DIY Rear Derailleur Adjustment for Rival XPLR eTap AXS on Gravel Bikes

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When it comes to maintaining and fine-tuning your gravel bike, proper rear derailleur adjustment is critical for optimal performance, especially with SRAM’s Rival XPLR eTap AXS [paid link]. This wireless electronic derailleur system is designed for precision shifting on gravel and mixed-terrain rides. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of adjusting your Rival XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur to ensure smooth, accurate shifting, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize performance.

Tools Required

  • 5mm Allen wrench
  • 2.5mm Allen wrench
  • Torque wrench (optional)
  • T25 Torx driver (for derailleur hanger bolt)
  • Chain checker tool
  • SRAM AXS app (optional for firmware updates and diagnostics)
  • Lubricant for threads (optional)

Understanding the Rival XPLR eTap AXS Rear Derailleur

The Rival XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur is a high-performance, wireless component designed specifically for gravel bikes. It uses SRAM’s eTap technology, offering smooth shifting without cables, and is part of the AXS ecosystem for easy integration with other components like the shifters and power meters. This derailleur is designed to handle the increased demands of gravel riding, such as rough terrain and mixed conditions.

Key Features:

  • eTap Wireless Technology: Provides precise and seamless shifting without traditional cables.
  • AXS Integration: Allows for customization via the SRAM AXS app, including setting limits and adjusting shift behavior.
  • Wide Range of Gearing: Designed for a wide gear range that suits the needs of gravel riders, offering smooth transitions across various gears.
  • Advanced Shift Logic: Includes features like automatic trim to prevent chain rub.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting the Rival XPLR eTap AXS Rear Derailleur

1. Pre-Adjustment Checklist

Before you begin adjusting the derailleur, ensure your bike is properly set up for the task:

  • Clean your bike: Make sure the drivetrain, including the chain and cassette, is clean and lubricated. Dirt and grime can affect the derailleur’s performance.
  • Inspect derailleur hanger: Ensure the derailleur hanger is not bent, as this can cause misalignment and poor shifting performance.
  • Check chain condition: Use a chain checker tool to ensure the chain is not overly worn. A worn chain can cause skipping or inconsistent shifting.

2. Install and Power On the AXS System

If the Rival XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur is not yet installed:

  • Install the derailleur: Attach it to the derailleur hanger using the appropriate torque specifications. Typically, this is 5-7 Nm.
  • Check battery charge: Ensure the derailleur’s battery is sufficiently charged. If the battery is low, it could affect shifting performance.
  • Pair with the shifters: If not already paired, connect the derailleur to the shifters via the eTap wireless system. Follow the instructions in the SRAM AXS app to complete this process.

3. Limit Screw Adjustment

One of the first steps in setting up your derailleur is adjusting the limit screws, which control the maximum and minimum range of derailleur movement.

High Limit Screw Adjustment:

  • Position the chain on the smallest cog: Shift to the smallest rear cog and front chainring.
  • Locate the high limit screw: The high limit screw is labeled “H” on the derailleur.
  • Adjust the screw: Use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to adjust the “H” screw. Turn the screw clockwise to restrict the derailleur’s movement or counterclockwise to increase it. The goal is to ensure that the derailleur doesn’t overshift and cause the chain to fall off the smallest cog.

Low Limit Screw Adjustment:

  • Shift to the largest cog: Shift to the largest rear cog while the chain is on the smallest front chainring.
  • Locate the low limit screw: The low limit screw is labeled “L” on the derailleur.
  • Adjust the screw: Use the 2.5mm Allen wrench to adjust the “L” screw. Turn it clockwise to restrict the derailleur’s movement or counterclockwise to allow more movement. The derailleur should shift cleanly onto the largest cog without over-shifting.

4. B-Screw Adjustment

The B-screw adjusts the derailleur’s position relative to the cassette to ensure smooth shifting and to prevent chain rub, especially on larger cogs.

  • Shift to the largest cog: With the chain on the largest cog and front chainring, locate the B-screw, which is situated just behind the derailleur body.
  • Adjust the screw: Using a T25 Torx driver, turn the B-screw clockwise to increase the gap between the derailleur and the cassette or counterclockwise to decrease it. Aim for about 5-6mm of clearance between the upper jockey wheel and the largest cog. This ensures smooth and efficient shifting.

5. Fine-Tuning the Shifter Sensitivity

Once the mechanical adjustments are made, the Rival XPLR eTap AXS system’s electronic settings can be fine-tuned via the SRAM AXS app.

  • Test shifting: Shift through all gears, both up and down, to ensure the derailleur is moving smoothly across the cassette.
  • Adjust shift sensitivity: Using the AXS app, you can adjust the shift behavior to your preference, such as customizing the shift speed or adding trim functionality to prevent chain rub.
  • Update firmware: Ensure your derailleur’s firmware is up to date using the AXS app. Firmware updates can improve shifting performance and fix known issues.

6. Test and Recheck Shifting

After completing all the adjustments, perform a test ride to verify that the shifting is smooth and reliable. Pay attention to the following:

  • Chain drops: Ensure the chain does not drop off the cassette or the chainring during shifting.
  • Skipping or hesitation: Listen for any skipping or hesitation while shifting. If this occurs, it may indicate that further fine-tuning is needed, such as adjusting the B-screw or limit screws slightly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Rival XPLR eTap AXS Rear Derailleur

Chain Drops or Skipping

  • Cause: Chain drops or skipping often occur if the derailleur is misaligned or the derailleur hanger is bent.
  • Solution: Check the derailleur hanger for alignment and ensure that the derailleur is securely fastened. Perform limit screw and B-screw adjustments to prevent over-shifting.

Inconsistent Shifting

  • Cause: This can be caused by a low battery or incorrect shift logic settings.
  • Solution: Ensure that the derailleur’s battery is fully charged. Also, check the shift behavior settings through the SRAM AXS app to ensure everything is set up for smooth shifting.

Difficulty Shifting to Larger Cogs

  • Cause: This could be due to insufficient B-screw adjustment or chain wear.
  • Solution: Adjust the B-screw to ensure proper jockey wheel clearance. Additionally, check the chain for wear and replace it if necessary.

Customization and Optimization for Gravel Riding

The Rival XPLR eTap AXS system is designed with gravel riding in mind, but there are a few ways to further optimize its performance:

  • Cassette Selection: For gravel riding, consider using a wide-range cassette with a 10-36t or 10-42t range to accommodate varying terrain. Ensure that the derailleur can accommodate your desired gear range.
  • Chainring Size: A 40t or 42t chainring is ideal for gravel riding, offering a good balance between climbing ability and flat-road speed.
  • Shifter Positioning: Customize the reach of your shifters for better ergonomics, especially if you’re using the Rival XPLR eTap AXS for long gravel rides.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Rival XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur is compatible with other SRAM AXS components, including shifters, cranksets, and cassettes. It is crucial to ensure that all components in your drivetrain are AXS-compatible for seamless integration and optimal performance. Additionally, the Rival XPLR eTap AXS system works best with 12-speed cassettes, so make sure your cassette matches the system’s specifications.

Conclusion

Adjusting and maintaining your Rival XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur is a straightforward process that ensures your gravel bike performs at its best. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make precise adjustments, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize your bike for gravel riding. Regular maintenance and proper setup will keep your shifting smooth and reliable, allowing you to focus on enjoying your ride.