Shimano Goes To 12

On Tuesday Shimano unloaded the news on the cycling world that they were coming with all electronic 12 speed, semi-wireless road groups. They showcased the new Dura-Ace and Ultegra groups simultaneously, something that the big component company had not ever done before. Typically we had to wait another year after a Dura-Ace group was revealed to see the Ultegra version. Also, Shimano introduced a new Ultegra carbon wheel set, another unprecedented move on their part.

So what? Roadie, blah-blah-blah! All I care about is gravel travel anymore, right? Well, it is no secret that gravel componentry is highly derived from road bike ideas, and so this move by Shimano bears - in my opinion - more scrutiny. 

And scrutiny and speculation is what I gave it here on Riding Gravel. You can go read my thoughts about the whiz-bang, electronical wizardry over there. I will only speak to more of my personal take on things here in this post.

I will say up front that I am much more inclined to be a Shimano user than I would be a SRAM user on gravel. Shimano GRX just makes more sense to me, looks far better, and it plain works. SRAM works as well, but in my opinion it is clunky, slower, and SRAM is not known for their brakes, which I loathe as a mechanic. Plus they use DOT brake fluid. Yuck! I haven't been very fond of that stuff since my days of doing brakes on cars. 

Anyway.....

My take on the new stuff and 12 speed: I like that Shimano adds a gear not to increase the gearing range. This is all about efficiency for the rider and smaller increments between gears in the cassette are easier on the rider. This is in direct opposition to most of what SRAM markets in terms of gearing. SRAM is all about percent of range. Big deal! That huge four (and sometimes more) tooth jump in between the lower gears is not my cup of tea. Shimano packs in another gear to lessen jumps between gears. That's smarter for the rider. 

Shimano still believes in 2X and front derailleurs. Look.....bike riding is a skill. It requires one to think. If that is too bothersome, than 1X is all about you. Go for that. But when you set up a good 2X crank set gearing with a close ratio cassette, the result in performance and feel is unrivaled. 

NOTE: It must also be stated that SRAM probably doesn't want to develop a new front derailleur because Shimano has all the good ideas for that locked up under patents. So, I give SRAM a bit of a hall pass in light of that.

There is only one thing here that bugs me. Triple crank sets seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur. To make up for that, Shimano- and others - have a huge differential between crank ring sizes. On GRX it can be a 17T difference between the big ring and the inner ring. Egads! Talk about 'cadence shock'. You find yourself backing off or going forward on the cassette three gears every time you shift the front? No wonder people hate 2X! 

I personally love my CX non-series Shimano 11 speed crank set on my Black Mountain Cycles MCD. It is the 'traditional' 46/36 crank set gearing. It's perfect. You are in the big ring, let's say, and you hit a hill. Down shift once, twice on the cassette. The next shift is the front ring- down to the 36. It's perfect every time. Coming back down a hill, same thing, or very often I just pop into the big ring right away and start shifting the rear end accordingly. But what if I had that 17T differential up front? I'd be all over the place shifting both sides. 

And that is why I may never buy a GRX crank set. Not unless they tighten up that differential between the rings. And you are probably sitting there thinking- "Well, that's what 1X is for!", and I get why you think that. But the fact remains that 1X encourages terribly inefficient chain lines to accommodate a wide gear range which you do have with 2X, but only with this ridiculous chain ring differential which came about because of the fact that triples are dead. See? The lack of a triple crank has led us down this crazy road to ruin. 

1X has its place, for sure. Fat bikes, MTB's where full suspension designs supplant where a front derailleur could be mounted are a couple of good reasons for 1X. But where efficiency for the rider is paramount, (read- most cycling), the front derailleur is a critical piece of that drive train which can render the best results. Keep the chain as straight as possible! That's the goal. And SRAM doesn't seem all that interested- or capable for whatever reasons (See above) - to bring front derailleur shifting to gravel. 

Brakes.... uggh. I hate talking about SRAM brakes because of their years of 'fail' in terms of consistency and innovations. Shimano, on the other hand, is responsible for tangible advancements in braking technology. They are responsible for IceTech, Center Lock mounted rotors, brakes with bleeding procedures that aren't overly complicated, and now with the newest Dura-Ace and Ultegra, a new pad-to-rotor distance and lever throw that should promote quieter, drag-free brakes and more modulation with excellent power. SRAM is definitely off the back in terms of brakes for drop bars. 

So, I feel that there is a lot to look forward to with the new Dura-Ace/Ultegra advancements. Sure- Shimano could still screw things up with certain details. But we will have to wait and see what a new generation of GRX might be like. I'll be honest- if the new GRX is electronic only, that would be a big disappointment. Not that Di2 is bad, not at all, but it is very expensive. It is the cost I would regret to see, not how it works. Shimano is capable of outstanding performance from a mechanically shifted drive train, and I sure hope that they keep something mechanical for the gravel set when a new GRX comes out that will help keep costs down. 

