SRAM took a unique path with their gravel-oriented component selection. By further unleashing the freedom and power of eTap AXS electronic shifting and their experience with wide ranging, durable Eagle mountain drivetrains, the R&D team simply added wide crank and 1x chainring options in the Red, Force, and Rival groups, created a new cassette optimized for gravel gearing, then crafted an AXS Rear Derailleur for each group level that could handle the extra range and physical requirements from the fastest to most punishing gravel experiences available. The XPLR (read: explorer) line then just adds new overall capability without creating a dedicated group, so at all three price points, a similar set-up is available- plus the components are cross compatible. Unique and innovative- with a new way forward for component and system integration, as seen here through Force XPLR eTap AXS Rear Derailleur.

Chain retention and control is crucial with mountain and gravel oriented rear derailleurs and SRAM has brought their road Orbit patented and proven system that consists of a silicone fluid damper with a one-way valve that controls the rear derailleur cage’s counter-clockwise rotation. This prevents the lower derailleur pulley from moving forward when bumps in the road cause g-force spikes that pull the chain downward. The damped cage rotation keeps the drivetrain quiet and helps prevent the chain from derailing off the chainring.

The lightweight Orbit fluid damper is that it is speed sensitive, so the harsher the bump, the more resistance it applies to keep the chain under control. When the derailleur cage rotates counter-clockwise slowly, as it does during a downshift to an easier (larger) rear cog the damper offers so little resistance, it’s as if the damper isn’t there. This allows you to get the benefits of a mechanical friction-style clutch when you need it, without the excessive chain tension these clutch types provide when you don’t. It’s the best of both worlds. And it’s a maintenance-free design so you spend less time wrenching and more time riding.

The Force XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur is a dedicated 1x12-specific unit designed for use with the XPLR 10-44T cassette (and is compatible with the Force 10-36 as well). It makes for an uncluttered drivetrain that takes on pavement and singletrack with equal aplomb. Wireless and proven eTap shift logic, AXS connectivity and advanced chain management mean this derailleur does exactly what you want when you need it. The construction and material quality is all at the Force-level, which has been the best overall performance/value combination in the SRAM road line-up since it's release.