Last year, SRAM redesigned its RED AXS and RED XPLR AXS drivetrains with all-new hoods that are more ergonomic and powerful and a grip of other enhancements to every component — yielding better braking, shifting and overall performance (read our review). Plus, RED XPLR went 13-speed and has been taking the gravel and road world by storm.
Heading into the 2026 model year (which starts now), SRAM has taken RED’s advanced technology and trickled it down to both Force and Rival in 2x and 1x XPLR versions for every type of drop bar bike and every type of rider. These updates offer a significant step forward in the drivetrain wars and further entrench SRAM as the leader in wireless road and gravel groupsets. SRAM’s AXS ecosystem is trusted at the highest levels and by the most demanding riders. But, most importantly, entry-level road and gravel bikes will now come with RED-level performance at a Rival price.
Those unfamiliar with how SRAM’s road groups operate — the guts and function remains the same from Rival to RED, with the only differences being added features and materials used. RED features more carbon and titanium, while Rival will use less expensive and heavier alloys throughout and Force sits in the middle. In a surprising move, even the Rival brake levers are carbon fiber (they have always been alloy). So, now even Rival truly feels identical to RED and will no longer have frigid levers on cold mornings.
2026 SRAM Force AXS & XPLR Key Features:
- Updated hoods with carbon levers and bonus buttons
- Lever reach adjustment
- Carbon fiber crankset
- Carbon/Aluminum derailleur cage
- Spider or spindle-based (left side) power meter options
- Auto-trim front derailleur
- Aero direct mount 1x options: 44T, 46T, 48T, 50T, 52T, 54T, 56T, 58T, 60T, 64T, 68T
- 1x direct mount chainring options: 38T, 40T, 42T, 44T, 46T
- 2x chainring options: 46/33T, 48/35T, 50/37T
- Cassette options: 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T, 10-36T
- XPLR cassette: 13s, 10-46T
- Weight: 2776g (2x with power meter)
- MSRP: $2842 (2x) and $2358 (XPLR)
2026 SRAM Rival AXS & XPLR Key Features:
- Updated hoods with carbon levers
- Lever reach adjustments
- Spindle-based left-side power meter only
- Aluminum crank arms
- 1x direct mount chainring options: 38T, 40T, 42T, 44T, 46T
- Cassette options: 10-30T, 10-36T
- XPLR cassette: 13s, 10-46T
- Weight: 2993g (2x with power meter)
- MSRP: $1929 (2x) and $1743 (XPLR)
Thanks to SRAM and Cannondale for product imagery.
