Got UDH? SRAM redesigns two more groupsets, Force and Rival XPLR that need a UDH frame fitting in order to attach SRAM’s Full Mount 1×13 derailleur.Â
As we saw in August last year, SRAM launched its top tier SRAM RED AXS XPLR groupset, which saw the introduction of a 1×13 transmission (or rather ‘Transmission), as well as a Full Mount rear derailleur that needs the frame to have a UDH mount in order to fit.
Now, SRAM has trickled down that technology to its Force and Rival groupsets. Both groups gain 13 speed, wireless AXS shifting over a 10-46 cassette, the same ergonomic shift/brake lever design as new RED and a generally nipped, tucked and slimmed down overall weight.Â
There is a caveat, though. Your frame does need to be compatible with SRAM’s UDH ‘standard’ first seen on mountain bikes, but now gaining prominence on road and gravel bikes – partly because any frame that doesn’t have UDH compatibility simply won’t be able to run SRAM’s top three gravel groupsets as they physically won’t fit.Â
SRAM does do a handy (and growing) chart of which bikes will work with these new XPLR groupsets. It’s promising that availability of these new components is almost immediate, so expect to see a raft of new bikes launching in the next few weeks (especially with Eurobike starting in ten days) as the big companies start shipping bikes to riders eager to enjoy a summer of gravel, or road, or groad.
One small detail that is bound to cause a stir, is a new colour option. No, not oilslick, that’s sooo post-Covid. Nope, it’s PURPLE! Yep, there’s a purple chain option for the XPLR Force groupset. Yes please!
So, with that, this rounds out SRAM’s gravel offering. (Oh, and yes, there also 2×12 Rival, Force and RED road groups, but that’s not what we’re about here…)
What do you reckon? Is UDH the onward march of progress? Or is SRAM trying to force everyone to upgrade frames if they want the latest stuff? You can still run ‘old style’ derailleurs on a UDH frame, after all, but it doesn’t work the other way. If you want to join in SRAM’s 1×13 movement, you’re going to have to make sure you’re on a more modern frame. Luckily the list of compatible frames is growing all the time. And if you’re not planning on upgrading soon, we imagine there’ll be a few used 1×12 XPLR groups around as riders upgrade.
Whilst I do not doubt the function of this stuff, the idea of that massive rear mech hanging off the back of a ‘road’ bike makes the part of my brain that deals with aesthetic principles hurt.
Can the left hand shifter activate a dropper like GRX does? Big omission if not.
@danp63 – Yes and no… SRAM would say yes, because the shifters (used together) can trigger an AXS Reverb wireless dropper, which is the only dropper post that SRAM care about you using. They come in 50mm and 75mm for gravel use.