Specific groupsets for gravel, which is the best?

Why the groupset is key on a gravel bike

The drivetrain is the heart of any gravel bike. Pedaling efficiency, control on variable terrain, and the durability of the whole system depend on it.

For gravel, the groupset must offer the perfect balance between strength, smooth shifting, and gear range, since the cyclist faces everything from asphalt to tracks, mud, or mountain trails.

Differences between a road, MTB, and gravel groupset

• Road: focuses on smoothness, precision, and aerodynamics.
  
  

• MTB: prioritizes traction, durability, and short gear ratios.
  
  

• Gravel: combines the best of both worlds: broad range, comfortable ergonomics, and dirt resistance.
  
  

That's why there are specific groupsets for gravel: like Shimano GRX, SRAM XPLR, or Campagnolo Ekar. They've become a category of their own within cycling.

Types of drivetrains in gravel: single or double chainring

The type of drivetrain defines the bike's personality and its behavior on different terrains.

Single chainring drivetrain (1x)

One front chainring and a wide-range cassette at the back. It's the preferred system for many adventure and competitive gravel cyclists.

Advantages:

• Mechanical simplicity and less weight.
  
  

• Reduced maintenance and more intuitive shifting.
  
  

• Lower risk of failure or chain drop.
  
  

Ideal for: mixed routes, adventure, and cyclists who value reliability.

Examples: SRAM XPLR, Campagnolo Ekar, MicroSHIFT Advent X.

Double chainring drivetrain (2x)

Offers a wider gear range and smoother transitions between gears.

Advantages:

• Greater versatility on long routes or with lots of elevation.
  
  

• Finer shifting to keep the cadence constant.
  
  

Ideal for: those coming from road cycling or looking for a wider range for gran fondo.

Is it better to have a group compatible with gravel or a specific group for gravel?

Before thoroughly examining the different options for transmissions specific to gravel, it should be clarified that in the current market there are groups and transmission components compatible with the practice of gravel, but their design and technologies have been applied for other modalities: road, cyclocross, or even mountain bike.

This is the case of the innovative and advanced Rotor 13, or the Force and Rival ranges from SRAM. Since {{966dc009790233d21c6795b}} is a cycling modality that incorporates features and mechanical elements from others, there is still not a wide variety of groups specifically for this use. Currently, only two brands offer them: Shimano and Campagnolo.

Quick technical comparison

Shimano GRX

Shimano launched its specific group for gravel GRX with 10, 11 speeds and special Di2 version in 2019, made up of cranks, chainrings, rear and front derailleurs, shifters, brake calipers, and rims.

Key advantages:

• Adapted ergonomics: levers with non-slip texture and more powerful brakes.
  
  

• Typical Shimano smoothness and reliability.
  
  

• Wide compatibility and easy maintenance.
  
  

Ideal for: cyclists looking for versatility, reliability, and a road feel with alma off-road.

The rest of the components (chain, cassette, pedals, or brake disc) are not specific to the group itself, but rather are part of the Shimano Ultegra and 105 road groups or the Deore XT MTB group, with which it is fully compatible.

• From the Shimano GRX group brake levers, you can operate a dropper seatpost.

Likewise, the group-specific components inherit much of Shimano's shifting technology for road and mountain bike, slightly adapting it for use in gravel. Here is what each of these components is like:

Cranksets

They are available with double chainring options (2x11 and 2x10) or single chainring (only for 1x11). The arm is made of aluminum with Hollowtech II technology (inherited from MTB), whose forging is hollow to reduce weight while maintaining resistance and stiffness levels. On the other hand, the chainline is +2.5 mm to adapt to setups with wider tires. Available with 46-30t and 48-31t combinations for double chainring and 40 and 42 teeth for single chainring.

Derailleurs

Other components specifically designed for this Shimano GRX group are the front and rear derailleurs. The front, designed for 2x10 and 2x11 ratios, as well as a special version for Di2, offers smooth shifting thanks to its integrated cable tensioner, which is easy to adjust. It is also adapted to the wider 2.5 mm chainline to fit wide tire setups. As for the rear, it stands out for the inclusion of the Shimano Shadow RD+ chain stabilizer with an integrated lever to activate or deactivate it. A very useful technology to neutralize frequent chain drops on rough terrain.

Levers

The GRX brake levers integrate the front and rear shifters. Their design has special ergonomics to adapt to gravel use and features a textured finish to prevent your hand from slipping. In addition, the lever pivot axis has been raised 18 mm higher to make operation even easier. Finally, from them it is possible to operate a dropper seatpost.

Conclusions about the Shimano GRX group

The best: It has gearing options for double and single chainring, with 10 and 11-speed cassettes. In addition, it has a special Di2 electronic shifting version.

The worst: There is no specific cassette for this group.

Campagnolo Ekar

Recently launched on the market, the Campagnolo Ekar is the second 100% group for gravel, created exclusively for this discipline.

Its main feature is that it is only designed and manufactured in a 1x13, thus exploring this new development option that has only previously been done by the Rotor brand with its multidisciplinary Rotor 13 group. Another of its appeals is the exclusive design for the discipline of gravel for all its components. From the cassette to the calipers and brake discs, including the derailleurs and levers, all have been specifically developed for this group.

• The only downside of the Campagnolo Ekar group for gravel is that it does not have a version with electronic shifting.

