SRAM 2026: New 12 & 13-Speed Force and Rival AXS Groupsets for Road and Gravel
SRAM 2026: New 12 & 13-Speed Force and Rival AXS Groupsets for Road and Gravel
The cycling world is always evolving, with major component manufacturers constantly introducing new solutions. In this context, SRAM is launching its new Force AXS and Rival AXS groupsets, available for both road and gravel bikes (XPLR line). These updates aim to offer advanced technologies and high performance to a broader audience.
Overview of the New SRAM Groupsets
The new Force and Rival AXS groupsets inherit many of the technical features and riding sensations of the high-end SRAM RED components, but with a more accessible price point. The goal is to provide top-tier shifting, braking, and wireless functionality without the typical cost of flagship products.
Two Speed Options: 12 or 13
The groupsets are offered in two main configurations to suit different needs:
The 12-speed Force AXS and Rival AXS groups are designed for road use. They utilize a standard derailleur hanger attachment, compatible with traditional dropouts on most frames.
The 13-speed SRAM Force XPLR AXS and Rival XPLR AXS groups are dedicated to gravel. These leverage the "Full Mount" interface, which requires frames with UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatibility for a more direct and robust rear derailleur mounting.
It's worth noting that, regardless of the number of speeds (12 or 13), all these new groupsets use the same chain.
Details of the Updated SRAM Force AXS Groupset
The SRAM Force groupset has been completely reinvented, incorporating many of the improvements seen in the RED groupset.
Force AXS HRD Shift-Brake System
The new Force shifters offer ergonomics and braking power very similar to the RED groupset. The brake calipers have been stiffened, and the redesigned levers include extra buttons for immediate control. Riders can easily brake with just one finger, whether gripping the handlebars from the tops or the drops, thanks to surfaces that enhance grip. This new lever shape was developed based on years of rider feedback.
Key features:
One-finger braking from both hoods and drops.
Revised lever shape and improved grip surfaces.
Carbon levers for reduced weight; additional buttons with ANT+ control.
Bleeding Edge technology for simplified maintenance.
New Force AXS Front Derailleur
The Force AXS front derailleur has undergone a complete overhaul, similar to the previous RED. It operates silently, ensuring precise and fast shifts with every lever actuation. A slimmer cage promotes smooth shifting even under load, and SRAM's Yaw technology with auto-trim ensures optimal chain alignment.
Key features:
Narrower cage and SRAM Yaw technology with auto-trim for fast, quiet shifts.
Compatible with standard 2x chainring combinations.
Wireless AXS setup.
New Force AXS Rear Derailleur
The new rear derailleur is lighter (by 12g), faster in shifting, and more versatile. It accommodates a wide range of cassettes, from the more compact 10-28T to the wider 10-36T. Larger pulleys and a revised cage contribute to improved efficiency and chain stability.
Key features:
12g lighter, with a new cage and larger X-SYNC pulleys.
Compatible with 10-28T to 10-36T cassettes.
Works with 1x or 2x drivetrains.
Force AXS Crankset and Power Meter
SRAM has brought the power meter accuracy of the RED groupset down to the Force level, with an updated modular design. Thread-on chainrings simplify maintenance and gear swaps. The Force crankset is available with 46/33T, 48/35T, or 50/37T chainring combinations and features lightweight, one-piece carbon crankarms.
Key features:
Carbon crankarms with 46/33, 48/35, or 50/37T options.
Chainring-integrated Quarq power meter, with ±1.5% accuracy.
Climate-stable readings and L/R balance.
Compatible with DUB bottom brackets and direct-mount 1x options.
Force AXS Cassette and Chain
Riders can customize their drivetrain with 12-speed cassettes ranging from 10-28T to 10-36T, combining them with X-Range chainrings for precise cadence control.
XG-1270 Cassette (key features):
12-speed, 10-28T to 10-36T options.
Full-pin construction with nickel-chrome plating.
Updated Force Chain (key features):
Flattop design, hard-chrome inner links.
Compatible with both 12-speed road and 13-speed XPLR.
Updated Paceline Rotors
Key features:
Lighter aluminum carrier.
Quiet, ventilated design optimized for road use.
Shared with the Rival groupset.
