The 4 Jours de Dunkerque have allowed Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to continue their winning run in 2024 and that continues. Sam Bennett has won stage 3 in a bunch sprint, extending his race lead.A flat day, it didn't encourage many to try and get to the breakaway of the day. Only two riders did in f...

CyclistComplete guide to SRAM road and gravel groupsetsOne of the two largest component makers, SRAM makes a huge range of parts for road bikes and gravel bikes. Component brands organise their ranges into groupsets at different price points.The term groupset covers all the bits on a bike related to gears and brakes. These include the drivetrain (derailleurs, chain, cassette, crankset, bottom bracket), combined shift and brake levers, and the brakes themselves. Generally, all of these parts on a bike will come from a single groupset, although theres usually some scope to mix and match components to suit a particular bike build or budget.Theres a hierarchy of groupsets with affordable, basic components at the bottom, and expensive ultra-light, high-performance components at the top. At the premium end of SRAMs range, youll find the SRAM Red AXS groupset. Featuring a 12-speed cassette and wireless electronic shifting, its what you see in use at races like the Tour de France.By comparison, at the entry-level youll find the 10-speed Apex, which allows only for mechanical gear changes. Whats the difference between groupsets?Higher-end groupsets will tend to have more gears, offer lower weight and potentially provide you with more features. There may be additional components only available in premium groupsets, including larger chainrings, time-trial shifters and brakes and power meters. At the same time, many groupsets share technology, so critical areas like braking power are often standardised across multiple tiers.Below youll find a brief explanation of each of SRAMs major road and gravel bike groupsets, along with a list of their key features and variants. Weve included retail pricing for the sake of completeness, but treat these as a guide only it often has little bearing on how much groupsets really cost.A note on AXS and XPLRThe designation AXS denotes SRAMs wireless electronic shifting technology (the first generation of wireless groupsets were simply eTap). Although SRAM has dropped the eTap part of the name in its latest AXS groupsets, it still uses the eTap part in some names for now.The XPLR tag distinguishes versions of SRAMs groupsets specifically adapted for gravel riding. Using the same brakes and shifters, these can accommodate incredibly wide 10-44t cassettes for off-road use and employ single chainring cranksets.SRAM wireless road components can also be combined with Eagle AXS mountain bike components in what SRAM calls a mullet configuration. This opens up the possibility of running a mountain bike rear derailleur and a huge 10-50t or 10-52t cassette with road levers and cranksets.SRAM groupsetsSRAM AXS wireless groupsetsSRAM Red AXSSRAM Force AXSSRAM Rival eTap AXSSRAM Apex AXSSRAM mechanical groupsetsSRAM Apex 12-speedSRAM Force 1SRAM Rival 1SRAM Apex 1 Related Posts SRAM Red AXS groupset review 2024 Hammerhead Karoo 3 has new internals and over 15 hours battery life Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know Shimano Dura-Ace vs SRAM Red AXS Complete guide to Campagnolo road and gravel bike groupsets Shimano groupsets for road and gravel cycling compared SRAM road and gravel groupsets comparedSRAM Red AXSLizzie Crabb1,099 (RRP 2,423) | View offerCyclists verdict: Other groupsets might now boast wireless electronic shifting and 12-sprockets, but this supremely smooth option still manages a few fresh tricks.Already long-since wireless and electronic, SRAMs Red AXS groupset features a tiny 10-tooth sprocket on the cassette rather than the more common 11-tooth, allowing for correspondingly smaller chainrings. This means non-traditional ratios SRAM calls its system X-Range but there are choices to cover all tastes and it works really well.Where road groupsets previously came typically with 53/39, 52/36 and 50/34 crank options, SRAMs X-Range equivalents are 50/37, 48/35 and 46/33, with a 43/30 option for gravel purposes.Unlike Shimano, rather than connect its electronic derailleurs to a separate central battery using wires, SRAM simply clips a battery to the back of each unit. The derailleurs communicate wirelessly with the shifters, and the whole arrangement makes for very easy set-up and great aesthetics.Next, gearing. Fitting within the same space as a standard cassette, Reds 12-speed cassette needs a SRAM-specific XDR freehub. However, on the plus side, this allows the 12-speed cassette to start with that tiny 10t cog. The result: a vast potential spread of gears but with relatively small jumps.Lizzie CrabbShifting is smoother than previous versions despite the diminished size of the sprockets and chainrings.At the same time, chain security is enhanced via the addition of a hydraulic damper to the rear derailleur. Reducing chain bounce over bumpy ground, front shifting feels improved too, with the 2024 update featuring a new derailleur cage design.Less headline-grabbing details are also finessed. These include the ability to adjust the shifters for reach. Great for riders with small hands, ergonomics have also been improved with a new lever design which offers more brake leverage for a lighter touch. Theres also now a Bonus Button on the hoods, which can be programmed to operate a cycling computer.Reds updated styling is also a big draw, with the flat-top chain being perhaps the most striking element of the whole ensemble. The double chainrings are machined as one piece, rather than having separate rings on a spider. The Red cassette is machined from a single piece of steel as well and, like the chain, is optionally available in an iridescent finish.Lastly, the AXS app is easy to use and allows the rider to set up the shifting precisely as they desire, while also checking battery status or updating firmware. You can do the same in the Hammerhead Karoo cycling computer. As a premium groupset, theres the option to add an integrated Quarq power meter to the carbon-armed crankset.All in, its a very attractive package. Plus, with weight on