With all of the disruptions caused by COVID and other influences on the market being negative, who knows when we could see a new GRX. It might be a few years, but I sure hope that is not the case. GRX came out in 2019, and by 2024, it would be pretty long in the tooth. I predict we will see something in a year, maybe less. But that is just a guess. 

Note: All images courtesy of Shimano North America.

Shimano Goes To 12

On Tuesday Shimano unloaded the news on the cycling world that they were coming with all electronic 12 speed, semi-wireless road groups. They showcased the new Dura-Ace and Ultegra groups simultaneously, something that the big component company had not ever done before. Typically we had to wait another year after a Dura-Ace group was revealed to see the Ultegra version. Also, Shimano introduced a new Ultegra carbon wheel set, another unprecedented move on their part.

So what? Roadie, blah-blah-blah! All I care about is gravel travel anymore, right? Well, it is no secret that gravel componentry is highly derived from road bike ideas, and so this move by Shimano bears - in my opinion - more scrutiny. 

And scrutiny and speculation is what I gave it here on Riding Gravel. You can go read my thoughts about the whiz-bang, electronical wizardry over there. I will only speak to more of my personal take on things here in this post.

I will say up front that I am much more inclined to be a Shimano user than I would be a SRAM user on gravel. Shimano GRX just makes more sense to me, looks far better, and it plain works. SRAM works as well, but in my opinion it is clunky, slower, and SRAM is not known for their brakes, which I loathe as a mechanic. Plus they use DOT brake fluid. Yuck! I haven't been very fond of that stuff since my days of doing brakes on cars. 

Anyway.....

My take on the new stuff and 12 speed: I like that Shimano adds a gear not to increase the gearing range. This is all about efficiency for the rider and smaller increments between gears in the cassette are easier on the rider. This is in direct opposition to most of what SRAM markets in terms of gearing. SRAM is all about percent of range. Big deal! That huge four (and sometimes more) tooth jump in between the lower gears is not my cup of tea. Shimano packs in another gear to lessen jumps between gears. That's smarter for the rider. 

Shimano still believes in 2X and front derailleurs. Look.....bike riding is a skill. It requires one to think. If that is too bothersome, than 1X is all about you. Go for that. But when you set up a good 2X crank set gearing with a close ratio cassette, the result in performance and feel is unrivaled. 

NOTE: It must also be stated that SRAM probably doesn't want to develop a new front derailleur because Shimano has all the good ideas for that locked up under patents. So, I give SRAM a bit of a hall pass in light of that.

There is only one thing here that bugs me. Triple crank sets seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur. To make up for that, Shimano- and others - have a huge differential between crank ring sizes. On GRX it can be a 17T difference between the big ring and the inner ring. Egads! Talk about 'cadence shock'. You find yourself backing off or going forward on the cassette three gears every time you shift the front? No wonder people hate 2X! 

I personally love my CX non-series Shimano 11 speed crank set on my Black Mountain Cycles MCD. It is the 'traditional' 46/36 crank set gearing. It's perfect. You are in the big ring, let's say, and you hit a hill. Down shift once, twice on the cassette. The next shift is the front ring- down to the 36. It's perfect every time. Coming back down a hill, same thing, or very often I just pop into the big ring right away and start shifting the rear end accordingly. But what if I had that 17T differential up front? I'd be all over the place shifting both sides. 

And that is why I may never buy a GRX crank set. Not unless they tighten up that differential between the rings. And you are probably sitting there thinking- "Well, that's what 1X is for!", and I get why you think that. But the fact remains that 1X encourages terribly inefficient chain lines to accommodate a wide gear range which you do have with 2X, but only with this ridiculous chain ring differential which came about because of the fact that triples are dead. See? The lack of a triple crank has led us down this crazy road to ruin. 

1X has its place, for sure. Fat bikes, MTB's where full suspension designs supplant where a front derailleur could be mounted are a couple of good reasons for 1X. But where efficiency for the rider is paramount, (read- most cycling), the front derailleur is a critical piece of that drive train which can render the best results. Keep the chain as straight as possible! That's the goal. And SRAM doesn't seem all that interested- or capable for whatever reasons (See above) - to bring front derailleur shifting to gravel. 

Brakes.... uggh. I hate talking about SRAM brakes because of their years of 'fail' in terms of consistency and innovations. Shimano, on the other hand, is responsible for tangible advancements in braking technology. They are responsible for IceTech, Center Lock mounted rotors, brakes with bleeding procedures that aren't overly complicated, and now with the newest Dura-Ace and Ultegra, a new pad-to-rotor distance and lever throw that should promote quieter, drag-free brakes and more modulation with excellent power. SRAM is definitely off the back in terms of brakes for drop bars. 

So, I feel that there is a lot to look forward to with the new Dura-Ace/Ultegra advancements. Sure- Shimano could still screw things up with certain details. But we will have to wait and see what a new generation of GRX might be like. I'll be honest- if the new GRX is electronic only, that would be a big disappointment. Not that Di2 is bad, not at all, but it is very expensive. It is the cost I would regret to see, not how it works. Shimano is capable of outstanding performance from a mechanically shifted drive train, and I sure hope that they keep something mechanical for the gravel set when a new GRX comes out that will help keep costs down. 