Thus, you will not need to purchase the cassette or brake disc from another Campagnolo road group to complete the assembly, as is the case with Shimano. This is the Campagnolo Ekar group, component by component:

Cassette

One of the strong points of the Campagnolo Ekar is its 13-speed cassette, which can be chosen in 3 variants, depending on the type of gravel the cyclist practices most: Endurance 9-36t for rolling profile, Gravel Race 9-42t for high performance, and Gravel Adventure 10-44t for climbing focus. It is made in two monoblocks of aluminum and steel that combine lightness and durability.

Derailleurs

They stand out for their elaborate construction, combining materials such as polyamide and carbon fiber for their lightweight structure, and stainless steel bolts to provide greater strength. It also incorporates a Clutch Lock on the rear to make wheel removal easier.

Cranksets

The commitment to carbon to save weight continues with the cranksets, using unidirectional fibers as material for the arm. They are available in four lengths (165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, and 175 mm) and the chainrings (made of 7075 aluminum) come in versions of 38, 40, 42, and 44 teeth.

Chain

The chain is another element designed to withstand the large number of gear changes it will be subjected to. It is 0.25 mm narrower than a 12-speed one (4.9 mm). On the other hand, it has high-strength C60 steel inner links with nickel and Teflon treatment that increases its durability.

Levers

They improve adaptation to the cyclist's hand thanks to their double curve shape. As for the shifters, they are based on the one lever, one action operation so that each has a single function, to shift up and down. In addition, they incorporate the brand's Ultra Shift technology, with which you can shift up three cogs with just one press.

Brakes

The hydraulic disc brakes have a special caliper that increases the modulation range compared to road brakes. The discs are specific to this group and are available in 140 mm and 160 mm diameters, as well as the pads, which are organic and highly wear-resistant.

Conclusions of the Campagnolo Ekar group

The best: the group has exclusive components for gravel, lightweight and resistant. It does not inherit components from other groupsets. It features a 13-speed cassette. The worst: it is only available with mechanical shifting. There is no electronic version.

SRAM Force 1

As we have already mentioned, SRAM does not have a group specifically for gravel like Shimano or Campagnolo, but it does have versions of its road groups with elements adapted for such use. They are easily identified because SRAM add a 1 to the generic name of each road group to indicate that it is a variant adapted to the gravel. There are three versions:

• SRAM Force 1 for high-end.
• SRAM Rival 1 for mid-range.
• SRAM Apex 1 for entry-level.

All of them have in common that they are single chainring 11-speed drivetrains, although the Apex 1 is compatible with 10-speed cassettes. The difference is the ergonomics of the shifters, which is better achieved in the Force 1 than in the other two. And the shifting technology, which is more efficient in the Force 1. For this reason, we will focus more on the SRAM Force 1, which is the group that best rivals the Campagnolo Ekar and the most complete version of the Shimano GRX on the market. In addition, the new SRAM Force eTap AXS electronic (and wireless) group also features cranksets and chainrings whose gear ratios and tooth designs are adapted for gravel and cyclocross bikes.

Cassette

There are two 11-speed cassette options compatible with the Force 1 group: the XG-1175 with a more climbing-friendly 10-42 range, or the more performance-oriented PG-1130, with range options of 11-25t, 11-26t, 11-28t, 11-32t, 11-36t.

Derailleur

The Force 1 rear derailleur features an exclusive design inherited from mountain bike groups, with a clutch mechanism, 12-tooth pulleys with special anti-mud and anti-lateral chain movement design, and Exact Actuation technology that ensures fast and precise shifting.

Cranksets

The crankset is one of the star components of the group. The crank arm is made of carbon fiber to save weight, while the chainring, made of aluminum, incorporates X-Sync technology to prevent chain drops and a special design to quickly clear mud. They are available with 38t, 40t, 42t, 44t, 46t, 50t, 52t, 54t chainrings.

Shifters

The Force 1 shifters have a slightly double-curved shape so the rider can operate them more efficiently. In the version for hydraulic disc brakes, the inner part has been designed so that the brake fluid circuit can be easily accessed for bleeding. On the other hand, the design of the shifter button has been optimized to be both lighter and more ergonomic.

Brakes

The hydraulic disc brake set incorporates the specific Force caliper, which allows powerful braking with minimal lever pressure.

SRAM Force 1 group conclusions

The best: Its mechanical simplicity. In addition, it is possible to purchase low-cost gravel alternatives (Rival 1 and Apex 1)

The worst: It is a valid group for gravel, but it is not 100% designed for this discipline, as it is an adaptation of the road group.

Which groupset to choose according to your style of gravel?

If you prioritize adventure and reliability

Shimano GRX 600/800 or MicroSHIFT Advent X.
Mechanical drivetrains, durable and easy to repair anywhere. Perfect for long rides or bikepacking.

If you are looking for performance and technology

SRAM XPLR AXS or Force AXS.
Wireless shifting, low maintenance, and competition-level precision.

If you are a purist or seek lightness extreme

Campagnolo Ekar.
Lightweight, exclusive, and with impeccable mechanical feel. Ideal for advanced gravel or experienced cyclists.

Tips before upgrading your gravel drivetrain

• Check compatibilities: frame, hub, freehub body, and chainline.
  
  

• Don't mix components between brands (they may not synchronize correctly).
  
  

• Decide between simplicity (1x) or wide range (2x) depending on the terrain.
  
  

• Consider the availability of spare parts and maintenance in your area.
  
  

• If you do long or remote rides, mechanical groupsets are still the most practical.