Review: Shimano GRX Di2 1x versus SRAM Force XPLR E1

Dave Rome

Gravel is a segment of cycling that’s forever changing. Those seeking adventure are going further into ever more demanding terrain. Speeds are only increasing for those who race. And for everyone else, the spectrum for what’s desired of a gravel groupset typically spans the demands from road to mountain biking.

The ideal gearing setup will depend on your definition of gravel cycling. Those leaning toward road or fast group rides may still be better served by a 2x system, whether with a front derailleur or Classified rear hub. At the opposite end, those bikepacking into the wilderness are likely to need the very widest range and absolute in-field serviceability. However, for most riders, it’s increasingly clear that the trend is toward wide-range 1x systems, and in the upper tiers, that likely means wireless shifting and hydraulic disc brakes.

If you’re shopping for a premium but not price-no-object gravel bike, then there’s a good chance you’ll be deciding between the two new groupsets that come out in 2025: SRAM Force AXS XPLR E1 or Shimano GRX Di2 RX827. Beyond the forgettable naming conventions, both of these groupsets compete in functionality and at a second-tier price point (Shimano doesn’t currently have a top-tier GRX groupset).

As you’ll learn, a lot of the tech here isn’t wholly new, but rather borrowed from pre-existing mountain bike, road, or even older gravel line-ups. The lessons learned are also applicable to other price points, such as SRAM Rival AXS XPLR or Shimano GRX Di2 RX717. For the sake of not making your eyes bleed, more information on the technologies featured here can be found in my respective reviews of SRAM Red AXS XPLR E1 and Shimano XTR M9200 Di2.

SRAM Force XPLR E1

Highs: Simple install process and no bent hanger woes, power meter options, good chain control. More crankarm length, chainring size, and power meter options. Light action brakes and intuitive shifting.

Lows: Slipping levers on smooth bars. Limited gearing range requires a different derailleur to officially solve. Expensive service parts. Requires a UDH frame. Cranks can be tough to remove.

Shimano GRX Di2 RX827

Highs: Open frame compatibility. Superbly reliable wireless system. Designed for mountain bike levels of abuse. More adjustable and tunable.

Lows: Increased chain slap from a lack of chain retention. Hanger alignment critical. No native power meter options. Chain corrosion can be an issue.

The quick recap

Let’s begin with SRAM’s Force AXS XPLR E1, a groupset previously reviewed. While not at all a budget groupset, it’s a more affordable version of SRAM’s flagship Red AXS XPLR E1. This 1x13-speed groupset repurposes the brilliantly light-action brakes from SRAM’s Red AXS road group and then borrows the Full Mount rear derailleur concept from the American company’s Transmission mountain bike range.

SRAM's Full Mount derailleurs bolt directly to the frame dropout. Review: SRAM Force XPLR E1 13-speed gravel groupsetPlus details of the new and even more affordable Rival XPLR.Escape CollectiveDave Rome

The result is a unique rear derailleur that’s designed around a specific 10-46T cassette. That derailleur requires a frame with a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which only new gravel bikes have. Meanwhile, the derailleur uses the same removable battery that has powered SRAM’s wireless gearing for the past decade. For the data lovers, SRAM Force also offers two native power meter configurations with its carbon crankset.

While SRAM Force was mostly a trickle-down of fresh tech from Red, GRX RX827 was even less of a dedicated development. The derailleur is quite literally a relabelled XT M8250 derailleur, something that was released at the same time in 2025, and just weeks after Shimano introduced its first truly wireless rear derailleur in XTR M9200. That new derailleur system came with a fresh removable battery and some big claims around ruggedness. Notably, Shimano stuck with attaching the derailleur via a traditional hanger, meaning it could be installed to just about any bike – whether it has a UDH or not.

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