Rival AXS Groupset Update
The new 12-speed Rival AXS groupset makes high-tier technology more accessible. This group reduces weight compared to its predecessor, while delivering the same crisp braking and wireless shifting as the updated RED and Force groupsets. The updated Rival groups now also include an integrated power meter and full AXS connectivity.
Rival AXS Levers
Ergonomic improvements include higher brake lever pivots, an expanded Reach Adjust range, and an anti-pinch shape. One-finger braking is now effortless.
Key features:
One-finger braking with significantly less effort than the previous Rival.
Expanded Reach Adjust for a wider range of hand sizes.
Rival Front Derailleur
The front derailleur utilizes SRAM Yaw technology with auto-trim for clean, fast, and silent shifts.
Key features:
SRAM Yaw + auto-trim for dependable front shifts.
Rival Rear Derailleur
Offers 12-speed wireless shifting, innovative chain management, and compatibility with 10-28T to 10-36T cassettes.
Key features:
Precise wireless shifting.
Wide cassette range compatibility.
Rival Crankset and Power Meter
Features forged aluminum crankarms, X-Range chainrings, and an optional spindle-based DUB power meter with ±1.5% accuracy.
Key features:
Lightweight crankarms with 46/33 or 48/35 chainring options.
DUB spindle-based power meter.
One-piece chainring construction for smooth shifting.
Rival Chain
Flattop, hard-chrome, 12-speed, and 13-speed XPLR ready.
SRAM Force & Rival XPLR (Gravel)
SRAM is now introducing the Force and Rival XPLR groupsets, both featuring 13 speeds and a robust SRAM Transmission-style derailleur, but at more accessible Force and Rival price points. This translates to "Full Mount" gravel resilience, now available to a wider audience. The aim is to eliminate issues like bent hangers, offering fast and precise shifting specifically designed for gravel riding.
Force XPLR Rear Derailleur
The 1x-specific Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur provides excellent chain management. Its straight parallelogram design is engineered to prevent interference from debris or harsh conditions. It's very similar to the RED XPLR derailleur, even in terms of weight.
Key features:
1x-only, full-mount, hanger-less, durable, and rebuildable.
Designed for 10-46T 13-speed cassettes and challenging gravel terrain.
Force XPLR Power Meter / Force XPLR Crankset
The Force XPLR AXS power meter is housed within the DUB spindle. The carbon crankset boasts a unique shape, blending the aesthetics of the SRAM XO MTB crankset and the RED XPLR.
Key features:
Spindle-mounted DUB power meter, with 400+ hour battery life, water-resistant, and lightweight.
Gravel-tuned 1x crankarms with aero chainring options; power meter compatible.
Force XPLR Cassette
The 13-speed 10-46T Force XPLR cassette aims for an ideal balance in gravel gearing. With a 460% range and tight gear jumps, it provides consistent cadence and quick shifting, making it suitable for unpredictable terrain.
XG-1371 Cassette (key features):
13-speed, 10-46T with tight jumps.
460% range for gravel climbs.
Rival XPLR
Utilizing a Full-Mount interface, the Rival XPLR AXS rear derailleur is designed to ensure consistent shifting without the need for adjustment screws.
Rival XPLR Rear Derailleur
A robust 13-speed full-mount derailleur, designed to handle mud and the rigors of drop-bar riding.
Rival XPLR Crankset / Rival XPLR Power Meter
SRAM has reduced weight from the aluminum crankarms without compromising power measurement. The precise, spindle-based power unit is housed inside the strikingly redesigned crankarms. The latest direct-mount chainrings are both lightweight and stiff, offering high performance and a sleek appearance.
Key features:
Sturdy gravel-specific aluminum crankarms with 38-46T options.
Wide chainline and MTB axle standard compatibility.
Spindle-based, accurate, waterproof; adds only +40g over the non-power version.
Rival XPLR Cassette
With a 10-46T range and tight gear steps on the 13-speed XG-1351 cassette, SRAM aims to ensure riders always have the right gear, no matter what the terrain throws at them.
XG-1351 Cassette (key features):
10-46T 13-speed with tight jumps.
X-Range compatible with XDR freehub bodies.
Compatible with all Flattop chains.
Nickel-chrome plating for quiet operation and added durability.
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