Choosing a gravel groupset? Compare SRAM and Shimano across Apex, Rival, GRX, 105, and more. We cover 1x vs 2x, electronic shifting, brakes, and the best fit for your riding style.
Choosing a gravel groupset? Compare SRAM and Shimano across Apex, Rival, GRX, 105, and more. We cover 1x vs 2x, electronic shifting, brakes, and the best fit for your riding style.
In a rush? Here’s the gist:
- Shimano Tiagra → 105 → Ultegra: Road-focused 2x groupsets at a range of price points
- Shimano GRX: Built for gravel, available in 1x or 2x, mechanical or Di2
- SRAM XPLR: 1x-only, available from Apex (mechanical or AXS) to Rival and Force 13-speed wireless AXS
- 1x vs 2x: 2x gives tighter steps for fast, flowing rides; 1x offers low gears and simplicity for bikepacking and mixed terrain
- Electronic shifting: gives smooth, more precise and consistent gear changes with a cleaner cable-free aesthetic.
Jump to a section:
- Which Shimano tiers suit gravel riding?
- How do SRAM Apex, Rival, Force, AXS compare?
- Mechanical vs Electronic – is electronic shifting really worth it?
- What about gear ratios – 1x vs 2x?
- Which system fits which rider type?
- Groupset Comparison Table
- Conclusion – SRAM vs SHimano - what should you buy?
Which Shimano tiers suit gravel riding?
Shimano’s road groupsets can absolutely hold their own on gravel – especially if you prefer 2x setups and a smoother cadence on mixed terrain.
- Tiagra: Mechanical 10-speed. Solid starter option with 2x gearing and road-focused ergonomics.
- 105: Available in mechanical 11-speed and Di2 12-speed versions. Often mixed with a clutch derailleur for gravel use.
- Ultegra: Shimano’s premium road groupset, available mechanical or Di2. The RX version adds a clutch rear mech for gravel control.
Shimano GRX is their gravel specific groupset that comes in electronic, 1x and 2x variants.
How do SRAM Apex, Rival, Force, AXS compare?
SRAM’s XPLR lineup is designed from the ground up for gravel – with wide-range gearing, 1x simplicity, and fully wireless options if you want to go electronic.
- Apex XPLR: 12-speed, mechanical or AXS. Excellent entry to gravel-specific gearing, especially for bikepacking.
- Rival XPLR AXS: 13-speed, fully wireless with SRAM’s new T-Type full-mount mech for added durability.
- Force XPLR AXS: Same drivetrain as Rival but with lighter materials and a bit more bling.
- Red XPLR AXS: SRAM’s flagship 13-speed gravel setup — ultra-light, refined, and fully wireless.
Mechanical vs Electronic – is electronic shifting really worth it?
Electronic shifting gives more precise, consistent shifting and is a joy to experience. Bikes with wireless shifting have a cleaner aesthetic as they don't need cables. However, a flat battery means you can't change gear which can be a pain if you're miles away from a recharge.
Both Shimano and SRAM offer slick electronic shifting, but they go about it differently – and mechanical still has a solid place for riders who prefer simplicity or budget-friendly builds.
- Shimano Di2: Wireless shifters paired with wired mechs and a seatpost battery. Especially good on 2x setups.
- SRAM AXS: Fully wireless across all tiers — each mech has its own battery. Intuitive and tidy.
- Mechanical: GRX 600 and Apex XPLR are the main contenders. If you’re after durability, simplicity or lower cost, they’re hard to beat.
What about gear ratios – 1x vs 2x?
It’s not about which one climbs better — both have broad ratio's so the everyday regular rider can climb a hill with a fully laden bike. 1x vs 2x is more about simplicity, cadence, and the kind of riding you want to do.
1x (Single Chainring)
- Simpler, lighter, and less to go wrong – ideal for off-road and bikepacking.
- Modern 12- and 13-speed cassettes give a 500%+ range – broader than most 2x systems.
- Tighter gear steps in the middle, with wider jumps only when needed for steep climbs.
- Standard 1x setups offer lower gears than 2x – and if needed, it’s easy to swap the chainring for more climbing power.
2x (Double Chainring)
- Smaller steps between gears – great for maintaining steady cadence on smooth, fast rides. 2x are still great for gravel racing
- Best for riders from road backgrounds or those who prioritise efficiency and pedalling cadence.
- Shimano GRX 46/30T + 11–34T gives excellent range for touring or loaded rides.
Which system fits which rider type?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to gravel drivetrains – your ideal setup depends on your terrain, your pace, and your love (or hatred) of front mechs.
- Apex XPLR: Best-value gravel groupset on the market — tough, simple, and upgradable.
- Rival/Force/Red XPLR: All use the same tech — go with the one that fits your budget and bling tolerance.
- Shimano GRX: Gravel-specific from the start. Mechanical or Di2, 1x or 2x — all options covered.
- Shimano Tiagra/105/Ultegra: Best for fast all-road builds where road performance matters.
Groupset Comparison Table
Need a quick head-to-head of everything? Here's how the major gravel-ready groupsets stack up.
| Groupset | Speed | Shifting | 1x / 2x | Gravel Features | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiagra | 10 | Mechanical | 2x | Road-focused | Budget all-road build |
| 105 | 11/12 | Mechanical / Di2 | 2x | Road gearing, clutch mech option | Great for road/gravel crossover |
| Ultegra RX | 11/12 | Mechanical / Di2 | 2x | Clutched rear mech | High-performance road + gravel |
| GRX 600 | 11 | Mechanical | 1x or 2x | Gravel ergonomics + gearing | Gravel-specific and widely trusted |
| GRX 815 | 11 | Di2 (wired) | 1x or 2x | Electronic shifting + gravel feel | Clean, reliable Di2 performance |
| Apex XPLR | 12 | Mechanical or AXS | 1x | Wide-range 1x, mullet-compatible | Simple, affordable, capable |
| Rival XPLR AXS | 13 | AXS (wireless) | 1x | T-Type full mount mech | Durable wireless mid-tier |
| Force XPLR AXS | 13 | AXS (wireless) | 1x | Lighter, carbon bits | Same tech, more bling |
| Red XPLR AXS | 13 | AXS (wireless) | 1x | Top-tier finish | Ultimate wireless gravel setup |
Conclusion – SRAM vs Shimano - what should you buy?
Both SRAM and Shimano make incredible groupsets for road, gravel and mountain. Which is better is very much personal preference. SRAM tends to be recognised for its innovative features and wider gearing ranges, particularly in mountain biking and gravel riding, while Shimano is often praised for its reliable shifting, broader range of components, and dominance in the road bike market.
In truth, both SRAM and Shimano are excellent. Here's a quick summary to help you narrow things down and choose the right system for your gravel adventures.
- Shimano Tiagra / 105 / Ultegra: Perfect for all-road and fast gravel builds, especially if you want 2x gearing.
- Shimano GRX: Built for gravel — simple, reliable, and available in every configuration.
- SRAM Apex XPLR: The best budget 1x gravel drivetrain out there, mechanical or AXS.
- SRAM Rival / Force / Red XPLR: All use the same smart 13-speed wireless tech — choose based on finish and price.
Still not sure? Pop into a store or drop us a message — we’ll talk through your riding style, your terrain, and your bike dreams.