With all of the disruptions caused by COVID and other influences on the market being negative, who knows when we could see a new GRX. It might be a few years, but I sure hope that is not the case. GRX came out in 2019, and by 2024, it would be pretty long in the tooth. I predict we will see something in a year, maybe less. But that is just a guess. 

Note: All images courtesy of Shimano North America.

SRAM XPLR: Impressions And Commentary

SRAM XPLR eTAP AXS RIVAL

NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

ALSO- All imagery and information used in this post is courtesy of SRAM.

Yesterday the poorly kept secret that SRAM was coming out with a gravel group set to compete with Shimano's new GRX components was released and now we know all the details. There are probably 20 other sites breaking down the spec, prices, availability, and which are giving you "first impressions' and ride reviews now. So I will not be delving into that here. Well, not much. If tech spec and ride reviews are what you want, you ain't gettin' that here! But if you want some pithy opinions, stay tuned.........

What It Is: SRAM has delivered a drive train set up with gearing focused on what their folks think 'gravel riders' need based on their wireless eTAP AXS shifting technology and 1X designs. They also have developed a dropper post and suspension fork for gravel within the Rock Shox brand and also a wheel set and handle bar within their Zipp brand. All are under the "XPLR" (say 'explore') range, which, ironically, is fairly non-cross compatible with other SRAM components. More on that in a bit. 

SRAM XPLR RIVAL eTAP AXS REAR DERAILLEUR

It is notable that SRAM is using the same Red AXS, Force AXS, and Rival AXS levers that they already have out. Brakes for the XPLR equipped bike will also come from currently available SRAM disc road groups, although SRAM does say that the post mount "Line" calipers from the MTB side are compatible with SRAM drop bar hydraulic levers. 

Comments: I found it interesting that SRAM walked out all three levels of its road side components within the XPLR range at the same time. Of course, they already had the levers in the bag, so a big part of the puzzle was already in play. 

Secondly, and this is maybe just a weird reaction on my part, but within the fine print on SRAM's big press release on XPLR, the pricing on rear derailleurs notes that 'batteries are not included'. I actually laughed out loud when I read that. Obviously, some folks already are invested in AXS and really would not need more batteries, but at the asking price for these derailleurs, you'd think you'd get a battery. But that may be just me....I mean, the thing is useless without a battery, so.....

But beyond that nit, there is a really interesting thing going on here. XPLR rear derailleurs come in two types- One for the bigger 10-44T cassette and one that will work with a 10-36T cassette. These rear derailleurs are flat top chain compatible only, so no Eagle chain. In fact, SRAM claims that neither the rear derailleur nor the XPLR cassettes will work with anything but a flat top SRAM chain. Also- the 36T max rear derailleur will not be compatible with the 10-44T cassette, but the 44T max rear XPLR derailleurs will work on either cassette. 

You could run the 'mullet' set up, but only with an Eagle rear derailleur , chain, and cassette, so.....the only advantage is that you can run a bigger drive ring on the crank? I guess so. Oh! Yeah, and XPLR is 1X only! get yer filthy front derailleurs and double chain ring cranks away from here! 

SRAM XPLR RED CRANK

Speaking of cranks, there will be two nice ones and one average one. Red and Force have nicer arms and lighter weights but the Rival crank is pretty much your box-stock forging in aluminum. You can get direct mount rings for all three in 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46T sizes only. There will be a power meter chain ring set up available with a four bolt crank arm at some point. Also, the DUB spindle Rival power meter will be available for XPLR. So, it looks as though SRAM have covered the options well there. 

Interestingly, instead of offsetting rings, or crank arms, SRAM just made one spindle length to accommodate both MTB (73mm) and road (68) nominal widths on bottom brackets, (all weird sizes of BB's are pretty much based off those two old standards) It's called the "Wide" option, but there are standard road width cranks as well. Current eTap AXS road cranks are cross-compatible with a swap to a direct mount XPLR chain ring. Of course, everything uses the DUB spindle 

Now SRAM has decided it needed to have some shreddy MTB bits which, in my opinion, are not really necessary in a 'gravel' group set. But, whatever.... They did it and so here are my thoughts on the fork and dropper post.

I found it ironic that Rock Shox did not resurrect the "Ruby" model name, but they went with the similar sounding "Rudy" name instead. (Which reminds me of a great ska song by The Specials, by the way) Anyway.......The Rudy! Can it fail? Maybe.... (Another song reference!) Sorry! Okay.....seriously! 

 ROCK SHOX RUDY XPLR

 30-40mm of travel? Ahh..........yeah, about that. My experience on a 40mm FOX gravel suspension fork tells me that unless Rock Shox has some super-fast reacting damper technology, this is not what gravel riders need. Sharper hits at speed will devour 40mm of travel in a nanosecond. You aren't going to benefit from that little amount of travel and on top of that, you'll have suspension fork maintenance to deal with at some point. Higher frequency vibrations are the name of the game, not absorbing trail obstacles or.....what? I mean, a Redshift ShockStop stem will erase about 90% of anything you'd run across on back roads and gravel roads and it costs and weighs a LOT less than a Rudy. Yeah.....I just have a real hard time seeing the bennies versus the cost. 