par with its rivals, theres very little reason not to opt for SRAMs Red eTap AXS groupset if your budget allows.RRP:4,090 / $4,090 / 4,570 (2 disc brake groupset with power meter)Cassette: 12-speedWidest cassette: 10-36t 2x, 10-42 1xShifting: Wireless electronic onlyBrakes: Hydraulic disc XPLR gravel option: YesRead our full SRAM Red AXS groupset reviewRead more: Shimano Dura-Ace vs. SRAM Red AXS SRAM Force AXSLizzie Crabb1,441.99 (RRP 1,579) | View offerCyclists verdict: All the best bits of Red at a more digestible price. Splendid shifting and with multiple gearing options too.SRAM echoes Shimano by furnishing its second-tier groupset with almost exactly the same features as its poshest option, yet at a much-reduced cost. This means you get the same wireless electronic shifting, the same 12-speed gearing range, and the same easy configuration via the AXS phone app.Again youll need to swap your freehub to an XDR standard one if you want to use this groupset. However, doing so means youll be unlocking a range of ratios that includes a sub 1:1 option for effortless climbing.Really, its hard to pick out differences. Theres the same Orbit hydraulic damper system, which aids retention of the 12-speed flat-top chain and reduces chain slap. Theres also the same option to play around with a 1 drivetrain setup or to go adventuring by swapping in an XPLR gravel derailleur and cassette.Tweakers and time-triallists will also find a full range of remote shifters to dot around their handlebars should they so wish, while theres an optional Quarq power meter version of the crankset.Lizzie CrabbSo, where does Force diverge? As SRAM itself says, generally speaking, Force uses less expensive materials and manufacturing processes. Some chainring options are available only at the Red level. However, both groups internal technologies are the same, so performance on the bike will be indistinguishable.This difference in the materials used is noticeable in the crankset whose arms swap from carbon to aluminium. Its the most conspicuous of a few slight changes that add about 300g to the groupset versus its costlier sibling. However, unless youre preposterously flush, we think Force is still by far the better value option.RRP: 2,228 / $2,640 / 2,515 (2 disc brake groupset without BB)Cassette: 12-speedWidest cassette: 10-33t (standard), 10-36t (with Force Max 36T rear derailleur option)Shifting: Electronic onlyBrakes: Hydraulic discXPLR gravel option: YesRead our full SRAM Force AXS groupset reviewSRAM Rival eTap AXS1,349 (RRP 1,351) | View offerCyclists verdict: Raising the bar for mid-tier groupsets, SRAM Rival eTap AXS has all the features you want with only marginally increased weight.Daring in introducing new technology, the Rival eTap AXS groupset brings AXS tech to SRAMs third-tier groupset. This sees riders benefit from trickle-down technology, including wireless shifting, a 12-speed cassette, plus app-based customisation and diagnostics. Possessing the same headline features as its two posher relatives, youll need the same XDR driver body on your rear hub, and youre good to go.So how does Rival manage this? Predominantly by changing the materials the groupset is created from while also ditching some of the more specialist functionality. However, while this process of slight downgrading is barely noticeable between Red and Force, by the time you hit Rival, its more apparent.For example, the crankset is now solid aluminium rather than the hollow metal or carbon construction seen on SRAMs upper tiers. You still get the option for a power meter, but its integration is different, and itll measure left-side output only. Stopping your chain flapping, the rear derailleur features a clutch; yet rather than being a sophisticated fluid damper, Rival uses a more cost-effective mechanically sprung version.As Rival is less likely to be specced on specialist bikes, you also lose out on the expansion ports for wired satellite shift controls. Its not a feature many will miss and you can still use up to three sets of wireless Blips satellite shifters.The levers have shrunk, so theyre now more likely to be more universally comfortable and you can still adjust the lever reach, although not the brakes bite point.Still, all the elements that provide real benefit to the rider remain present; its just that weight is now more noticeably increased. Meaning the complete disc groupset will add around 3 kg to your bikes weight, this is nevertheless still only around a 400g increase over what youd suffer if you opted for Force.RRP:1,268 / $1,370 / 1,411 (2 disc brake groupset without BB)Cassette: 12-speedWidest cassette: 10-36tShifting: Electronic onlyBrakes: Hydraulic discXPLR gravel option: YesRead our full SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset reviewSRAM Apex AXSSRAMCyclists verdict: Offering electronic shifting and really wide ratios at a new low price point, Apex AXS is likely to shake up the groupset market, particularly for gravel bikes.SRAMs fourth-tier electronic wireless groupset is single-ring only. Although its heavily targeted at gravel bikes, SRAM looks to be taking a tilt at single-ring for road bikes and urban hybrid use as well.Apex AXS offers XPLR gearing, with a wide range 10-44t cassette, but it will also work with a narrower 10-36t cassette and theres an 11-44t option that fits on a standard 11-speed freehub rather than needing an XDR freehub body.SRAMPlus, theres an Eagle version of Apex AXS. This offers 10-50t and 10-52t cassettes on an XDR freehub or an 11-50t option that fits an 11-speed freehub. It needs a specific Eagle chain rather than the Flattop chain used by the other AXS groupset options.Functionally, Apex AXS has the same shifting logic as other AXS components and can also be fine-tuned with the AXS app. As with Rival AXS, some of the flashier features of the higher tier AXS groupsets have been omitted but it still does all that the majority of riders might need. Theres even a single-sided power meter option, as with Rival AXS.As youd expect, it uses heavier materials than the higher priced groupsets, with the claimed weight for a full groupset 2,976g or 3,267g for the Eagle AXS version. RRP: 1262 / $1195 / 1411 (1 XPLR disc brake groupset without BB)Cassette: 12-speedWidest