Photos have appeared of the staff testing and utilizing the groupset on-line for the reason that winter. Mads Pedersen even posted a video on Instagram of testing it again in November final yr, which first alerted us to issues. Provided that Opening Weekend marks the beginning of the Classics, it’s not an excessive amount of of a shock that the staff at the moment are utilizing the gear.
The staff’s Trek Madone bikes have been fitted with 1x SRAM aero chain-rings on the entrance, which isn’t so uncommon lately, however on the rear the bikes have been fitted with SRAM Pink XPLR rear derailleurs and 13-speed 10-46T cassettes for a 1×13 setup.
Red XPLR is the gravel-specific variant of the Red AXS highway groupset. Each groupsets launched final yr after SRAM overhauled Pink and created the brand new XPLR groupset. Pink XPLR makes use of the identical shifters and brakes because the Pink groupset however a distinct proprietary direct mount derailleur and 13-speed cassette and crankset. Notably, the 13-speed cassette has the identical 12-speed spacing, which implies it may be used with a daily 12-speed SRAM Pink chain to minimise compatibility complications.
Pink XPLR makes use of a 13 velocity cassette and propiatary bigger derailleur (Picture credit score: Tom)
Why use a gravel groupset for highway racing?
There’s most likely a component of ‘as a result of we will’, and a certain quantity of ‘why not?’ It isn’t like Pink AXS is unfit for the cobbles. Nevertheless, there are a number of design options inside Pink XPLR that make it well-suited to the tough and tumble of the classics. The impacts, vibrations and terrain are, at instances, just like a gravel occasion, which is what Pink XPLR has been designed for. Enhancing effectivity over tough floor might present Pedersen, Stuyven and co. with a pleasant benefit.
The Pink XPLR derailleur is way bigger than the usual Pink rear mech. The battery masses horizontally, and the derailleur does not use any restrict or b-tension adjustment screws; you merely bolt it onto a motorbike body and no mechanical adjustment is required. You may watch our Instagram reel under of me displaying the setup process.
Pink AXS additionally makes use of a ‘full mount’ UDH body interface, which implies no rear derailleur hanger is required. The dropout eyelet within the body is sleeved, and the derailleur mount makes use of a single, bigger bolt. This could imply a extra strong unit and no snapped hangers within the classics.
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Pulley wheels are barely bigger at 14 and 16 tooth, and the decrease makes use of the SRAM ‘magic pulley wheel’ which implies it would maintain rotating if a bit of particles goes into it, probably a useful function for the minimize and thrust of the peloton.
Importantly, particularly for the cobbled races, the pulley arm’s clutch spring stress was uprated to help chain retention. It is actually agency, which ought to present a good benefit on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix particularly.