Of course, it is a post mount brake caliper standard. It has rebound adjust, with a tiny little screw, and it has lock-out. (Not activated from the bar though) I will credit SRAM/Rock Shox in that some attempt was made to make the fork look a lot less "MTB" and more road-ish. Although, there is a nod to enduro with an accessory fender for the Rudy. I guess I just don't see how trying to push an all-road bike into doing MTB-ish stunts is going to be a good thing for most people. Get a real MTB for trail riding. That's my opinion anyway. But maybe all this MTB-ish leaning is really saying to the MTB designers that current 'long, low, slack' geometry is leaving those that want to go up, down, and all around at speed out of the equation. I think that is what is going on with that. 

ROCK SHOX XPLR REVERB CUTAWAY

Okay, now for the dropper! You may think that I would say similar things about the XPLR Reverb post that I would say about the Rudy. Well, you'd be mistaken. See, there I think that the dropper post is more than 'just an MTB thing'. I like the dropper idea. You can dump the saddle to get more aero on downhills and gain a ton of speed in the process. (See banned PRO roadie riding positions) You can drop the post to make getting on and off your bike a breeze. This is especially helpful when you have a load, like you might when bikepacking or commuting in a city. Yes, dropper posts can help on trails, but these bikes aren't MTB bikes. (Again- maybe we're missing the right MTB for most folks) So, I am all about dropper posts on 'gravel bikes'. 

But this Reverb is AXS (electronic) only and costs a fortune. (Plus, AXS MTB Reverb posts don't have a stellar reputation for reliability as it is.) So, I was a bit disappointed here. But, SRAM is all about wireless everything now, or so it would seem. Which leads me to....

SRAM XPLR vs Shimano GRX: I will limit my comments to features and options, since- obviously- I haven't ridden XPLR.....yet. Anyway, here's where XPLR falls short, in my opinion. First and foremost- There is no mechanically operated XPLR. This may seem like an oversight to some, or it may seem like an old school complaint from the elderly by others. But in my opinion, mechanically operated drive train components are less expensive to buy and maintain over time. For example- A Shimano GRX 600 rear derailleur costs a little over a hundred bucks. A Rival eTap AXS XPLR rear derailleur costs $255.00, and that is the least expensive XPLR rear derailleur, (and remember- it doesn't come with batteries!) 

ZIPP XPLR 101 Wheel

I figure that a whacked rear derailleur in a muddy gravel event is still going to be a fairly common occurrence going forward. That's just one example..... 

Next? Cross-compatibility is limited with XPLR. GRX is compatible with most all the road side of Shimano's line. To wit: I run Ultegra 11 speed levers with a GRX 800 rear derailleur and Ultegra front derailleur with a 11-36 SRAM cassette and a CX series crank with 36/46T rings with a Wippermann chain on my Black Mountain Cycles MCD. Try something like that with XPLR. Not happening if what SRAM says about XPLR is true. You buy into SRAM's proprietary chains, 1X only, two cassette options, and limited options in SRAM's components outside of XPLR. 

Third- A weird wheel set, (which isn't all that light or value packed) a dropper post actuated electronically, and a limited travel suspension fork don't really mean much to me as a non-pavement road rider. Thinking between paved riding and MTB, that space is a wide one, but I'm not sold on the suspension fork, any modern wheel set can be a 'gravel wheel set',  and while I like droppers, the high-end, electronic Reverb deal isn't very accessible.

Which kind of begs a question: Is SRAM's answer to GRX really a 'gravel group', or is it just a minor variation on a SRAM theme with limited options? Sure- you could argue that the wheels and a suspension fork, and a dropper post make a difference, (Which Shimano has most of as well, by the way) but again- these are also variations on a theme with proprietary bits that limit use across SRAM's range. 

Some might lay that question on Shimano as well, but they at least did a truly new lever, (Di2 GRX 800), added new features which could be useful (example- hydraulic "B" levers), and made mechanical and electronic groups, with 1X and 2X 10 and 11 speed options as well. The crank sets are different from anything else they make, which were made to accommodate gravel specific needs. Like SRAM, they have handle bars, wheels, and a dropper post, albeit things that aren't proprietary and super expensive. I guess what I see is one company with a wider and more varied palette of offerings versus a company with basically three electronic 1X only drive trains and the fork and dropper post. 

In the end, XPLR is intriguing. Compelling? Not really, but it is a curious entry into a market that typifies the every-man- the non-racer, adventure seeker, fun time having rider that wants to experience the outdoors and escape modern tethers. XPLR seems to speak to the techie, but at a price, and with some similarities to the tech/device world in the limitations that it places on the end user. (Batteries are included in most techie-device gadgets though, so not the same there) We'll see how it goes, but how SRAM has positioned itself in this market, for the time being, is a very interesting thing to see.