cassette: 10-44t (XPLR), 10-52t (Eagle)Shifting: Wireless electronicBrakes: Hydraulic discXPLR gravel option: YesRead our full SRAM Apex 12-speed groupset explainerRRP 1,119 Buy now from Certini (899)SRAM Apex 12-speed mechanicalSRAMCyclists verdict: SRAM shows that mechanical shifting still has legs with its Apex 12-speed groupset, although the small price differential to electronic Apex AXS is likely to persuade many riders to opt for the latter.Not content with adding a new electronic tier to its groupset options, at the same time SRAM launched 12-speed mechanical Apex. As with Apex AXS, its a single ring-only groupset and it also has the same XPLR and Eagle configurations available. Apex XPLR mechanical has the 10-44t and 11-44t cassettes available, although it doesnt work with the 10-36t cassette.SRAMApex Eagle mechanical, like the electronic option, needs an Eagle 12-speed MTB chain and it offers the same wide-range cassettes. Mechanical Apex is actually a little lighter than Apex AXS at 2,872g for the XPLR version and 3,062g for Eagle. Theres not a huge price difference from the electronic variants though, which might encourage riders to pick the latter for their increased versatility and potentially easier maintenance.RRP: 1035 / $971 / 1149(1 XPLR disc brake groupset without BB)Cassette: 12-speedWidest cassette: 10-44t (XPLR), 10-52t (Eagle)Shifting: MechanicalBrakes: Hydraulic discXPLR gravel option: YesRead our full SRAM Apex 12-speed groupset explainerRRP 1,026 Buy now from Merlin Cycles (599)SRAM Force749 (RRP 1,395) | View offerCyclists Verdict: Tech-wise, the mechanical Force groupset has been overtaken. Still, its light and works well enough, plus the single-chainring version is worth a look.With Red now electronic-only, Force becomes the most advanced mechanical groupset SRAM will sell you, and its one that hasnt changed fundamentally since it launched way back in 2013, an age in bike tech terms.An 11-speed groupset, Force is available in both single (1) and double (2) chainring and configurations. With one less sprocket than its electronic siblings, it uses a standard 11-speed freehub body. However, while this suggests its likely to be compatible with more bikes, it does mean you miss out on the smaller 10t sprocket and similarly shrunken chainrings of SRAMs newer groupsets.Nonetheless, before you write it off as completely outdated, its worth considering Forces many upsides. For one, you can often pick it up at a reduced price. Its also very light. While its hard to find reliable weight figures for complete groupsets theres no standard way to weigh them and configurations vary wildly Force was for a long time the lightest option in its class, although were not talking about huge margins here. It achieved this partly thanks to its lightweight carbon crankset.SRAMs 1:1 actuation ratio makes for crisp shifts and easy adjustment of the mechanical gears, although the DoubleTap shifting feels slightly primitive if you put it up against the latest Shimano mechanical groupsets.Also, some now standard features are missing. You dont get a clutch on the rear derailleur in standard road guise, although the front derailleur does have a nifty chain catcher. With a maximum 32t sprocket on the road version, it offers a decent spread of gears, although not quite as giant as some alternatives now offer.That said, its worth noting that Forces single chainring 1 version (Force 1) uses quite a few different parts to the 2 road-focussed variant. With the ability to accommodate a 10-42t cassette and featuring a clutch on its derailleur, Force 1 feels psychologically, not mechanically somewhat more modern, and its commonly seen on mid-range gravel bikes, although SRAMs 12-speed electronic options are steadily taking over.RRP:1,459 / $1,298 / 1,634 (1 disc groupset without BB)Cassette: 11-speedWidest cassette: 11-32t (2), 10-42t (1)Shifting: MechanicalBrakes: Hydraulic disc or rim caliperRead ourfull SRAM Force 1 groupset reviewSRAM Rival499.99 (RRP 1,218) | View offerCyclists verdict: Long neglected in its road configuration, the mechanical Rival groupset fares better in its gravel-focused 1 format.Another solid road groupset thats been let go to seed. Sporting 22 gears in its standard road version, the mechanical Rival groupset is perfectly serviceable stuff, as youd expect from what was once SRAMs third-tier racing group.However, released in 2015, its starting to show its age much like Force, feeling somewhat unrefined compared to some of the competition. As is the way of these things, Rival shares many features with the groupset above it in the hierarchy, but with more basic materials and a somewhat increased weight.Released more recently, with its wider ratios and clutch mech, the gravel-focussed 1 version is a more appealing prospect.RRP:1,134 / $1,120 / 1,268 (1 disc groupset without BB)Cassette: 11-speedWidest cassette:11-32 (2), 11-42t (1)Shifting: MechanicalBrakes: Hydraulic disc or rim caliperNB: Also available in 1x format.Read our full SRAM Rival 22 groupset reviewBuy now from Sport and Leisure (499.99)SRAM ApexCyclists verdict: Ignore the outdated 10-speed Apex road groupset and progress straight to the more modern 11-speed 1 version.Apex 1x is still found on some entry-level gravel bikes, as it offers decent gear range and hydraulic disc braking in an affordable package. The mechanical simplicity of 1x makes it a good option for gravel biking, avoiding the extra complexity of Shimanos competing Sora and Claris 2x set-ups and undercutting the Shimano GRX RX400 10-speed gravel groupset.RRP:898 / $891 / 1,005Cassette: 10-speed (Apex), 11-speed (Apex 1)Widest cassette: 11-32t (Apex), 11-42 (Apex 1)Shifting: Mechanical onlyBrakes: Rim brake, hydraulic disc (Apex 1 only)Buy parts now from SRAMWhile weve got you, dont miss our detailed guides to Shimano groupsets and Campagnolo groupsets. Related Posts SRAM Red AXS groupset review 2024 Hammerhead Karoo 3 has new internals and over 15 hours battery life Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know Shimano Dura-Ace vs SRAM Red AXS Complete guide to Campagnolo road and gravel bike groupsets Shimano groupsets for road and gravel cycling compared The post Complete guide to SRAM road and gravel groupsets appeared first on Cyclist.

