In the bike industry, the demands for gravel bikes are increasing daily, because of the XPLR component found on it compared to others such as folding bikes, mounting bikes, touring bikes, electric bikes, etc.
XPLR has boomed the gravel bike market and other competitors like Shimano's GRX are searching for ways to manufacture their bike components to withstand gravel bikes with XPLR.
Furthermore, hydraulic disc brakes will get locked up in a muddy environment, sloppy topography, potholes, etc. It is the major reason for buying a gravel bike to avoid unnecessary emergencies. For instance, you are in a community where the ground is not good, you can be sure of riding your bikes to any destination without being scared of any problem.
Cyclocross racers are investing their money in gravel bikes because of their modern component (XPLR). SRAM is one of the leading companies producing decent gravel bikes with XPLR components to give their bicycles maximum capability, control, and comfort to their buyers. Let's have clear detail about XLPR.
What is XPLR?
It is a strong component found in gravel bikes, SRAM bikes, and RockShox to increase durability. Initially, there were bikes in the market in which the gear finds it difficult to propel forward on rugged terrains. Since the introduction of the XPLR component, riders can ride their bikes without falling. Presently, some bikes have XPLR such as Boardman ADV 9.4, Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension, Ribble Gravel SL SRAM Force XPLR AXS, etc.
These bikes come at higher prices because they are different from others in the market. For this reason, other bike components can function with it to offer riders a safe ride. If you are buying a gravel bike with XPLR, you should consider yourself fortunate because, and we will see two major gravel bikes having XPLR components - SRAM and RockShox.
Two Major Gravel Bikes
The brands like RockShox and SRAM use different gravel bike components to ensure high functionality, and it comprises suspension fork, wheels, dropper Seatpost, cassettes, etc.
The Features and Benefits of SRAM XPLR
- SRAM:
The company has manufactured the latest XPLR rear derailleurs into their existing gravel bikes, and it has made their bike exceptional by using a single chainring that is more compatible with large tires. For instance, the SRAM XPLR AXS rear derailleurs are found the new XPLR 10-44T cassettes, and a rear derailleur can't be kept at the front derailleur to prevent accidents.
In terms of electronics, it is the same thing compared to the one in SRAM eTap AXS rear derailleurs together with the batteries. The major difference lies in the design because longer knuckles are close to the region where the hanger and rear derailleurs are attached leading to easy movement of gravel bikes.
Every XPLR component produced by SRAM use in gravel bikes has its unique differences. For instance, the XPLR 10-44T cassettes come with 440% range available XG-1251, Force groupsets, XG-1271 version. They have different sizes of cassettes to fit numerous gravel bikes to fit the pedals - 10, 11, 15, 19, 28, etc.
Every year, the company tries as much to reinvent XPLR especially when it involves cranksets, and it leads to a weight reduction of the gravel bike for mobility's sake. Also, their gravel bikes have a wide-force spindle for wider chainstays with greater tire clearance. These different features on SRAM gravel bikes depend on the bike model.
To see the video introduction of SRAM XPLR
- RockShox:
RockShox is not lagging when it involves using XPLR on their bikes. Presently, they have two different gravel bikes on the XPLR range - the Reverb AXS XPLR Dropper Seatpost and Rudy Ultimate XPLR Suspension. Their major reason for using XPLR is for Non-United States buyers to enjoy maximum comfort riding on hard terrains.
Another feature is the usage of suspension to keep the edges of the bike smooth during riding from one place to another. Riders can ride their bike at a fast speed while still maintaining a full grip on rough topography. Fatigue is one of the common things riders experience on hard surfaces but with the presence of XPLR on RockShox, they won't feel it.
Without any doubt, RockShox bikes have similar designs to mountain bikes, but the major difference is the XPLR component. No matter the speed of riding the gravel bikes at a long distance, the riders won't have fatigue. Some situations will demand descending from a steep surface, and it is where RockShox comes into the picture because of its ton of control.
Features of XLPR
These are common features of XLPR in gravel bikes:
- Easy gear changes
- Sweetspot gearing
- Fast gravel droppers
- Presence of reverse AXS XPLR
- Hookless rim technology
- Single wall carbon rims, etc.
Benefits of XPLR Component in Gravel Bikes
Here are the numerous benefits:
- For easy adjustment of Seatpost to either low or high using the lever connected to the XPLR.
- It offers a strong grip for riders especially on rugged surfaces, and more traction too.
- Riders can ride lower tire pressure with gravel bikes.
- Reduced the incident of pinch flat tires.
- Less vibration from the gravel bike to the rider.
Influence of XPLR on Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are one of the bikes that can be ridden on different terrains based on their peculiar features. They have durable frames made from titanium, aluminum, carbon, steel, etc. These different materials have their advantages since human preferences vary from one another - the low weight of carbon, the desirability of titanium, the reliability of titanium, and the classic feel of steel.
The influence of XPLR on gravel bikes has contributed immensely in diverse ways such as control, comfort, balance, etc., due to four major features such as wider tires, suspension, gearing, and geometry. The presence of XPLR has reduced the cost for people spending their fortune or hard-earned saving on purchasing something extravagant.
Conclusion:
XPLR happens to be a major component in any gravel bike. Although it is present in SRAM and RockShox, buyers need to examine the bike properly to spot the particular one to fit their needs. Since budget is crucial to buying one, you need to consider the amount you can afford to avoid going bankrupt. It is never too late to buy a gravel bike with XPLR components.
