SRAM Force CX1 takes company’s single-ring system to cyclocross

Canadian Cycling Magazine March 11, 2014

SRAM has released a new cyclocross groupset, the SRAM Force CX1, which draws upon the single-chainring system of some of its mountain bike series.

A rider can choose from five sizes of chainring: 38-, 40-, 42-, 44- and 46-tooth. With only one ring, the chain’s secure position in the drivetrain is almost guaranteed as the bike bounces through a ‘cross course. Each ring has mud-clearing recesses that help keep muck from building up on chain links and rollers. A 42-tooth ring has a claimed weight of 75 g. Rings start at US$126.

SRAM Force CX1 chainring 42T — The 42-tooth version of the Force CX1 chainring.

The ring attaches to a forged alloy spider. Unidirectional carbon crankarms bring the torque to the crankset. The claimed weight of a 42-tooth ring, 172.5-mm crankarms and a BB30 is 542 g, and with SRAM’s GXP bottom bracket, 710 g. The price for the GXP set (not including chainring and GXP cups) is US$207. The BB30 set (not including chainring and bearings) is US$249.

Up at the handlbars, the levers keep up with the SRAM tradition of keeping the grams low. Since there’s one ring and no front derailleur, there’s no shift paddle on the left lever. It is said to weigh 119 g, while its paddled partner on the right is 158 g. They cost US$113 and US$193 respectively.

The system is rounded out with a rear derailleur (261 g/US$235 medium-cage 11-speed), which is 10- and 11-speed compatible. The 11-speed cassette comes in the following sizes: 11-26 tooth (247 g), 11-28 tooth (257 g), 11-32 tooth (300 g). The cassette with the 32-tooth cog costs US$118, while the other two are $107. The set’s chain is said to weigh 242 g and will set you back US$54.

SRAM Force CX1 Rear derailleur — The SRAM Force CX1 rear derailleur.

SRAM PG-1170 Cassette — The SRAM PG-1170 cassette.

The planned released of the gruppo is July 1. Force CX1 braking systems, both mechanical disc and cantilever, are set to debut in the spring.