SRAM

Rival Type 1 3.0 Rear Derailleur

No longer just for the 'cross sect, the one-by drivetrain invasion has spread to road and gravel applications and SRAM's Rival 1 drivetrain is perfect for those of us on a budget looking to convert to 1x or a sensible new bike build. Rival 1 features much of the same technology as the higher tier groups but constructed with materials that bring costs down. Rival 1 delivers durability and functionality needed for cyclocross, road, and gravel exploits. We'll gladly trade the slight weight penalty for the price reduction and we're pretty sure that once you're able to experience the performance of the Rival Type 1 3.0 Rear Derailleur, you'll agree.

We are pleasantly surprised with the amount of trickle down technology SRAM packs into this derailleur given the price of admission. The refined 3.0 Roller Bearing Clutch improves chain stabilization and improves shifting over the bumpiest terrain. It also reduces annoying chain slap resulting in a quieter ride and a chainstay that isn't chipped up or looks haggard. Specific to SRAM 1x rear derailleurs, X-Horizon geometry improves stability by limiting the movement on the horizontal axis. By doing so, the upper pulley maintains a constant gap and tension across every cog on the cassette. This greatly reduces shift initiation force and eliminates the possibility of ghost shifting, so you can shift confidently under power and with less effort.

Riding gravel, all-road, or cross does come with the unfortunate reality that more flats are likely to occur. Because the rear derailleur sits close to the cogs and the clutch doesn't allow for easy cage movement, SRAM equips the Rival 1 Type 3.0 Rear Derailleur with Cage Lock functionality that makes removing the rear wheel a breeze. Simply push the derailleur cage forward and push in a pin to lock it into place while performing rear wheel removal or installation. Once the wheel is in place, push the cage forward again and the pin releases and gets the derailleur in place for action again.

Another piece of tech we'd be remiss for not discussing is its Exact Actuation technology. Exact Actuation eliminates the issue of different gear changes requiring different amounts of cable pull, which leads to imprecise indexing and a different feel in shifting depending on where you are in the cassette's range. With Exact Actuation, each gear shift requires the same amount of cable pull, resulting in a predictable click and shift no matter where the chain sits on the cassette. This also means an overall quieter, better adjusted, drivetrain.

The SRAM Rival 1 Type 3.0 Rear Derailleur is compatible with 10- and 11-speed one-by road systems. The medium cage version supports a cassette range from 11-26t through 11-36t, and the long cage version supports a 10-42t cassette.