Tadej Pogacar virtually sealed his GC win at the Giro d'Italia in the first week, baring disaster. He has since raced conservatively and today was another instance; as in the short and steep climbs he stayed in the peloton and arrived safely at the finish.The plan for today was to let the early br...

Introduced a few years ago, their original suspension telemetry kit has bigger, more delicate, and much more expensive. The new, smaller, and more affordable Motion Instruments System 2 solves all of those problems, opening up true suspension setup testing to the masses.MSRP for the original was $1,300, and, in their words, theyre sold hundreds. For teams and brands that got past that upfront cost, the other issue was the potentiometers, which are really expensive but also dont last that long.The new system is just $499 and its 100% electronic, there are no moving parts. Its also hermetically sealed and IP67 waterproof, so you could power wash your bike and itd be fine.Its also smaller and much easier to mount to almost any bike. Up front, the Fork sensor works on everything from XC to DH, with a crown mount for double crown forks.The whole thing mounts in like 5 minutes with a single 2mm hex wrench. The top slots over your forks Schrader valve, and the included top cap replacement holds the device in place. As such, this is designed tow work only with air sprung forks.The rear shock is even easier. It uses an angle sensor on the bike rather than an potentiometer and piggyback sensor on the shock. The angle sensor mounts magnetically to a pivot point and feeds to a brain that straps to the top tube.The design lets you quickly move it from bike to bike or use it to test different shocks back to back.MotionIQ app visualizes the dataTheir MotionIQ app is now on iOS and Android, which is used to show the data from your ride. Its recording in real time, theres no on-board data capture built into the System 2 hardware, so youll need to ride with your phone on you and paired to the kit.They also made most of the features free, with no subscription fee, so your total cost of ownership is lower, too. There are still paid Pro and Coach versions for teams or shops who need more data or need to record it for more riders and keep it all sorted.Some syncing with Strava lets you use segments and tracks to make course-specific adjustments based on your recorded data, so theres ongoing benefit to using itits not just a one-time tuning and then it sits in a box on a shelf. They say its also handy for checking data and suspension performance when youre at a different course, and probably even when changing tires.Whats in the box?The Motion Instruments v2 kit includes:Front TracerRear TracerStrap KitAdhesive KitMagnet KitAdditional mounts, including an adapter for dual-crown forks, are available separately. MSRP for the kit is $499, ships in June 2024.MotionInstruments.comThe post Motion Instruments Suspension Telemetry Kit Shrinks in Size & Price appeared first on Bikerumor.

