1×11 for everyone? SRAM introduces new X1 drivetrain

Two years ago when SRAM presented XX1, the first 1×11 drive train, it started a small revolution in the industry, changing the way that many people thought about mountain bike shifting gear – especially in the Enduro segment, 1×11 drive trains are now an integral and ingrained concept. There was only one problem: Due to the high price SRAM placed on its 1×11 philosophy, it was reserved for wealthy customers and dedicated racers only. With the new, much cheaper X1 groupset SRAM wants to move forward and change this problem – 1×11 for everyone?

Update (Febuary 2016): SRAM’s 1×11 technology has trickled down to the even cheaper SRAM NX group. The X1 is still in the SRAM portfolio.

With the release of X01 last year, consumers now had a slightly cheaper way of buying into a 1×11 group, followed by the release of the 7-speed X01 DH to bring the 1x-range to more riders.
Showing its dedication to 1×11, SRAM is now heralding the X1 as offering all the technologies of the expensive high-end group, but at a price level between X.9 and X.0 (weights and prices below).
The communicated SRAM retail price of the X1 group is 947 EUR / $1,066 (for comparison: XX1 – 1,444 EUR / $1,622) – the “street price” will be probably more like 60-70% of the official EIAs.

By using cheaper materials and all the know-how collected over the last two years of production, the benefits of 1×11 is now more affordable to a much larger spread of riders. The extra weight of X1 (compared to XX1) is just under 300 grams, and the group X1 will be available in July.

1×11 for everyone?

The many advantages of a one-by drivetrain are obvious: less components, less frequent shifting, intuitive handling – and for most purposes a simpler bike is often a better bike.
But even apart from the obvious the one-by drivetrains offer some design advantages:
Kinematics can be optimized for only one chainring allowing more freedom for frame design, and the absence of a derailleur allows for shorter chainstays. Not to mention of the fact that the special X-SYNC chainrings hold the chain firmly and it stays in place even without a chain-guide.

The only real disadvantage of 1×11 is the smaller range of gearing compared with a conventional 2×10 or 3×10 setup. However, with the new X1 Group it is the same as at the XX1 – so not so small. The range of the 10-42 cassette (420%) should, provided care is taken with the choice of chainring size, be enough for a large majority of riders. For sure you may sometimes want a lighter or heavier gear – but the advantages of the system often outweigh the lack of extreme gear ratios. With the X1, price is no longer such a factor in the argument against 1×11.

Derailleur (SRAM X1 X-Horizon Rear Derailleur)

The rear derailleur is the central element in each drivetrain. So it’s good news, SRAM won’t compromise on this important part: All proven technologies from the XX1 group found their way into the much cheaper X1 derailleur. X1-riders won’t have to miss out on the X-Horizon Design nor on the ROLLER-BEARING-CLUTCH technology or the handy CAGE LOCK feature. Instead of carbon and titanium, more components of the X1 derailleur are made of aluminum.

• 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
• Price: 205 Euro / $231

Cassette (SRAM XG-1180)

To reduce costs, the cassette is no longer manufactured from one-piece like the XX1. Only the smallest three cogs are cnc-machined out of a single block, the additional eight cogs are individually pinned together.

• 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
• Price: 278 Euro / $313

Chain (PC-X1)

• New 1X™ specific chain designed with our XX1 geometry
• solid pin construction
• 11-speed PowerLock™
• Weight: 258g (114 links)

Cranks (SRAM X1 1400, X1 1200, X1 1000)

Three different cranks make up the X1 group, all of them are made for chainring sizes of 30 – 38 teeth, small 28 chainrings can’t be used.

SRAM X1 1400: 800 Gramm, 233 Euro / $262
SRAM X1 1200: 830 Gramm, OEM only
SRAM X1 1000: 850 Gramm, 177 Euro / $199

Trigger Shifter (SRAM X1 X-ACTUATION)

The matchmaker compatible X1 trigger shifter costs 72 Euros / $81 and weights 121 gramm/p>

Words: Aaron Steinke Photos: Adrian Marcoux

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