Lidl-Trek riders have been noticed utilizing the SRAM Red XPLR 1×13 gravel groupset at each Opening Weekend races of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne on the weekend.
Images have appeared of the crew testing and utilizing the groupset on-line because the winter. Mads Pedersen even posted a video on Instagram of testing it again in November final yr, which first alerted us to issues. Given that Opening Weekend marks the beginning of the Classics, it’s not an excessive amount of of a shock that the crew are actually utilizing the tools.
The crew’s Trek Madone bikes have been fitted with 1x SRAM aero chain-rings on the entrance, which isn’t so uncommon lately, however on the rear the bikes have been fitted with SRAM Red XPLR rear derailleurs and 13-speed 10-46T cassettes for a 1×13 setup.
Red XPLR is the gravel-specific variant of the Red AXS street groupset. Both groupsets launched final yr after SRAM overhauled Red and created the brand new XPLR groupset. Red XPLR makes use of the identical shifters and brakes because the Red groupset however a special proprietary direct mount derailleur and 13-speed cassette and crankset. Notably, the 13-speed cassette has the identical 12-speed spacing, which implies it may be used with an everyday 12-speed SRAM Red chain to minimise compatibility complications.
Red XPLR makes use of a 13 velocity cassette and propiatary bigger derailleur (Image credit score: Tom)
Why use a gravel groupset for street racing?
There’s most likely a component of ‘as a result of we are able to’, and a specific amount of ‘why not?’ It’s not like Red AXS is unfit for the cobbles. However, there are just a few design options inside Red XPLR that make it well-suited to the tough and tumble of the classics. The impacts, vibrations and terrain are, at occasions, much like a gravel occasion, which is what Red XPLR has been designed for. Improving effectivity over tough floor may present Pedersen, Stuyven and co. with a pleasant benefit.
The Red XPLR derailleur is way bigger than the usual Red rear mech. The battery masses horizontally, and the derailleur would not use any restrict or b-tension adjustment screws; you merely bolt it onto a motorcycle body and no mechanical adjustment is required. You can watch our Instagram reel beneath of me exhibiting the setup process.
Red AXS additionally makes use of a ‘full mount’ UDH body interface, which implies no rear derailleur hanger is required. The dropout eyelet within the body is sleeved, and the derailleur mount makes use of a single, bigger bolt. This ought to imply a extra sturdy unit and no snapped hangers within the classics.
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Pulley wheels are barely bigger at 14 and 16 tooth, and the decrease makes use of the SRAM ‘magic pulley wheel’ which implies it can hold rotating if a chunk of particles goes into it, presumably a useful function for the reduce and thrust of the peloton.
Importantly, particularly for the cobbled races, the pulley arm’s clutch spring stress was uprated to assist chain retention. It’s actually agency, which ought to present an honest benefit on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix specifically.
