Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS Review
- Price: $3,999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What We Like About It: Designed for the modern gravel rider who cares about speed stability, the bike combines progressive off-road handling, improved tire clearance and fast acceleration.
What we didn’t like about it: The lack of dropper design and the inability to quickly adjust the ride’s center of gravity.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The excellent carbon frame combined with equally excellent components has a top-notch gravel capability, providing fast pedaling feedback and a stable ride.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The first thing that struck me about this bike was that it had a really nice paint job and the overall internal cable routing of the frame demonstrated a clean and neat look.
I couldn’t wait to experience how much this gravel bike could do.
For this reason I packed up my Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS and headed out to the countryside near my home and booked a hotel around here in advance through IHG.
It’s mostly countryside with dirt roads and rock-strewn ground, but there’s still relatively flat terrain on the slopes.
Uphill
The most intuitive experience I had while riding uphill was the quality and lightness of the carbon frame, which made my pedaling more crisp.
Every lap I pedaled became an upward motion for this bike.
Moreover, the excellent geometry and loose head tube angle allowed me to better distribute the center of gravity at both ends of the bike.
Besides, when riding upwards, the overall ride was stable , and the pedaling force could be well converted into the power of this bike to travel up.
The SRAM Rival XPLR AXS drivetrain components enjoyed an abundance of speeds.
I gently toggled the shift handle. The rear chainstay responded quickly to adjust to the gear I needed, making me easier to ride upwards with less effort.
To sum up, the bike’s lightweight carbon frame and quality components paired with the bike made my uphill ride in a breeze.
“Drop“
It descended on long, rocky roads.
Thanks to the carbon material with slight deformation properties, the carbon frame and fork of this gravel bike could absorb more vibrations on such rocky roads, providing my ride with more comfort.
The bike came with a 700C large diameter wheelset that offered me better passing power on downhill rides, helping me ride smoothly.
When I encountered a curve and needed to slow down early, its hydraulic disc brakes brought fast and sensitive braking speed and strong braking force.
To my surprise, its brake handle was also light enough that I was able to immediately reduce the speed by pressing down gently.
All in all, it is this bike’s excellent lightweight carbon frame and geometry that ensure easy climbs and descents.
Specification
The Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS is composed of a top-of-the-line carbon frame and fork, which greatly reduces weight.
Besides, the carbon frame can absorb some of the vibration when encountering bumps, improving the comfort of the ride.
There are 6 sizes to choose from, covering riders of 5’1″-6’7″ in height. There are also 4 colors of frames which can meet the needs of almost everyone.
Next, the whole bike adopts the design of internal cable routing. As a result, its appearance looks more neat, and daily cleaning will be more simple and convenient. Of course, this also reduces the wind resistance when riding.
On top of that, the use of silent cable routing, reduce the noise generated when riding on bumpy roads.
Finally, the Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS has multiple mounting holes in the frame, increasing the bike’s loading capacity. It will be more helpful for long distance riding.
Video
Other versions
The Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS is a carbon frame bike with great riding ability on gravel.
But for riders who crave a more powerful riding experience with higher-end components, this bike may not satisfy them.
For this reason we also offer a gravel bike that uses the same lightweight carbon frame as the same series, but with more high-end components to give it a more powerful ride and better meet the rigorous demands of cycling experts.
Ventum GS1 SRAM FORCE XPLR AXS
Between the Ventum GS1 SRAM FORCE XPLR AXS and the Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS, the former can simply be recognized as an upgraded version of the latter.
In terms of frame, both bikes use a premium carbon frame with a direct pedaling power feel and excellent geometry for a more comfortable ride and more stability when descending.
Ventum GS1 SRAM FORCE XPLR AXS upgrades its drivetrain components, bringing more direct and crisp shifting feel along with the enhanced drivetrain efficiency.
In addition, it is also better in terms of ruggedness and durability, which can improve the rider’s riding efficiency.
