It seems like we’ve been waiting ages for a cheaper alternative to XX1, but is this new X01 kit that much cheaper? Well before I answer that question here’s what the new groupset looks like…

Now I could try and regurgitate all the various press releases that have surrounded this new X01 groupset, but instead I’m just going to tell you the things that I reckon really matter, and if you really want to know the exact spec’s you’ll find them at the bottom of this post where I’ve simply included the entire press release.

So, it doesn’t just look very similar to XX1, it is very similar full stop. I got to ride a bike the other week with it fitted and I would never have been able to tell the difference when riding. I would say the only significant difference that I can see is that the X01 cranks have a 94mm BCD fitting for chainrings, whereas XX1 cranks have the unique 76mm BCD. The smaller XX1 BCD means that there’s the added option of a 28t ring compared to X01 (smallest 30t), but on the flip side if you want to run a bash ring you’ll have more to choose from with the 94mm BCD and very few (if any) with the 76mm BCD.

For those of us that have been waiting for a cheaper version of XX1 the close similarity (design, and seemingly performance wise) of this X01 is a great start, but as you’ll see below that similarity seems to have come at a price. That price is the price. Is it just us, or are these two groupsets too similar in price as well? The comparative prices and weights of XX1 are the ones in brackets.

Rear Mech: £199.99, 252g (£239.99, 220g)
Shifter: £109.99, 91g (£139.99, 105g)
Grip Shift: £99.99, 103g (£129.99, 95g)
Cassette: £299.99, 275g (£340, 260g)
Cranks (not including B/B or ring): GXP £199.99, BB30 £229.99, 655g (GXP £229.99, BB30 £269.99, 650g)
Chainrings: £74.99 – £94.99 (£74 – £102)
Chain: £50, 252g (£50, 252g)

Note: XX1 cranks can also be bought with a 32t ring for only £20 more than without a ring. This option is not available with X01 cranks so if you’re after a 32t ring XX1 cranks will actually work out considerably cheaper! And yes, the X01 trigger shifter is actually lighter than the XX1 equivalent.

All this similarity has left us a little confused. I mean should we be grateful that SRAM have made something that is a little bit cheaper than XX1 but is almost exactly the same? Maybe. The problem is though that is still far from affordable for a lot of riders, especially when you consider that you’ll also need to factor in the cost of a new rear wheel, or freehub at the very least. We were really hoping for a bigger gap in price, but then I suppose this is still X0 level kit and that is never going to come cheap, plus if you’re comparing it to a Shimano groupset you have to remember that to get the same range of gears you’d need to factor in the cost of another shifter and a front mech.

In conclusion we’re just not that sure who is going to buy this as an aftermarket product because if you’ve got the money we think you’d be very tempted to just spend that bit more and get the XX1. On the flip side though is there much point in spending the extra cash if they’re so similar? See what I mean? It’s just too confusing, there’s not enough gap between the two groupsets. Maybe we just need to wait for the X9 version…

Anyway, for those that want the full bumf on the new X01 groupset here it is…

SRAM 1X™ is the only one you need: less weight, better chain control and the ability to sync up with any riding style. Our 1X drivetrain philosophy focuses on optimizing how components work together—crank to ring, tooth to chain, shifter to derailleur, derailleur to cassette, and cassette to wheel. No matter where you ride, no matter what you’re up against, SRAM 1X takes you further.

Building the next generation of single chain ring drivetrains takes more than a few well-made components—it takes components made perfectly for each other. The result: flawless chain management, lower weight and faster, more precise shifting. The same spider works with all 6 ring sizes for faster gear tuning. The teeth on each ring of the crankset use X-SYNC™ design to hold the chain better. The X-HORIZON™ Rear Derailleur stops chain slap and ghost shifting. And the 11-speed, 10- to 42-tooth ­X-DOME™ Cassette keeps each gear step exactly even.

The SRAM X01 drivetrain carries on the tradition of SRAM’s championship-winning 1X™ philosophy—all the way down the mountain. The setup is simpler. The drivetrain is lighter. And the shifting is fast and solid. Bottom line: X01 is the right one for any terrain, every time. RELENTLESS.

• New patented X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
• Chainring guard option
• CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
• Colors: Red and Black
• Weight: 645g (with BB)
• Technologies: BB30, GXP, X-SYNC™

• Carbon arms with forged aluminum spider

• New spider design allows for easier ring changes

• Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
• X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force and ghost shifting
• 12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
• TYPE 2 technologies: ROLLING BEARING CLUTCH™ and CAGE LOCK™
• Carbon cage
• Sealed cartridge bearings
• Colors: Red and Black
• Weight: 220g
• Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, X-HORIZON™, X-SYNC™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™

• SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
• Zero Loss Engagement for fastest shifting
• Multi-adjustable trigger shifter
• MatchMaker X compatible
• Aluminum cover and adjustable forged aluminum pull lever
• Includes discrete clamp
• Colors: Red and Black
• Weight: 91g
• Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, ZERO LOSS, MatchMaker X Integrated

• SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
• SPEED METAL™ shift indexing
• ROLLING THUNDER™ ball bearing technology
• JAWS™ lock-on grip technology
• Aluminum cover
• Includes lock-on grips
• Colors: Red and Black
• Weight: 143g (clamps, cable and JAWS™ lock-on grip
• Technologies: JAWS™, ROLLING THUNDER™, SPEED METAL™, X-ACTUATION™

• Unique finish for high durability
• 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: 275g
• Technologies: X-DOME™, XD™ DRIVER BODY

• Driver body design that lets riders tap the power and range of the SRAM 10-42 11-speed Cassette and a 10-tooth small cog
• Provides a more stable hub connection
• XD™ Driver Body is 6-8g lighter

• New 1X™ specific chain
• HARD CHROME™ technology for maximum strength and wear resistance
• Proprietary link finish provides improved life span
• 11-speed power lock
• Technologies: X-SYNC™, HARD CHROME™

SRAM 1X Technologies:

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.

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

The XX1 Chain has 4 times the elongation (wear) resistance to our other chains. This is due to the new finishing process on the inner links and rollers. Push pin strength and ultimate strength are equivalent to our current chains. The XX1 Chain lasts longer and is just as strong.

XD™ is a new cassette driver body design that allows the use of a 10-tooth small cog and provides an improved interface with the cassette.

Developed specifically for SRAM 1X™, X-ACTUATION™ keeps shifting sharp and consistent across the entire 10- to 42-tooth cassette.

With CAGE LOCK™ technology in the rear derailleur, 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™ technology eliminates derailleur bounce and chain slap without sacrificing precision.

Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift.

Three rows of ball bearings provide zero friction or play—reducing the force needed to shift and promoting long-term performance under all weather conditions with Grip Shift.

Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar.

X-DOME™ technology creates an incredibly lightweight, precise and strong cassette. The open design aids in mud clearance, giving you cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.

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

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