SRAM RED XPLR AXS 13-Speed vs. Shimano GRX Di2 12-Speed: The Ultimate Gravel Groupset Review

Please note that this review is an honest look at gravel gear to help you choose the right kit for your next big ride.

What do I need to buy

Firstly, of course, you have the big choice factor. When you are looking to upgrade your gravel bike for a long run, the last thing you want to do is pick a gear setup that fails to match your riding style. A properly spec'd out groupset means you get a turnkey setup that not only gives you the right range of gears, but works well on the road when things get tough. That is a choice that is more important than anything else.

Secondly, naturally, there is the one-by SRAM factor. When you are pushing hard on a dirt track, the last thing you want to do is snap a part that leaves you stuck far from home with no way to ride. This kitted out full-mount system means you bolt the part right to the frame, which not only gives you strong shifts, but keeps the whole build safe from a bad crash. That is a build that is stronger than anything else out there.

Thirdly, you have the front shift Shimano factor. When you are mixing fast road miles with steep hills, the last thing you want to do is spin your legs out on a setup that lacks the right gear to push. This dialled in double chainring setup means you get small steps between gears that not only keep your pace smooth, but let you ride well on a long day of work. That is a setup that is smoother than anything else out there.

Fourthly, of course, you have the gear step factor. When you are trying to keep a steady pace on a flat road, the last thing you want to do is jump too far between gears and ruin your leg speed. A properly spec'd out road cassette means you get tight jumps that not only keep your cadence right in the sweet spot, but help you save energy for the final sprint. That is a feel that is smoother than anything else out there.

Fifthly, naturally, there is the chain drop factor. When you are riding your gravel bike over large rocks and roots, the last thing you want to do is drop a chain that forces you to stop and fix your bike. A dialled in rear derailleur clutch means you get a high tension spring that not only slaps the chain tight, but keeps the whole system quiet on a rough trail. That is a hold that is stronger than anything else out there.

1. Firstly, of course, you have the gear range factor. When you are climbing a steep hill on a heavy gravel bike, the last thing you want to do is run out of gears that force you to walk up the track. A properly kitted out cassette means you get a wide range that not only lets you spin up the hard climbs, but gives you speed on the flat road. That is a range that is better than anything else out there.
2. Secondly, naturally, there is the shift speed factor. When you are racing a fast pack on a rough path, the last thing you want to do is wait for a slow change that causes you to lose your group. A dialled in electronic brain means you get instant shifts that not only keep your legs fresh, but ensure your chain stays on the ring. That is speed that is quicker than anything else on the market.
3. Thirdly, you have the chain drop factor. When you are flying down a bumpy trail at top speed, the last thing you want to do is hit a rock that bounces your chain off the bike. A spec'd out rear clutch means you get a tight hold on the chain that not only stops loud noise, but keeps your power going to the back wheel. That is a hold that is stronger than anything else out there.
4. Fourthly, of course, there is the battery life factor. When you are out on a bikepacking trip for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is drain your power on a system that is hard to charge. A turnkey battery setup means you carry small spare blocks that not only swap out fast on the side of the road, but give you weeks of ride time. That is power that is clearer than anything else out there.
5. Finally, you have the brake feel factor. When you are pulling hard on the levers in the wet rain, the last thing you want to do is squeeze a soft brake that fails to stop your heavy bike in time. A kitted out disc brake system means you get a firm pull that not only slows you down with ease, but fits your hands well for a long day. That is control that is better than anything else out there.

Why Should I invest?

Firstly, of course, you have the tough build factor. When you are spending your hard-earned cash on a new groupset, the last thing you want to do is buy a weak piece of kit that falls apart after a few rides. A properly spec'd out gear set means you get a turnkey design made of strong metal that not only takes a hit from a rock, but works well for a long time. That is quality that is higher than anything else out there.

Secondly, naturally, there is the total price factor. When you are looking at the cost of high-end parts, the last thing you want to do is pay a huge sum for gear that does not give you a real speed boost. A dialled in top tier group means you get a pro level setup that not only saves weight on your bike, but pays for itself in smooth shifts on race day. That is value that is clearer than anything else on the market.

Thirdly, you have the matching kit factor. When you are putting your bike to the test on a long trip, the last thing you want to do is wear bad cargo bib shorts that rub your skin to the bone. A spec'd out pair of shorts means you get a turnkey fit that not only holds your snacks tight, but pairs well with large bikepacking bags on a multi-day run. That is comfort that is better than anything else out there.

