SRAM radically altered the way that we thought about drivetrains with the release of their XX1 1×11 drivetrain in 2012, featuring a narrow wide single chain ring design, Type 2 rear derailleur, and astronomically-huge cassette range. While they did release an X01 version last year, that latest rendition didn’t truly do much to drop the price of 1×11 into the realm of the average mountain biker.
As a relatively-new 1×11 addict, thanks to the extreme simplicity and the fantastic chain retention, I’ve been waiting for the price on 1×11 to drop even more. With the release of X1, we continue to see the technology trickle down to more affordable levels.
Here are all the details from SRAM about their latest drivetrain, the X1:
X1 1000 Crank
- X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
- 6000 series forged aluminum arms
- CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
- Fat bike crank option (GXP and 30-32 X-SYNC™ rings)
- Weight: 850g (GXP, 175mm, 32t)
- MSRP: GXP: $199. BB30: $239.
X1 1200 Crank
- X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
- 7000 series forged aluminum arms
- CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
- Weight: 830g (GXP, 175mm, 32t)
- MSRP: Available as OE Only.
X1 1400 Crank
- X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
- Hollow forged aluminum arms with forged aluminum spider
- Chain ring guard option
- CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
- Colors: Black, Red
- Weight: 800g (GXP, 175mm, 32t)
- MSRP: GXP: $262. BB30: $308.
X-Sync Chain Rings
- X-SYNC™ tall, square tooth design provides maximum chain control
- Sharp, narrow tooth profile and rounded chamfer edges help manage a
- deflected chain
- 30-, 32-, 34-, 36- or 38-tooth single ring
- CNC-machined 7075, two-tone anodize
- Mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers
- An integral component of the SRAM 1X™ drivetrain
X1 X-Horizon Rear Derailleur
- Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
- X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force, ghost shifting and chain slap
- 12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
- Aluminum Cage
- Sealed cartridge bearings
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 256g
- MSRP: $231
XG-1180 Mini Cluster Cassette
- 11-speeds (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42)
- XD™ Driver Body creates more stable hub connection
- Optimized gear steps across entire range
- Weight: 315g
- MSRP: $313
X1 X-Actuation Trigger Shifter
- SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
- Zero Loss Engagement for fastest shifting
- MatchMaker X compatible
- Aluminum cover and forged aluminum pull lever
- Discrete clamp
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 121g (w/o clamp)
- MSRP: $81
PC-X1 Chain
- New 1X™ specific chain designed with our XX1 geometry
- Solid pin construction
- 11-speed PowerLock™
- Weight: 258g (114 links)
- MSRP: $37
Personally, I’m generally most concerned with the cost of drivetrain parts that you know will wear out with use: the cassette, the chain, and the chain rings. While I’m a bit disappointed to still see a rear cassette that costs north of $300, it’s still over $100 cheaper than the XX1 cassette. Chain cost has almost been halved from X01, and while no prices have been provided for the chain rings, it’s a safe bet that they’ve come down in cost as well.
Do note, though, that if you want to go grip shift, you’ll still have to shell out for at least X01-level shifters, but they should be compatible with X1 if you want to save money elsewhere in your drivetrain.
One thing is certain: when it comes time to replace some of my own drivetrain parts, I’ll be saving some cash with X1!
Availability: June 2014.
