SRAM RED E1 XPLR Road Bike Compatibility

SRAM RED E1 XPLR Road Bike Compatibility

The SRAM RED E1 XPLR groupset was designed primarily for gravel frames and gravel riding. This 1x groupset now comes with a 13-speed cassette for additional gear range, but without large tooth gaps between cogs. This makes it enticing for road riders who would prefer a 1x drivetrain with proper gear range for steep climbs and rolling terrain. Here we will discuss the SRAM RED E1 XPLR groupset and road bike compatibility.

The new SRAM RED E1 XPLR AXS Rear Derailleur uses a Full Mount design and is only compatible with the new SRAM RED E1 XPLR 13-Speed Cassette. Because this rear derailleur uses a Hangerless Interface, it requires frames to have a UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) interface. This removes the need for a derailleur hanger and makes setting up this derailleur exceptionally easy.

This groupset was launched with the SRAM RED E1 XPLR DUB Wide Crank Arms which feature a DUB Wide spindle to provide a 47.5 mm chainline. Because this groupset was designed around gravel bikes, it requires 415 mm or longer chainstays. Almost all gravel bikes will use chainstays longer than this to provide a stable platform for off-road riding. Road bikes on the other hand will use shorter chainstays to help improve handling. If you want to run the SRAM RED E1 XPLR groupset on a bike with shorter than 415 mm chainstays, you will need road crank arms that will provide a 45 mm chainline. While the SRAM RED E1 XPLR groupset was designed for gravel bikes, it can be run on a road bike with the proper crankset and UDH interface.