Reviewed by Steve Dempsey
Photos by Brandon Watts
SRAM’s new 11-speed XX1 drive train has hit the market hot and heavy, attracting attention from gravity-oriented trail/enduro riders to lycra-clad, gram-crunching XC racers. XX1 has crossed a unique bridge, offering nearly the same gear range as the ever popular 2X10 system in a single-ring package. It not only saves roughly 200 grams by removing the front shifter/derailleur, but heightens performance through geometrical simplicity—specifically the parallelogram rear derailleur path. Even with an extra-large cassette (10-42t), the rear derailleur travels to the high and low limits with ease. The single ring design in front promotes further symmetry with a properly centered chain-line. The roller bearing clutch and “keyed” chain-ring and pulley wheels eliminate the need for a chain guide, for even more weight savings.
As ground-breaking as the rest, the rear cassette may be the most impressive feat of engineering in the XX1 kit, utilizing a single piece of milled steel and aluminum back plate. The design was morphed from the original XX cassette and upgraded with a more durable aluminum back plate and wider gear range. At the front end, XX1 cranks are equally impressive, taking the alloy/carbon wrap cranks to the next level through sound engineering. Gone are the days of pulling your cranks off just to swap or clean front rings. The system’s simplicity and functionality was apparent (and appreciated) from day one.
