SRAM XX1 mountain bike transmission review

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This article originally appeared on BikeRadar

SRAM's XX1 was the first groupset that threw away the extra weight, cost and complexities of the front shifter and front derailleur without losing usable gear range and it's still a fantastic set-up if you can afford it.

The heart of the system is the intricate, one-piece machined and ultralight (264g) 10-42t cassette. The single axis, composite rich X-Horizon rear derailleur skims the sprockets to give rock-solid accurate shifts even under serious torque, while the clutch mechanism and thick/thin toothed jockey wheels keep the chain impressively secure and quiet even on flat-out downhill runs too.

The 10-42t cassette is the heart of the SRAM X11 system, and it offers impressive longevity

Thankfully – given the price – the longevity of both the cassette and rear mech is impressive. Chain wear is relatively rapid for powerful riders though, so keep an eye on that before your cassette gets compromised too.

The trigger shifter has an adjustable five gears per sweep downshifter paddle and it's noticeably sharper in action than X01 and X1. Syncing with other SRAM handlebar hardware is superb and there's even a GripShift option for instinctive shift or minimal weight fans.

Either format is still expensive, though it's cheaper (and lighter) than SRAM's previous 2x10 XX. 

Specification
Name:XX1 (15)
Built by:SRAM
Price: £776 / $US N/A / $AUS N/A
Description:Format 1x11
Weight (g):892