SRAM Red XPLR AXS: 4 insights after 4 weeks with the groupset

Recently, I had the latest SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset put on a Trek Checkmate frame. It’s the latest in gravel with both the components and the frame, which designed for racing rough routes. I’ve embarked on a long-term test of this setup, but a few things have struck me about the SRAM Red set early on.

I was keen to check out the new gravel group because it shares some features with the mountain bike-focused Transmission components that I’ve been riding since their debut in 2023. (I’ve also been riding the Red eTap AXS for road for years.) The Transmission was a bit of a revelation for me. I had trained myself, as many in the MTB world had done, not to shift under full load. That group led me to new habits: I didn’t have to shy away from last-second shifts without letting off the power. The design of the derailleur is super strong. It can withstand major hits without breaking. For the most part, the Transmission is a solid groupset. It only had some minor shifting issues after a long period of riding, skipping in the third cog on occasion.

For the new Red XPLR AXS, I’m hoping to see Transmission-like durability at the derailleur. As someone who’s snapped derailleur hangers on cyclocross and gravel bikes, I’m sure I can test this setup to its fullest. Actually, it’s just not possible to snap a derailleur hanger here. (More on that in a minute.) Also, we’ll see how my shifting habits may shift with the performance of the drivetrain and the range of gears.

The SRAM Red XPLR AXS derailleur

Like the Transmission rear mech, the Red XPLR AXS derailleur features SRAM’s full-mount system. There’s no derailleur hanger required. The mech has two arms that the rear axle passes through. One of the reasons I chose to go with a Trek Checkmate (a well-reviewed bike) is that it has a universal derailleur hanger (UDH) interface, making it compatible with the groupset.

Another cool feature of the rear mech is that its bottom jockey wheel is designed to keep spinning even if an object gets lodged in its spokes. The jockey wheel’s teeth can rotate round the outer edge of the component.

The SRAM Red XPLR AXS levers

Compared with my old Red eTap AXS levers, those on the new Red have a higher pivot. That pivot, along with the horizontal-pull piston inside, makes for better…