The sprinters are set to have another opportunity. Stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia is completely flat from start to finish and we preview a day that is certain to end in a bunch sprint - although the threat of crosswinds is alive.Stage 13 is the flattest day of the race with no doubt. The 179 kilomet...

AI-enabled leaderboard checks just one of a suite of coming updates to the training app

Stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia was a relatively explosive day, where the breakaway battled for the stage win and Julian Alaphilippe climbed to the top step once again. We take a look at the fines attributed during the day.Jury & Fines for Giro d'Italia 2024 stage 12:Martin Marcellusi & DS Alessandr...

Julian Alaphilippe took a stupendous victory to return to the top step this Thursday at the Giro d'Italia, but his victory would not have been possible without Mirco Maestri - the unlikely outside for the day who rode with Alaphilippe for 115 kilometers before watching the Frenchman go on the final...

It had been almost a year since Julian Alaphilippe had won a race, but it has happened today! After many attempts at the Giro d'Italia, the Soudal - Quick-Step rider was finally rewarded for his bravery and won stage 12 after an attack launched with over 125 kilometers to go.A day for the breakaway...

A day for the sprinters at the Vuelta a Burgos Feminas. Several attacks were close to succeeding, but ultimately it was Lotta Hentala taking the win in a sprint marked by a very hard crash.The first day of the race was quite windy and that led to a lot of tension. No breakaway was formed early in t...