So, if you have the budget, the Ventum GS1 SRAM FORCE XPLR AXS will undoubtedly ride a bit stronger.
Below, we will list the specific parameters of Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS and some other brands of gravel bikes with similar prices for your reference in detail.
What do we like about it?
- It supports maximal 48C outer tire size, helping better adapt to the complex road riding.
- The frame supports riders of 5’1″-6’7″ in height, thus allowing for a wider range of options.
- Excellent geometry carbon frame plus carefully selected components make for a powerful performance gravel bike.
- Carbon frame, coupled with the design of the internal cable routing makes the appearance look neater and the bike more convenient for daily cleaning.
- Internal cable routing frame with silent cable tube design reduces noise generation during the ride.
- Multiple mounting holes on the frame increase loading capacity, thus supporting long-distance riding.
What don’t we like about it?
- No dropper design to quickly adjust the riding weight.
FAQ
- How wide is this bike’s maximum outer tire support?
It supports up to: 48C outer tire clearance for increased riding ability on complex surfaces.
- Is it suitable for long distance riding?
Its frame has multiple mounting holes for increased loading capacity, making it more suitable for long distance riding.
- How to choose the right size?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’7″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 6’0″ | M |
| 5’8″ – 6’2″ | MD/LG |
| 5’11” – 6’4″ | L |
| 6’2″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Specs
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival XPLR AXS |
| Power Meter | Power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | FSA – NS – Alloy Disc |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Wheelset | Frame | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap | Click View | 650b / 700c Aluminum | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc | 2 × 11 |
| Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Rival 1 Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Canyon Grail CF SL 8 Di2 Stetina | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano GRX Di2 RX815 Hydraulic Disc | 2 × 11 Electronic |
Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS VS Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap
The Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS and the Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap are both quality gravel bikes. But I’m into the former’s paint look.
In terms of drivetrain components, both gravel bikes use 1×12 electronic shifting, with a rich combination of speeds.
In this way, electronic shifting adjusting will be convenient and simple even after a long period of use, without the occurrence of inaccurate shifting due to the aging of the cable.
In the end, I would prefer the former with the better paint color.
Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS VS Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105
Speaking of the frame, the Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS and Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 both have a geometry suitable for off-road riding and both are made of carbon.
The latter has a chain break design on rear fork to better filter ground vibrations. The former, however, has a looser geometry and will be more stable on downhill rides.
In the drivetrain, the former uses electronic shifting, which is easier to adjust and looks more high-end, with more stable shifting.
Finally, between these two gravel bikes, although the latter has a more distinctive frame design, I would prefer the neat and clean looking Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS with even better gearing.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 1 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Topstone 1 Review]
Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS VS Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2
Here come two gravel bikes with different styles.
The latter, equipped with a RockShox Rudy XPLR 40mm shock absorbing fork and a more mountain bike like geometry, inspires a more powerful unpaved ride.
But the former will be more effortless for climbing rides and can be faster for flat road riding.
Finally, the Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 will have the edge if you need an intense descent ride, and the Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS is more competitive if you need an integrated riding experience.
Learn More: Is Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Worth Buying? – [Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Review]
Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS VS Canyon Grail CF SL 8 Di2 Stetina
Between the Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS and the Canyon Grail CF SL 8 Di2 Stetina, the former has a more attractive appearance to me, but the latter boasts a more sci-fi handlebar design.
On top of that , both use electronic shifting. The former is a 1×12 gearing, while the latter, a 2×11 gearing.
The former, with its single crankset design, is simpler to ride and allows more focus on the ride itself. The latter’s 2×11 speed has a wider variety of speeds and can be ridden faster.
In the end, both of these gravel bikes are very recognizable to me, and either one is a worthy choice for sure.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Worth Buying? [Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review]
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Ventum GS1 SRAM RIVAL XPLR AXS. In our opinion, it’s a gravel bike with balanced abilities in all areas, which is why we gave it a 4.8 rating.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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