SRAM XPLR: Impressions And Commentary

SRAM XPLR eTAP AXS RIVAL

NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

ALSO- All imagery and information used in this post is courtesy of SRAM.

Yesterday the poorly kept secret that SRAM was coming out with a gravel group set to compete with Shimano's new GRX components was released and now we know all the details. There are probably 20 other sites breaking down the spec, prices, availability, and which are giving you "first impressions' and ride reviews now. So I will not be delving into that here. Well, not much. If tech spec and ride reviews are what you want, you ain't gettin' that here! But if you want some pithy opinions, stay tuned.........

What It Is: SRAM has delivered a drive train set up with gearing focused on what their folks think 'gravel riders' need based on their wireless eTAP AXS shifting technology and 1X designs. They also have developed a dropper post and suspension fork for gravel within the Rock Shox brand and also a wheel set and handle bar within their Zipp brand. All are under the "XPLR" (say 'explore') range, which, ironically, is fairly non-cross compatible with other SRAM components. More on that in a bit. 

SRAM XPLR RIVAL eTAP AXS REAR DERAILLEUR

It is notable that SRAM is using the same Red AXS, Force AXS, and Rival AXS levers that they already have out. Brakes for the XPLR equipped bike will also come from currently available SRAM disc road groups, although SRAM does say that the post mount "Line" calipers from the MTB side are compatible with SRAM drop bar hydraulic levers. 

Comments: I found it interesting that SRAM walked out all three levels of its road side components within the XPLR range at the same time. Of course, they already had the levers in the bag, so a big part of the puzzle was already in play. 

Secondly, and this is maybe just a weird reaction on my part, but within the fine print on SRAM's big press release on XPLR, the pricing on rear derailleurs notes that 'batteries are not included'. I actually laughed out loud when I read that. Obviously, some folks already are invested in AXS and really would not need more batteries, but at the asking price for these derailleurs, you'd think you'd get a battery. But that may be just me....I mean, the thing is useless without a battery, so.....

But beyond that nit, there is a really interesting thing going on here. XPLR rear derailleurs come in two types- One for the bigger 10-44T cassette and one that will work with a 10-36T cassette. These rear derailleurs are flat top chain compatible only, so no Eagle chain. In fact, SRAM claims that neither the rear derailleur nor the XPLR cassettes will work with anything but a flat top SRAM chain. Also- the 36T max rear derailleur will not be compatible with the 10-44T cassette, but the 44T max rear XPLR derailleurs will work on either cassette. 

You could run the 'mullet' set up, but only with an Eagle rear derailleur , chain, and cassette, so.....the only advantage is that you can run a bigger drive ring on the crank? I guess so. Oh! Yeah, and XPLR is 1X only! get yer filthy front derailleurs and double chain ring cranks away from here! 

SRAM XPLR RED CRANK

Speaking of cranks, there will be two nice ones and one average one. Red and Force have nicer arms and lighter weights but the Rival crank is pretty much your box-stock forging in aluminum. You can get direct mount rings for all three in 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46T sizes only. There will be a power meter chain ring set up available with a four bolt crank arm at some point. Also, the DUB spindle Rival power meter will be available for XPLR. So, it looks as though SRAM have covered the options well there. 

Interestingly, instead of offsetting rings, or crank arms, SRAM just made one spindle length to accommodate both MTB (73mm) and road (68) nominal widths on bottom brackets, (all weird sizes of BB's are pretty much based off those two old standards) It's called the "Wide" option, but there are standard road width cranks as well. Current eTap AXS road cranks are cross-compatible with a swap to a direct mount XPLR chain ring. Of course, everything uses the DUB spindle 

Now SRAM has decided it needed to have some shreddy MTB bits which, in my opinion, are not really necessary in a 'gravel' group set. But, whatever.... They did it and so here are my thoughts on the fork and dropper post.

I found it ironic that Rock Shox did not resurrect the "Ruby" model name, but they went with the similar sounding "Rudy" name instead. (Which reminds me of a great ska song by The Specials, by the way) Anyway.......The Rudy! Can it fail? Maybe.... (Another song reference!) Sorry! Okay.....seriously! 

 ROCK SHOX RUDY XPLR

 30-40mm of travel? Ahh..........yeah, about that. My experience on a 40mm FOX gravel suspension fork tells me that unless Rock Shox has some super-fast reacting damper technology, this is not what gravel riders need. Sharper hits at speed will devour 40mm of travel in a nanosecond. You aren't going to benefit from that little amount of travel and on top of that, you'll have suspension fork maintenance to deal with at some point. Higher frequency vibrations are the name of the game, not absorbing trail obstacles or.....what? I mean, a Redshift ShockStop stem will erase about 90% of anything you'd run across on back roads and gravel roads and it costs and weighs a LOT less than a Rudy. Yeah.....I just have a real hard time seeing the bennies versus the cost. 

