The cycling world is deep in a groupset battle. Shimano has unveiled its highly anticipated and well-received wireless XTR groupset. Campagnolo upped the ante with the world’s first 2×13-speed drivetrain. Now SRAM is firing back with not one, but two refreshed groupsets and two new lines: the newly updated Force AXS and Rival AXS lines for both road and gravel (XPLR).
Following the debut of the latest RED and RED XPLR drivetrains, SRAM set the bar high for braking and shifting performance. The newest RED group is hands down the best experience I’ve had with a SRAM road groupset. Even riders loyal to Shimano (myself included) couldn’t deny the leap forward (old heads will get that joke). Now, SRAM is bringing much of that same tech and feel to the Force and Rival levels. With nearly identical braking, shifting, and wireless functionality, without the top-tier price.
12 or 13 Speed, Road or Gravel
Like SRAM RED AXS and RED XPLR AXS, the Force and Rival groups are split into two different categories. Force AXS and Rival AXS are both 12-speed groups meant for the road with a standard derailleur attachment that can use any traditional derailleur hanger.
SRAM Force XPLR AXS and Rival XPLR AXS are both 13-speed groups designed for gravel, and utilize the Full Mount hangerless interface that requires a frame with UDH compatibility.
Both the 12 and 13-speed groups use the same chain.
Updated SRAM Force AXS
The updated and reinvented SRAM Force is, with all intents and purposes, the updated SRAM RED. We don’t mean that as a knock; we mean that as a total upgrade. This new version of the SRAM Force AXS group is as close to a copy of the updated SRAM RED as you can get – we couldn’t be more stoked for a SRAM group launch.
Force AXS HRD Shift-Brake System
The new Force hoods offer RED-level ergonomics and braking in a more accessible package. The calipers are stiffer and resemble the Red brethren, with less machining.
The redesigned lever shapes mirror RED, and bonus buttons provide actuation on the fly. Riders get one-finger braking from hoods or drops, plus tactile surfaces for easy control.
SRAM says this newest lever shape is the combination of four years of rider feedback and field tests. The result is less effort, more control, and braking that feels natural and predictable.
Standout Details:
- One‑finger braking at both hoods and drops—less squeeze, more control
- Restyled hood shape and textured paddles informed by rider feedback
- Carbon levers reduce weight; Bonus Buttons offer ANT+ control
- Bleeding Edge tech makes maintenance easy
New Force AXS Front Derailleur
The Force AXS front derailleur received a complete overhaul, much like the SRAM RED of last year. It’s quiet – no rub, no chatter —just crisp, precise shifting every time you tap the lever. A slimmer, faster cage shines under load, and SRAM’s Yaw tech with auto-trim keeps everything aligned for smooth transitions across the cassette.
Standout Details:
- Narrower cage + SRAM Yaw with auto‑trim = whisper‑quiet, razor‑fast shifts
- Compatible with standard 2x chainring combos
- Wireless AXS setup
New Force AXS Rear Derailleur
The new rear derailleur is lighter (by 12g), faster, and more capable. It covers everything from tight 10-28T cassettes to wide-range 10-36T setups. Whether you’re racing 2x or venturing off-road with a 1x, this derailleur is up for the job. Larger pulleys and a revised cage boost efficiency and chain stability.
Standout Details:
- 12g lighter, with a new cage and larger X-SYNC pulleys
- Compatible with 10‑28T to 10‑36T cassettes
- Works with 1x or 2x drivetrains
New Force AXS Crankset + Power Meter
SRAM brings RED’s power meter accuracy down to Force with a refreshed, modular design. Thread-on chainrings make service and gearing swaps easy. The Force crank pairs with 46/33T, 48/35T, or 50/37T combos and features a lightweight, one-piece carbon arm set.
Standout Details:
- Carbon crankarms with 46/33, 48/35, or 50/37T options
- Chainring-integrated Quarq power meter, ±1.5% accuracy
- Climate-stable readings and L/R balance
- Compatible with DUB bottom brackets and direct-mount 1x options
New Force AXS Cassette & Chain
Build the drivetrain that suits your ride with 12-speed cassettes ranging from 10-28T to 10-36T. Mix and match with X-Range rings for precise cadence control.
XG‑1270 Cassette Standout Details:
- 12-speed, 10‑28T to 10‑36T options
- Full‑pin construction with nickel-chrome plating
Updated Force Chain:
- Flattop design, hard-chrome inner links
- Compatible with 12-speed road and 13-speed XPLR
Updated Paceline Rotors:
- Lighter aluminum carrier
- Quiet, ventilated design optimized for the road
- Force and Rival share the same rotors
Rival AXS Update
The new Rival AXS 12-speed road group puts top-tier tech within reach. It reduces the weight of the previous offering while delivering the same crisp braking and wireless shifting as the updated RED and Force groupsets. The updated groups now offer an integrated power meter and full AXS connectivity.
