We’ve been given glimpses of it already, but SRAM’s XX1 is now official. Time to turn it up to 11.

With XX1 we now have a dedicated 1×11 drivetrain that’s aimed primarily at all-mountain and enduro riders. Why the need for 11? Well the 10 speed 11-36 cassette opened up a whole load of peoples eyes to the possibility of running just a single chainring on a trail bike, but even though the compromise (in terms of the range of gears on offer) was much less than a 9 speed system there was still some compromise. With a massive 10-42 cassette SRAM reckon this 11 speed system has put an end to that compromise once and for all.

Here are all the individual components of the new XX1 system, and I should probably point out now that this really is a ‘system’ and as such everything really needs to be used together.

X-HORIZON Rear Derailleur

Maximum Impact.

With its “horizontal parallelogram” design and pulley offset, X-HORIZON™ keeps the chain gap constant across all 11 gears, providing fast, precise shifts. By limiting all movement to the horizontal axis, this design is faster, reduces shift force and eliminates ghost shifting. ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology reduces bounce and chain slap. CAGE LOCK™ technology makes wheel removal and installation easier than ever before. Paired with the XX1 shifter, the X-HORIZON RD forms the backbone of X-ACTUATION™ technology for unbelievably smooth shifting action. Available October 2012.

• Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
• Straight parallelogram design with horizontal movement reduces shift force and improves drivetrain performance
• 12T X-SYNC pulley wheels
• TYPE 2 technologies: ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ and CAGE LOCK™
• New silent pulley tooth design
• Weight: 220 grams (approx.)

Technologies:

X-HORIZON^TM

This rear derailleur’s “straight parallelogram” design limits all movement to the horizontal axis, which makes ghost shifting impossible while also reducing shift force. For quicker, more exact shifting, the large upper pulley offset design maintains a constant chain gap across all gears.

X-SYNC^TM

A “wide tooth, narrow tooth” pattern is repeated around the pulley wheel, perfectly mirroring the chain’s inner and outer links for maximum control.

CAGE LOCK^TM

With Cage Lock, wheel removal and installation—as well as chain installation—becomes faster and simpler. Just pushing the cage forward to create slack and lock it into place.

ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH^TM

Roller Bearing Clutch™ technology eliminates derailleur bounce and chain slap without sacrificing precision.

X-ACTUATION^TM

Developed specifically for the SRAM 1X11 drivetrain, X-ACTUATION keeps shifting sharp and consistent  across the entire 10-42T cassette.

XX1 Trigger Shifter (Gripshift will also be available)

Quick On The Draw

• SRAM 1X11 X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
• Multi-adjustable trigger shifter
• MatchMaker X compatible
• Carbon cover and adjustable carbon pull lever
• Full Gore Ride-On cable system
• Available October 2012.

Technologies:

X-ACTUATION^TM

Developed specifically for the SRAM 1X11 drivetrain, X-ACTUATION keeps shifting sharp and consistent across the entire 10-42T cassette.

XX1 Cassette

First Of Its Kind.

Ranging from 10- to 42-teeth, the 11-speed X-DOME™ delivers an incredibly wide gear range while maintaining even, optimized steps. The single-unit cassette combines with the XD™ driver body for a superior connection to the wheel. Available October 2012.

• 11-speeds (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42)
• Bearing design and ratchet mechanism steadied by XD driver body
• Creates more stable hub connection
• Gear steps optimized across entire range
• Wheels equipped for XD driver body available from SRAM and DT Swiss
• XD driver body is 6-8g lighter
• Weight: 260 grams

Technologies:

X-DOME

Machined from a single piece of billet steel, X-DOME has an “open” interior—giving riders better mud clearance, less weight, cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.

XD

This new cassette driver body design lets the drivetrain use a 10 tooth small cog—all while providing better interface across the entire cassette.

This shot gives you an idea of just how massive this new cassette is compared to even a current 11-36 cassette. Because it uses a 10t smallest sprocket it’s obviously not compatible with a standard freehub body but SRAM have minimised compatibility issues as much as possible by making sure that the new freehub body will easily retrofit onto a current hub. SRAM and DT are already producing these freehub bodies which will fit their existing wheels and I am sure it won’t be long before the likes of Hope also offer one of these new freehub bodies.

XX1 Crank

King Of The Ring.

Developed for maximum chain control, each tooth’s thickness is precisely CNC-machined to support the chain’s inner and outer links perfectly. Six available chain rings (28-30-32-34-36-38) allow you to tune your gear range to match your terrain, wheel size and riding style. Each X-SYNC™ chain ring fits a single, universal spider—allowing you to change rings without removing the light-weight carbon crank arm. Available October 2012.

• New tooth profile alternates thickness by inner and outer links, providing maximum chain control
• Carbon arms with forged aluminum spider
• CNC-machined rings (28-30-32-34-36-38)
• New spider design allows for easier ring changes
• Wide/narrow Q factor cranks for BB30 and GXP
• Weight: 650 grams with BB (approx.)

Technologies:

X-SYNC^TM

A CNC-machined, “wide tooth, narrow tooth” pattern is repeated around the entire chainring, perfectly mirroring the chain’s inner and outer links for maximum control.

BB30

Besides serious weight savings, this bottom bracket means narrow Q-factor, more ankle clearance, greater bearing durability and stronger crank construction.

GXP

GXP’s Gutter Seal design cuts friction, durability and weight—improving both feel and performance.

Here you can clearly see the unique profile of the chainring teeth which mate perfectly with the wide/narrow/wide profile of a chain. Sadly these rings aren’t a standard bolt circle diameter so they can only be used with the new chainset, which as I said before really means you need to run the whole lot together.

The fact that it can really only all be used together is also reflected by SRAM currently only giving a price for the entire groupset. UK pricing is still to be confirmed but European is 1299 Euros and in the USA it is $1449. Seriously pricy, but what did you expect for something that has ‘XX’ in its name?

If it proves to be a success then hopefully we’ll see this 11 speed technology trickle down to some cheaper groupsets in the not too distant future. In the mean time here’s a video about the testing and development of XX1…

What do you guys reckon? Overkill or a look at the future? Maybe the days of the front mech really are numbered, and if that is the case suspension designers the world over will rejoice.

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