Of course, it is a post mount brake caliper standard. It has rebound adjust, with a tiny little screw, and it has lock-out. (Not activated from the bar though) I will credit SRAM/Rock Shox in that some attempt was made to make the fork look a lot less "MTB" and more road-ish. Although, there is a nod to enduro with an accessory fender for the Rudy. I guess I just don't see how trying to push an all-road bike into doing MTB-ish stunts is going to be a good thing for most people. Get a real MTB for trail riding. That's my opinion anyway. But maybe all this MTB-ish leaning is really saying to the MTB designers that current 'long, low, slack' geometry is leaving those that want to go up, down, and all around at speed out of the equation. I think that is what is going on with that. 

ROCK SHOX XPLR REVERB CUTAWAY

Okay, now for the dropper! You may think that I would say similar things about the XPLR Reverb post that I would say about the Rudy. Well, you'd be mistaken. See, there I think that the dropper post is more than 'just an MTB thing'. I like the dropper idea. You can dump the saddle to get more aero on downhills and gain a ton of speed in the process. (See banned PRO roadie riding positions) You can drop the post to make getting on and off your bike a breeze. This is especially helpful when you have a load, like you might when bikepacking or commuting in a city. Yes, dropper posts can help on trails, but these bikes aren't MTB bikes. (Again- maybe we're missing the right MTB for most folks) So, I am all about dropper posts on 'gravel bikes'. 

But this Reverb is AXS (electronic) only and costs a fortune. (Plus, AXS MTB Reverb posts don't have a stellar reputation for reliability as it is.) So, I was a bit disappointed here. But, SRAM is all about wireless everything now, or so it would seem. Which leads me to....

SRAM XPLR vs Shimano GRX: I will limit my comments to features and options, since- obviously- I haven't ridden XPLR.....yet. Anyway, here's where XPLR falls short, in my opinion. First and foremost- There is no mechanically operated XPLR. This may seem like an oversight to some, or it may seem like an old school complaint from the elderly by others. But in my opinion, mechanically operated drive train components are less expensive to buy and maintain over time. For example- A Shimano GRX 600 rear derailleur costs a little over a hundred bucks. A Rival eTap AXS XPLR rear derailleur costs $255.00, and that is the least expensive XPLR rear derailleur, (and remember- it doesn't come with batteries!) 

ZIPP XPLR 101 Wheel

I figure that a whacked rear derailleur in a muddy gravel event is still going to be a fairly common occurrence going forward. That's just one example..... 

Next? Cross-compatibility is limited with XPLR. GRX is compatible with most all the road side of Shimano's line. To wit: I run Ultegra 11 speed levers with a GRX 800 rear derailleur and Ultegra front derailleur with a 11-36 SRAM cassette and a CX series crank with 36/46T rings with a Wippermann chain on my Black Mountain Cycles MCD. Try something like that with XPLR. Not happening if what SRAM says about XPLR is true. You buy into SRAM's proprietary chains, 1X only, two cassette options, and limited options in SRAM's components outside of XPLR. 

Third- A weird wheel set, (which isn't all that light or value packed) a dropper post actuated electronically, and a limited travel suspension fork don't really mean much to me as a non-pavement road rider. Thinking between paved riding and MTB, that space is a wide one, but I'm not sold on the suspension fork, any modern wheel set can be a 'gravel wheel set',  and while I like droppers, the high-end, electronic Reverb deal isn't very accessible.

Which kind of begs a question: Is SRAM's answer to GRX really a 'gravel group', or is it just a minor variation on a SRAM theme with limited options? Sure- you could argue that the wheels and a suspension fork, and a dropper post make a difference, (Which Shimano has most of as well, by the way) but again- these are also variations on a theme with proprietary bits that limit use across SRAM's range. 

Some might lay that question on Shimano as well, but they at least did a truly new lever, (Di2 GRX 800), added new features which could be useful (example- hydraulic "B" levers), and made mechanical and electronic groups, with 1X and 2X 10 and 11 speed options as well. The crank sets are different from anything else they make, which were made to accommodate gravel specific needs. Like SRAM, they have handle bars, wheels, and a dropper post, albeit things that aren't proprietary and super expensive. I guess what I see is one company with a wider and more varied palette of offerings versus a company with basically three electronic 1X only drive trains and the fork and dropper post. 

In the end, XPLR is intriguing. Compelling? Not really, but it is a curious entry into a market that typifies the every-man- the non-racer, adventure seeker, fun time having rider that wants to experience the outdoors and escape modern tethers. XPLR seems to speak to the techie, but at a price, and with some similarities to the tech/device world in the limitations that it places on the end user. (Batteries are included in most techie-device gadgets though, so not the same there) We'll see how it goes, but how SRAM has positioned itself in this market, for the time being, is a very interesting thing to see.

Long Term Shimano GRX Review

The GRX component group I received last Fall on the day of the unboxing.

The shocking news last May that Shimano had released a purpose-built, stand-alone group of drive train parts for gravel riding is now something not even questioned. Think about that. We accept it as 'no big deal' now. Of course there is a gravel road drive train gruppo. Why wouldn't there be one? 

