Review

First Look | SRAM XX1 Black Drivetrain

04.10.2015
by

Back in 2013 SRAM changed everything when they dropped their ultra wide range 1×11 groupset – for the first time you could have a functional range of gears with just a single chainring that was suitable for all-round mountain biking. 1×11 was quickly adopted as the ‘aspirational’ drivetrain adorning top end machines. There are now a number of cost effective 1x drivetrains on the market but SRAMs XX1 still remains their flagship system. In celebration of it’s success SRAM have released the XX1 drivetrain in a brand new colour, black!

Functionally the drivetrain is unchanged from the current XX1, the only difference is that all the red graphics are now stealthy black. This will please a lot of style conscious riders looking to upgrade their current groupset as the black colour scheme will fit in with a lot more bike colours. Of course, it’s madness to choose a drivetrain based on colour, but once you are set on a drivetrain that works for you, it’s always nice to have a choice.

The new SRAM XX1 Black drivetrain is identical mechanically but features a stealthy look
The new SRAM XX1 Black drivetrain is identical mechanically but features a stealthy look
All the red graphics that feature on the standard XX1 drivetrain, are now stealthy black
All the red graphics that feature on the standard XX1 drivetrain, are now stealthy black
The XX1 Black now includes the new X-SYNC Direct Mount Chainring
The XX1 Black now includes the new X-SYNC Direct Mount Chainring
Paired with a XO1 Black cassette, you can keep your drivetrain super stealthy
Paired with a XO1 Black cassette, you can keep your drivetrain super stealthy
XX1 is SRAMs premium drivetrain, with precise shifting accuracy
XX1 is SRAMs premium drivetrain, with precise shifting accuracy
The rear derailleur features the same X-Horizon technology to keep the chain gap constant across the ratios
The rear derailleur features the same X-Horizon technology to keep the chain gap constant across the ratios
The crank weighs in at 546g with a 32t direct mount chainring - that's seriously light
The crank weighs in at 546g with a 32t direct mount chainring – that’s seriously light
Even the shifter has been 'murdered' with black and grey graphics
Even the shifter has been ‘murdered’ with black and grey graphics

The XX1 group is SRAM’s premium performance groupset so the prices are eye watering, however we have been very impressed with both the durability and reliability during our long term test. We have built up the XX1 Black drivetrain onto one of our project bikes and will be thrashing it hard over the coming Scottish winter, and will bring you news of how it behaves after being repeatedly dunked in some heavy duty mud.

Prices

  • The SRAM XX1 Black Crank with 32T X-Sync direct mount chainring (BB not included) costs $456/€405
  • The SRAM XX1 Black Rear Derailleur costs $326/€290
  • The SRAM XX1 Black Trigger costs $183/€163

For more information check out the SRAM website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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