XPLR takes gravel cassette range to a new level, making 1x drivetrains even more effective. SRAM has driven the 10T small cassette cog system across their whole range of drivetrain systems to great effect and the XPLR line-up adds capability and versatility to the gravel world. The company originally developed their X-Range drivetrain concept to integrate the new shifting parameters of the 12-speed eTap AXS system, whether running a 1x12 or 2x12 set-up. Every piece, from the chainrings, chain, and cassette through the electronic precision of the AXS wireless shifting protocol and the required derailleurs have been set-up to fully optimize X-Range. The brains of eTap AXS identify the proper shift windows and gates based on gearing and set-up, the new Flattop chain was developed for the X-Range teeth profiles, all to make the most precise, perfectly timed and super smooth shift.

The 440% range of the XPLR XG-1251 cassette provides smooth gear progression when you’re sweating up gravel climbs, and tight jumps on the high end for when it’s time to drill it on asphalt. Shift features on each cog are optimized for electronic shifting, so you’ll get fast, smooth and precise shifts every time. The MINI CLUSTER™ construction used on the Force and Rival-level cassette reduces weight and increases durability, while keeping the unit, light, strong, and resilient to severe chainline stress- without breaking the bank. The unit is not just about light weight and strength, but about X-Range. The more gradual gear progression between the massive cog range, with five 2-tooth jumps makes for smoother, faster, more precise shifts. Of course X-Range does relies on a 10T small cog to best match the Force 1x/2x chainring offerings, which necessitates the need for a SRAM XDR driver for the rear hub. XDR was designed specifically for SRAM road/allroad 12-speed cassettes.

The XDR interface is 1.85mm longer than XD and is designed for road hub applications. XDR maintains the same hub spacing and flange locations used for 11-speed road compatible HyperGlide (Shimano standard) freehub bodies. XDR driver bodies are compatible with all mountain XD cassettes when the cassette is installed with a 1.85mm spacer behind it. Many hub and wheel systems offer XDR freehub body options as SRAM has licensed it to more than 80 wheel and hub manufacturers.

SRAM is offering the Force AXS XG-1251 12 Speed Cassette in one option at release, the 10-44T for XDR-equipped wheels.