The fact that GRX was adopted so quickly says that gravel/all-road/adventure cycling has walked into the spotlight and it isn't some fringe activity we Mid-Westerners do in our spare time. It's serious business now, and Shimano legitimized gravel bikes in one fell swoop with the introduction of GRX.

Since I am a co-owner of RidingGravel.com, I was afforded the unique privilege of being one of the first people to get to handle, install, and ride GRX components. The review for the site was wrapped up earlier this year. I've continued to ride the GRX stuff since and I thought I would write up a follow-up post to this one I wrote last Fall. Instaed of hashing over all the well worn paths again concerning GRX, I thought I would address, point-by-point, my post from last Fall to see how I feel about those things after more than half a year has gone by and hundreds of miles of gravel riding.

So, if you want to know details about weights, technical aspects, and whatnot, just follow those links I have above, which should satisfy your curiosity. I'm going to try to stay in focus here on my thoughts from last fall. Here we go!

• Shifting: I said it last Fall, and in speaking with someone just the other day about my GRX stuff, I basically said almost the same thing, word for word, more than 8 months later with no looking back at that post. I guess that means the GRX shifting really is that good! Now- I have had to tweak on the barrel adjuster a couple more times since last Fall, but really- is that unusual or surprising? The only way you are getting away from that is to upgrade to Di2. So, GRX is top-notch in the shifting department. 
• Brakes: I also said this last year, and it stands to this day. Best Brakes For Drop Bar Bikes. Period. So easy to actuate the brake and from the hoods, you can one-finger these to stop on a dime. They are that easy to modulate and apply. No noises either. Not a peep. Amazing brakes!
• Ergonomics: Hood shape and lever feel are still tops and what I said last year hasn't changed for me. I will only add one thing, If you prefer no-gloves, like me, and if you get really sweaty, the hoods get kinda slippery, and those ribs molded into the hoods don't help with grip very much. In fact, I have to wonder if the strips of raised rubber don't actually cause less grip when my hands are dripping with sweat. I might advocate for a smoother, perhaps slightly textured grip, or maybe an area based on the type of folds you see on some ODI lock on grips. Anyway, overall, this is my only serious let-down with GRX so far. If my hands are not dripping with sweat? I have zero issues. I didn't have the opportunity to experience this until this Summer, since I got on the GRX essentially on the cusp of Winter here. 
• Ride Performance: Again- everything I said still holds true with the exception of the aforementioned ergonomic issue. I will add that as a 1X group, I was prepared to not get on with that aspect of the drive train. However, with Shimano's closer ratio cassettes, and with their easier shifting, I am smitten with the 1X drive train now. It still is not my preference, I just don't dislike it anymore. The quick shifting is great, but I still feel when the chain is at the extreme angles and a 2X would allow me to put the chain in a more efficient chain angle and still give me my gear I prefer at the moment. But that maybe is just me.......
• GRX Wheels: When you think about Shimano, I don't think you will have "great wheels" come to your mind. Maybe I'm wrong, but if you are anything like me, Shimano wheels don't rank high against the competition. But, at a tick over $400.00 for the set, I have to say that the GRX wheels present a pretty great value. I have had zero issues with the set sent to me to test. Nothing. Tubeless performance has been excellent. Like I said last year, "In my opinion, these are wheels you just ride into the dirt, however long it takes, and you don't worry about them along the way." Nuff' said.

The GRX wheels and group here from the 4th of July ride I did recently.

Recently, Andy of Andy's Bike Shop got GRX stuff for his Twin Six Standard Rando v2 build and he absolutely loves the stuff. I know MG, who tested the Di2 stuff and the 2X mechanical 11 speed GRX loves it as well. There are a lot of newer bikes coming with GRX now, and a LOT of people are finding out how a purpose built group for the kind of cycling we do is worth its weight and trouble to get. Because GRX has been pretty hard to source unless you buy it on a new bike.

The Future: We mused on this during our latest recording of Episode #55 of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch recently, but I cannot imagine that the all-new GRX Di2 type lever won't be trickled down to the mechanical group. I imagine a 12 speed Di2 option with a 2X or 1X option on the crank set. I imagine this being introduced ahead of a Dura Ace offering because gravel/all-road is more important than road racing now. (Wouldn't THAT be a shocker) I imagine Di2 integration with a Shimano sourced or branded, or co-partnered GPS computer/navigation system. I imagine a GRX Di2 type dropper post option which would be run electronically. I imagine a higher end GRX wheel set (Carbon perhaps?)

However it goes, I know that with GRX we are looking at a new era in cycling. I'm still excited about it, and I still think Shimano is tops in this type of cycling. Will we see SRAM or even Campy rise to the challenge? Time will tell........

Disclaimer: I did not pay for the GRX bits and Shimano did not bribe me, nor pay me to write this up. In fact, they are not even aware I am doing this here. As far as I know anyway.

Long Term Shimano GRX Review

The GRX component group I received last Fall on the day of the unboxing.

