SRAM's XPLR AXS PG-1231 12-Speed Cassette is the Apex-tier entry into the XPLR gravel ecosystem, and the reason it exists at this price point comes down to one detail: it fits a standard 11-speed HG driver body instead of an XDR. The 11-44T range still gives you the same 400% spread as the Rival and Red XPLR cassettes, at a listed weight of 425 grams . If you're building an Apex XPLR AXS drivetrain onto an existing gravel wheelset — or you want a second wheelset without swapping freehub bodies — this is the cassette that makes it happen.

The cog progression runs 11-12-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-38-44 , which keeps single-tooth jumps at the high-speed end where cadence matters most and opens the gaps up as you climb into the 32-38-44 range. That's the XPLR philosophy — tight where you spend time cruising, wide where you need bailout gearing on steep dirt pitches. Paired with a 40T or 42T chainring up front, the 44T large cog gets you low enough for most loaded gravel or steep punchy climbs.

Compatibility is where the PG-1231 differs from the rest of the XPLR lineup. It runs on a standard 11-speed HG driver body, uses SRAM's PG (pinned and riveted) construction, and works with both Road Flattop D1 and Flattop E1 chains . It's built for XPLR 1x rear derailleurs — the Apex XPLR AXS, Rival XPLR AXS, or Force XPLR AXS mechs will all handle the 44T large cog and the 12-speed cable pull. Do not run this with a mountain Eagle AXS derailleur; the pull ratios don't match.... Read More