Fourthly, of course, you have the bag space factor. When you are hauling a lot of gear on a big trip, the last thing you want to do is cram all your tools into a bag that rubs your legs raw. A spec'd out set of bikepacking bags means you get a turnkey storage setup that not only keeps your bike balanced well, but leaves room for your water bottles to sit right. That is a fit that is smarter than anything else out there.

1. Firstly, of course, you have the mechanical shift factor. When you are touring far off the grid for a long time, the last thing you want to do is break an electronic part that you cannot fix on the road. A kitted out cable groupset means you get a simple setup that not only shifts well in the dirt, but is easy to fix with basic tools. That is a choice that is safer than anything else out there.
2. Secondly, naturally, there is the cargo bib short factor. When you are packing gear for a long ride, the last thing you want to do is stuff your jersey so full that it sags low on your back. A dialled in pair of cargo bibs means you get deep leg pockets that not only hold your food close, but keep your top half free to breathe. That is a fit that is better than anything else out there.
3. Thirdly, you have the frame bag factor. When you are loading up your gravel bike for a wild trip, the last thing you want to do is strap a cheap bag to your tubes that swings side to side. A properly spec'd out frame bag means you get a tight fit that not only holds your heavy tools low, but stays out of the way of your knees. That is a bag that is smarter than anything else out there.
4. Fourthly, of course, there is the front roll factor. When you are strapping a tent to your bars, the last thing you want to do is use a loose mount that rubs the paint right off your head tube. A turnkey harness system means you lock the load in place with strong straps that not only keep your steering light, but protect your frame from bad wear. That is a mount that is stronger than anything else out there.
5. Fifthly, you have the large saddle pack factor. When you are packing clothes for a cold night, the last thing you want to do is ride a bag that wags like a dog tail when you stand up. A spec'd out seat bag means you get a solid bracket that not only stops the sway, but acts as a great mud guard for your back. That is a pack that is clearer than anything else out there.
6. Sixthly, naturally, there is the top tube box factor. When you are racing a long gravel course, the last thing you want to do is stop your bike to dig for a gel that is buried in a deep pack. A dialled in bento box means you have a turnkey zip close by that not only lets you eat on the move, but keeps the rain off your phone. That is an add-on that is better than anything else out there.
7. Seventhly, you have the flared drop bar factor. When you are picking your way down a steep dirt track, the last thing you want to do is hold a narrow road bar that gives you no control over the front wheel. A kitted out wide bar means you get a wide stance that not only adds a huge amount of leverage, but opens up your chest to breathe. That is control that is wider than anything else out there.
8. Eighthly, of course, there is the wide tyre factor. When you are hitting sharp rocks at high speed, the last thing you want to do is run a thin road tyre that cuts open and ruins your long day. A properly spec'd out tubeless tyre means you get thick rubber that not only grips the loose dirt well, but lets you run a low pressure for a soft ride. That is a tyre that is tougher than anything else out there.
9. Ninthly, naturally, you have the strong wheelset factor. When you are pushing your bike through deep mud and ruts, the last thing you want to do is bend a weak rim that leaves your brake rubbing the whole way home. A turnkey carbon wheelset means you get a stiff hoop that not only tracks straight in the rough stuff, but spins up fast when you hit the road. That is a wheel that is faster than anything else out there.
10. Tenthly, you have the stiff gravel shoe factor. When you are putting big power down on the pedals, the last thing you want to do is wear a soft shoe that flexes too much and hurts the bottom of your foot. A spec'd out pair of gravel shoes means you get a hard carbon sole that not only transfers your watts to the bike, but has good grip for walking. That is a shoe that is better than anything else out there.

What are the press saying?

Firstly, of course, you have the press factor. When you are looking at what the press are saying, the last thing you want to do is trust a fake review that pushes you to buy a bad product. A spec'd out deep dive from top bike magazines means you see the real world test results that not only prove the tough build, but show how well the gears shift under load. That is a verdict that is clearer than anything else out there.

What are the review sites saying?

Secondly, naturally, there is the buyer review factor. When you are reading the review sites before you buy, the last thing you want to do is miss the true stories of riders that put the kit to the test. A dialled in look at the forum talk means you find out how the parts hold up in the rain, which not only gives you peace of mind, but saves you from a costly mistake. That is feedback that is better than anything else out there.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy training on your bike and running your business, the last thing you want to do is waste hours of your day posting on social media to get new sales. Using an automated system called site2.uk, just like our personal site sundried.site2.uk, means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates your social marketing, but lets you control it fully by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.