The shocking news last May that Shimano had released a purpose-built, stand-alone group of drive train parts for gravel riding is now something not even questioned. Think about that. We accept it as 'no big deal' now. Of course there is a gravel road drive train gruppo. Why wouldn't there be one? 

The fact that GRX was adopted so quickly says that gravel/all-road/adventure cycling has walked into the spotlight and it isn't some fringe activity we Mid-Westerners do in our spare time. It's serious business now, and Shimano legitimized gravel bikes in one fell swoop with the introduction of GRX.

Since I am a co-owner of RidingGravel.com, I was afforded the unique privilege of being one of the first people to get to handle, install, and ride GRX components. The review for the site was wrapped up earlier this year. I've continued to ride the GRX stuff since and I thought I would write up a follow-up post to this one I wrote last Fall. Instaed of hashing over all the well worn paths again concerning GRX, I thought I would address, point-by-point, my post from last Fall to see how I feel about those things after more than half a year has gone by and hundreds of miles of gravel riding.

So, if you want to know details about weights, technical aspects, and whatnot, just follow those links I have above, which should satisfy your curiosity. I'm going to try to stay in focus here on my thoughts from last fall. Here we go!

• Shifting: I said it last Fall, and in speaking with someone just the other day about my GRX stuff, I basically said almost the same thing, word for word, more than 8 months later with no looking back at that post. I guess that means the GRX shifting really is that good! Now- I have had to tweak on the barrel adjuster a couple more times since last Fall, but really- is that unusual or surprising? The only way you are getting away from that is to upgrade to Di2. So, GRX is top-notch in the shifting department. 
• Brakes: I also said this last year, and it stands to this day. Best Brakes For Drop Bar Bikes. Period. So easy to actuate the brake and from the hoods, you can one-finger these to stop on a dime. They are that easy to modulate and apply. No noises either. Not a peep. Amazing brakes!
• Ergonomics: Hood shape and lever feel are still tops and what I said last year hasn't changed for me. I will only add one thing, If you prefer no-gloves, like me, and if you get really sweaty, the hoods get kinda slippery, and those ribs molded into the hoods don't help with grip very much. In fact, I have to wonder if the strips of raised rubber don't actually cause less grip when my hands are dripping with sweat. I might advocate for a smoother, perhaps slightly textured grip, or maybe an area based on the type of folds you see on some ODI lock on grips. Anyway, overall, this is my only serious let-down with GRX so far. If my hands are not dripping with sweat? I have zero issues. I didn't have the opportunity to experience this until this Summer, since I got on the GRX essentially on the cusp of Winter here. 
• Ride Performance: Again- everything I said still holds true with the exception of the aforementioned ergonomic issue. I will add that as a 1X group, I was prepared to not get on with that aspect of the drive train. However, with Shimano's closer ratio cassettes, and with their easier shifting, I am smitten with the 1X drive train now. It still is not my preference, I just don't dislike it anymore. The quick shifting is great, but I still feel when the chain is at the extreme angles and a 2X would allow me to put the chain in a more efficient chain angle and still give me my gear I prefer at the moment. But that maybe is just me.......
• GRX Wheels: When you think about Shimano, I don't think you will have "great wheels" come to your mind. Maybe I'm wrong, but if you are anything like me, Shimano wheels don't rank high against the competition. But, at a tick over $400.00 for the set, I have to say that the GRX wheels present a pretty great value. I have had zero issues with the set sent to me to test. Nothing. Tubeless performance has been excellent. Like I said last year, "In my opinion, these are wheels you just ride into the dirt, however long it takes, and you don't worry about them along the way." Nuff' said.

The GRX wheels and group here from the 4th of July ride I did recently.

Recently, Andy of Andy's Bike Shop got GRX stuff for his Twin Six Standard Rando v2 build and he absolutely loves the stuff. I know MG, who tested the Di2 stuff and the 2X mechanical 11 speed GRX loves it as well. There are a lot of newer bikes coming with GRX now, and a LOT of people are finding out how a purpose built group for the kind of cycling we do is worth its weight and trouble to get. Because GRX has been pretty hard to source unless you buy it on a new bike.

The Future: We mused on this during our latest recording of Episode #55 of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch recently, but I cannot imagine that the all-new GRX Di2 type lever won't be trickled down to the mechanical group. I imagine a 12 speed Di2 option with a 2X or 1X option on the crank set. I imagine this being introduced ahead of a Dura Ace offering because gravel/all-road is more important than road racing now. (Wouldn't THAT be a shocker) I imagine Di2 integration with a Shimano sourced or branded, or co-partnered GPS computer/navigation system. I imagine a GRX Di2 type dropper post option which would be run electronically. I imagine a higher end GRX wheel set (Carbon perhaps?)

However it goes, I know that with GRX we are looking at a new era in cycling. I'm still excited about it, and I still think Shimano is tops in this type of cycling. Will we see SRAM or even Campy rise to the challenge? Time will tell........

Disclaimer: I did not pay for the GRX bits and Shimano did not bribe me, nor pay me to write this up. In fact, they are not even aware I am doing this here. As far as I know anyway.