SRAM RED XPLR Gravel Groupset In-Depth Review

SRAM has just released its latest gravel group, updating the existing SRAM RED XPLR, which is their top-end offering in that realm. This group is unquestionably the biggest shift in the SRAM gravel realm since its inception, in that it moves from what has effectively been a tweaked road-bike rear derailed, to a SRAM Transmission-like mountain-bike-ish rear derailleur. Plus, the era of 13-speed cassettes has arrived.

Beyond that, the complete setup also pairs with SRAM’s new Zipp 303 XPLR wheelset and a new XPLR tire partnership with Goodyear. All of which is designed to be the most performance-oriented gravel bike setup out there. Oh, and there’s an updated power meter as well. And some bonus buttons too.

0:00 Quick Overview
1:00 The Component Explainer
8:43 App & Bike Computer Integration
12:43 Power Meter Accuracy Testing
15:44 Zipp XPLR 303 + Goodyear Tires
22:03 Final Thoughts

#SRAM #SRAMXPLR #XPLRRED

[mmh]

It's great that you also review components. It's hard to find actual reviews, especially when new products are launched.

[ghawk-ish]

They need a 10-50 13 speed for us that actually live in a mountain region. 10-46 just isn't enough gearing for us gravel normies. And yes, I know the MTB has a 10-52 but that is only 12 speed.

As for the flat, I think that was just dumb luck. You can see a rock rollover as soon as it punctures. I wonder if the rock was partially buried and when you rolled over it, it rolled over as well and a sharp edge got it. But also looks like you went over a flat rock and it fractured in the middle, which maybe caused cuts on both sides. Really tough to see trying to start/stop on a laptop.

But crazy rides....8 hours one day, 7.5 hours the next? In that scenery? Lucky!

[JanGoh-jbge]

I don't care how good a set of wheels/tyres claim to be, I run a foam core in all of them so I can always make it home. I made it 40km home on my gravel bike a few weeks back because not only did the tyre puncture, but so did the rim tape. SRAM can make all the claims of durability they want, it's just impossible to know when the failure is going to be more than normal tools can handle.

[pierreburton]

To be fair, it looks like the rock you hit threw the rear end about 10cm to the right, it was a big rock.

[mlegrand]

Yes, please clean up these components. I need these clean so that I can properly lust over this component set that I’ll never be able to actually ride. 😭 Thanks Ray!

[EagleEye-MJG]

Great commercial story for Inner tubes!👏👏👏👏👏

[akgood]

Absolutely fantastic review as always. Sorry about the tire trouble, but it's also great it happened for the rest of us thanks to your feedback to Goodyear that will likely improve this tire! Also a great reminder to the rest of us to have correct spare tubes as tubeless setups also fail.

[Mamilian]

TBH, the bell is why I want a 1050...

[randallcantor]

While I usually keep my tire pressure around 30-33, I run around 38 on chunkier roads because if I’m going to get a puncture, I’d rather get it on the tread than the sidewall. Also, I carry a tire boot or use a gel pack and bring some duct tape

[cbenson]

More cassette options are needed, but some good stuff from SRAM as a start. Your breakdown is a good reminder for those of us that swap different stem depth wheel-sets to make sure we are carrying the right backup tube.

[lidarman]

Good story. I guess I need to add back a shim to my repair kit. I am so complacent with tubeless cuz if works so well on the small stuff.

[philipcaldwell]

Well this did not take long and leave it to “test it in the DC Rainmaker”. Another good marketing story bites the gravel.

[davidhuggett]

Another great video, thank you. Just out of interest, what drone are you using, as it looks like you were travelling lite ?

[gbern]

Some of us ride Shimano because we, uh, prefer 2x front derailleurs... so keep it up Shimano. And SRAM could you add 2x to XPLR?

[jamesgardner]

Need that presta valve extender in with the spare tube

[mataanek]

Any update on tire failure? Thanks for great review!

[FoxyScott]

Just because it popped on the smoother terrain it doesn't mean that the damage wasn't done earlier on the rougher terrain.

[PatrickDelorenzi]

Did you do the test ride on “La Via Del Sale”? Epic route

[marcellopacifici]

Excellent review, as usual! Do you think those 303 XPLR S and SW wheels would give significant advantage over the 303FC to the average cyclist (20-25km/h, not racing, leisure riding, occasional bikepacking)? Thanks!

[SamuelBlackMetalRider]

It would actually be AWESOME for a 1x Road Setup: 50t chainring & 10/46 in the back? You do everything