Rival AXS Levers
Ergonomic improvements include higher brake lever pivots, an expanded Reach Adjust range, and anti-pinch shaping. One-finger braking is now effortless.
Standout details:
- One-finger braking with 80% less effort than the previous Rival
- Expanded Reach Adjust for a broader range of hand sizes
Rival Front Derailleur
The front mech uses SRAM Yaw tech with auto-trim for clean, fast, and silent shifts.
Standout Details:
- SRAM Yaw + auto‑trim = dependable front shifts
Rival Rear Derailleur
Wireless 12-speed shifting, innovative chain management, and compatibility with 10-28T to 10-36T cassettes.
Standout Details:
- Precise wireless shifting
- Wide cassette range compatibility
Rival Crankset + Power Meter
Forged aluminum arms, X-Range chainrings, and an optional spindle-based DUB power meter with ±1.5% accuracy.
Standout Details:
- Lightweight arms with 46/33 or 48/35 rings
- DUB spindle-based power meter
- One-piece ring construction for smooth shifting
Rival Chain
- Flattop, hard-chrome, 12‑speed, and 13-speed XPLR ready
SRAM Force & Rival XPLR
What we’ve all (well, I’ve been waiting) for. SRAM is now offering Force and Rival XPLR, both of which are 13-speed, featuring a beefed-up SRAM transmission-style derailleur, but at Force and Rival price points.
That means gravel Full Mount resilience, now ready for all. No bent hangers from impacts, travel, or showing off to your friends. No adjustment screws. Just fast, precise shifting built for gravel. We loved the SRAM RED XPLR, all except the price. Now, with SRAM Force and Rival XLPR hitting the streets, more can take advantage of the excellent gravel drivetrain experience.
Force XPLR Rear Derailleur
The 1x-specific Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur delivers excellent chain management (read our review here), and its straight parallelogram design prevents debris or harsh conditions from interfering with the derailleur. It’s a near copy of the RED XLPR derailleur and pulls the same weight.
Standout Features:
- 1x-only, full-mount, hanger-less, durable, and rebuildable.
- Designed for 10‑46T 13‑speed cassettes and rough gravel terrain.
Force XPLR Power Meter / Force XPLR Crankset
The Force XPLR AXS power meter is housed within the DUB spindle. The crankset is carbon and boasts a unique shape, melding the looks of the SRAM XO MTB crankset and the RED XLPR. The crankset arrives with newly designed boots to fit the semi-triangular shape.
Standout Features:
- Spindle-mounted DUB, 400+ hour battery, water-resistant, and lightweight.
- Gravel-tuned 1x arms with aero chainring options; power meter compatible.
Force XPLR Cassette
- The 13-speed 10-46T Force XPLR cassette strikes the perfect balance for gravel gearing.
- With a 460% range and tight gear jumps, it delivers a consistent cadence and quick shifting, making it perfect for unpredictable terrain.
- XG‑1371 Cassette 13-speed, 10‑46T with tight jumps—460% range for gravel climbs.
Rival XPLR
Utilizing a Full-Mount interface, the Rival XPLR AXS rear derailleur ensures consistent shifting without the need for adjustment screws.
Rival XPLR Rear Derailleur
- Robust full-mount 13-speed derailleur.
- Designed for mud and drop-bar punishment.
SRAM shaved grams from the aluminum crankarms without compromising power measurement. The precise, spindle-based power unit is housed inside the strikingly redesigned arms. The latest direct-mount chainrings are both lightweight and stiff, delivering a high level of performance and a sleek appearance.
Rival XPLR Crankset / Rival XPLR Power Meter
- Sturdy gravel-specific aluminum arms with 38‑46T options.
- Wide chainline and MTB axle standard compatibility.
- Spindle-based, accurate, waterproof; adds only +40 g over the non-power version.
Rival XPLR Cassette
The beauty of gravel riding is venturing into the unknown. With a 10-46T range and tight gear steps on the 13-speed XG-1351, SRAM ensures you’ve always got the right gear, no matter what the road (or lack thereof) throws at you.
- XG‑1351 Cassette 10‑46T 13-speed with tight jumps;
- X‑Range is compatible with XDR bodies.
- Compatible with all Flattop chains.
- Nickel-chrome plating for quiet operation and added durability.
Looking for Pricing, Weights & Impressions?
- Check out a full list of SRAM Force AXS, Rival AXS, and all XPLR prices and weights here.
- If you’re looking for our impressions and a review of the Force AXS XLPR, you can find that here.
www.SRAM.com
