components; it's a comprehensive system designed to seamlessly integrate various elements of your bike, offering unparalleled performance and customization. But the story begins long before the recent advancements. The genesis of AXS lies in SRAM's eTap electronic shifting technology, a groundbreaking development that eliminated the need for cables and wires, ushering in a new era of sleekness and efficiency. Building upon the success of eTap, AXS takes this wireless concept to the next level, expanding its reach to encompass derailleurs, shifters, dropper posts, and more. This integrated approach allows for a more streamlined and intuitive user experience, giving riders unprecedented control over their bikes.

So, let's delve deeper into what makes AXS tick, explore its various components, and understand its impact on the cycling landscape.

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Feature	Details
AXS Definition	SRAM's wireless component integration system. Pronounced "access."
Foundation	Built upon eTap electronic shifting technology.
Components	Includes derailleurs, shifters, dropper posts, and more.
Integration	Offers seamless integration for a streamlined experience.
Control	Provides riders with unprecedented control over their bikes.
Wireless Technology	Eliminates the need for cables and wires.
Customization	Offers various options for setting up your drivetrain.
Gravel Specific	The XPLR collection caters specifically to gravel riding.
Availability	Zipp 101 XPLR wheels and RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR forks: Limited availability from August 2021, more widely available from September 2021. RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR dropper post: Limited quantities from September 2021.

The genesis of AXS and its XPLR sub-brand is rooted in a desire to redefine the boundaries of cycling, particularly within the burgeoning gravel riding segment. While the initial AXS launch represented a significant stride forward, especially for 2x drivetrains, the offerings for 1x systems were, at first, somewhat less comprehensive. It was the XPLR collection that addressed this, specifically designed to cater to the unique demands of gravel riding. The XPLR range from SRAM, RockShox, and Zipp marks a celebration of a new era of drop bar riding, delivering three product sets that allow cyclists to truly make gravel their own. Each upgrade functions flawlessly on its own, or they can be mixed and matched to create a unique setup. As the saying goes, gravel is what you make it, and the XPLR components provide the tools to do just that.

The "XPLR" designation, short for "explore," embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery at the heart of gravel riding. It's a call to venture beyond the familiar, to seek out new paths and experiences. When the XPLR collection was launched, it represented a significant leap forward for gravel enthusiasts and manufacturers alike. It gave companies the tools to make bikes with the best parts available. Companies like Cervelo can use it to find the correct components for their bikes. Whether it's a road or a triathlon bike, XPLR is more geared toward a road-oriented theme. Specifically, the rear derailleurs in the XPLR collection get a new upper "b knuckle" and an offset top jockey wheel to accommodate larger cassettes. However, the mixed metal structure is the same. They are compatible with 1x cranksets only, both standard spindle and wide versions.

One of the key distinctions within the AXS ecosystem lies in the different types of rear derailleurs available. While the core functionality remains consistent across the board, there are variations tailored to specific needs and applications. The "eTap AXS rear derailleurs" represent the standard offering, providing the core wireless shifting experience. "eTap AXS wider gearing derailleurs" are designed to accommodate cassettes with a wider range, allowing for a broader spectrum of gearing options suitable for varied terrains. The "XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleurs," on the other hand, are specifically engineered for gravel riding and are optimized for use with 1x drivetrains. These derailleurs feature design modifications, like the updated upper "b knuckle" and offset top jockey wheel, to handle the larger cassettes often found on gravel bikes.

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The decision to limit the XPLR derailleur to 1x drivetrains is strategic. Gravel riding often demands a simpler, more robust system, with a focus on reliability and ease of use. A 1x setup eliminates the front derailleur, reducing complexity and the risk of mechanical issues. This simplicity allows riders to focus on the terrain ahead, without having to worry about multiple shifting operations. Moreover, 1x drivetrains offer a wider range of gear ratios than a traditional 2x setup, which is especially beneficial for tackling the varied gradients and challenging surfaces encountered on gravel rides. 1x groups add xplr to the model name. It feels like SRAMs XPLR collection could not have come at a better time and it represents a whole line of exciting products. It provides new options for setting up your drivetrain. The Zipp 101 XPLR wheels have the potential to be serious game changers in the gravel world.

Component	Description
XPLR Rear Derailleurs	Designed for gravel riding, features a new upper 'b knuckle' and offset top jockey wheel to handle larger cassettes; compatible with 1x cranksets only.
eTap AXS Rear Derailleurs	The standard offering providing the core wireless shifting experience.
eTap AXS Wider Gearing Derailleurs	Designed to accommodate cassettes with a wider range.
Zipp 101 XPLR Wheels	High-performance wheels for gravel, offering potential as game changers.
RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR Fork	Fork designed specifically for gravel riding.
RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR Dropper Post	Dropper post designed for gravel bikes to improve riding experience.

The evolution of AXS has not been limited to shifting components. RockShox, a subsidiary of SRAM, has also embraced the wireless revolution, introducing the Reverb AXS XPLR dropper post. This dropper post allows riders to adjust their saddle height on the fly, enhancing control and comfort on technical terrain. The Reverb AXS XPLR complements the other XPLR components, creating a fully integrated system that is specifically tailored for gravel riding. The RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork provides a complete solution to the drop-bar rider. This fork is designed to enhance the ride on gravel by giving maximum control, comfort, and confidence. The Zipp 101 XPLR wheels have the potential to be serious game changers in the gravel world, as they also offer high performance.

The impact of AXS extends beyond its technical innovations. It has also fostered a greater sense of community within the cycling world. The ease of use and reliability of AXS components have made cycling more accessible to a wider range of riders. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a weekend enthusiast, AXS offers a level of performance and customization that can elevate your riding experience. The versatility of the components allows for a level of personalization never before available to cyclists. The ability to mix and match components from different groupsets, and even different brands, opens up a world of possibilities for riders to create their perfect bike. The focus on exploration, performance, and ease of use makes it a compelling choice for gravel enthusiasts. It's a clear indication that the future of cycling is wireless, integrated, and tailored to the individual rider's needs.

The SRAM AXS system represents a significant shift in how cyclists approach their bikes and the act of riding. From its initial concept to its present-day reality, AXS is a testament to innovation. It is a bold statement about the future of cycling. So, whether you're seeking to upgrade your current bike or building a new one from scratch, AXS offers a compelling blend of performance, convenience, and customization that is hard to ignore.