SRAM NX Launched: The most affordable 1×11 drivetrain yet

We at ENDURO are firm believers in 1x drivetrains and therefore we are excited to see SRAM launch a new entry level 1×11 solution that sits below the GX group: The SRAM NX. The new group is based around a 11-42 cassette that is compatible with standard free hubs and could finally help to bring 1×11 to the masses. We took a closer look at the new group and walk you through the features

SRAM markets the NX drivetrain as the no-nonsense, no-worries 1x drivetrain:

“It’s how you start that matters. Whether you’re discovering the mountain for the first time or you’re an MTB lifer searching for a no-nonsense, no-worries 1x drivetrain, SRAM NX is ready for action and ready to take you there. NX brings you a wide range of gear choices engineered for simplicity and durability, so you can focus on what matters most—the ride ahead. German engineered and proudly bearing the SRAM 1x™ stamp of approval, NX is ready to let the world know what real riding feels like. START NEW. START RIGHT. START WITH SRAM NX.”

Where does the SRAM NX fit in?

Comparing the specs of the NX group to SRAMs previous entry level GX group and their premium X01 componentry clearly shows that each group has its own target market. The GX costs 70% more than the NX and offers a weight saving of around 330g. The X01 weighs around 500g less than the NX but is also 4 times as expensive. As all NX components are fully compatible with SRAMs other 1x drivetrains, we can see both riders on a budget as well as manufacturers mixing in NX parts here and there to reduce the overall costs of a bike. With an overall weight of more than 2 kg for a typical setup, the NX will certainly be bought for the shifting performance and ease of a 1x drivetrain, rather than for weight saving.

Weight Comparison SRAM NX vs. GX vs. X01

Price Comparison SRAM NX vs. GX vs. X01

SRAM NX Cassette (PG-1130)

The Cassette is arguably the biggest differentiation to other SRAM 1x groups. Rather than requiring the XD driver body to accommodate a small 10 tooth cog, the NX cassette comes with an 11-42t range and is compatible with standard free hubs. This does not only allow a wider choice of hubs but also enables riders to upgrade to a 1x drivetrain without purchasing a new driver body. The construction of the cassette results in a relatively hefty weight of 538g, but weight won’t be the main concern of the main target audience. The broad compatibility paired with a much lower price point than previous cassettes opens the world of 1×11 to a wide range of riders.

Range: 11-42t
Cog Sizes: 11t, 13t, 15t, 17t, 19t, 22t, 25t, 28t, 32t, 36t, 42t
Compatible with non XD driver body
Weight: 538g
Price: €89 (£68/$79)

SRAM NX Cranks

The NX cranks are made of 6000 series aluminium and rely on the trusted bolt circle diameter of 94 mm. Featuring the company’s X-SYNC narrow wide aluminum chainrings, the crankset is compatible with all SRAM 1x drivetrains. Chainring size goes anywhere from 28t to 40t with the crankset weighing in at 680-780 g. The cranks are available for all common bottom bracket and chain line standards.

Chainring compatibility: 28t, 30t, 32t, 34t, 36t, 38t, 40t
BB compatibility: BB30/PF30-68/73mm, GXP 100mm/ PF GXP 121mm, GXP PF GXP 68/ 73mm
Crank arm length: 155mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
BB spindle interface: 24mm, 30mm
Chainline: 49.0mm, 52.0mm, 66.5mm
Weight: 680-780g
Price: €120 (£92, $116)

SRAM NX Derailleur

The NX derailleur has much in common with his siblings, carrying over all the relevant technologies from the more expensive offerings. That makes it fully compatible with other SRAM 1×11 drivetrains and offers an interesting alternative for riders searching for an affordable replacement after breaking their derailleur. Rather than aluminum or carbon fiber, the cage of the NX derailleur is made from steel, resulting in a weight of 322g.

Technologies: X-HORIZON, X-SYNC, X-ACTUATION, CAGE LOCK, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH
Cage material: steel
Weight: 322g
Price: €76 (£58, $74)

SRAM NX Trigger Shifter

The NX trigger takes care of the shifting duties, offering the basic technologies in an affordable package. While compatible with other SRAM 1×11 groups, the NX does not offer compatibility with the matchmaker system that allows brakes, dropper post and shifters to share the same clamp.

Max upshifts: 5
Matchmaker compatibility: no
Pull lever adjust: no
Multi-position: no
Weight: 142g
Price: €28 (£22, $27)

SRAM NX Grip Shift

Fallen out of most riders favour, SRAM continues to offer Grip Shift as an alternative to the more popular trigger shifters. For XC riders and fans of the twist logic, NX Grip Shift round of the NX group.

Technologies: X-ACTUATION, SPEED METAL, ROLLING THUNDER, JAWS
Price: €35 (£26, $33)

SRAM NX Chain (PC-1110)

While some of previous SRAM drivetrains share the chain with each other, the NX group gets its own, the PC-1110. Held together by solid, chrome hardened pins, the PC-1100 weighs in at 232-273g and has the same geometry as SRAMs premium offers.

Weight: 232-273g
Price: €14 (£11, $14)

First impression:

With the NX group, SRAM finally offers a truly affordable 1×11 drivetrain. The NX components carry over most of SRAMs key technologies from their proven 1x product range and wrap them up at a much lower price tag. The new 11-42t cassette offers a wide compatibility and allows riders to upgrade their older bikes without investing in an XD driver body. With its rather hefty weight, the NX group is certainly not targeted at expert riders building up customized dream bikes. Product managers will be able to spec 1×11 drivetrains on bikes of almost any price tag now, bringing the performance benefits to a broad target group of beginners and riders on a budget. The NX group will most likely find its way onto many affordable bikes in the future. We are keen to find out how the NX components live up to these expectations once we’ve been able to take them out on the trails.

For further information head to the SRAM website.

Words: Moritz Dittmar Photos: SRAM

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