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SRAM releases X1 drivetrain

SRAM X1 rear derailleur
May 2, 2014
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On Friday, SRAM demonstrated further commitment to the single-chainring drivetrain with the introduction of the X1 gruppo. Features from the XX1 and X01 groups have trickled down to the X1, which offers high-end technologies with only slight modifications and at lower price points.

SRAM X1 1400 crank
The SRAM X1 1400 crank has hollow-forged aluminum arms with a forged aluminum spider.

One such trickled-down tech is X-Sync, which is part of the chainring. X-Sync migrated over from the XX1 gruppo. The technology features two alternating tooth sizes on a ring to prevent side-to-side chain movement, the leading culprit of dropped chains. A tall, narrow tooth is always followed by a equally tall thicker tooth with a cross-shaped end. These teeth mate with a chain designed to accommodate them. Rings come in 30-, 32-, 34-, 36- or 38-tooth versions. The weight of a full crank can vary from 800 g to 850 g depending on its construction and the size of the ring. The price of a X1 crank ranges from US$199 to US$262.

SRAM X-Sync
The SRAM X-Sync chainring has tall, wide teeth that alternate in their width and shape. This pattern prevents a dropped chain while riding on rough trails.

The X1 shifter has the company’s X-Actuation technology. It’s said to have a higher degree of cable pull, which will keep shifts accurate in messy conditions and over time when wear can become a factor. It weighs 121 g without the clamp and costs US$81. The shifter works with the X1 rear derailleur, which shares much of its geometry and architecture with its XX1 predecessor. The X1 derailleur is carbon-fibre free (all aluminum), weighs 256 g and costs US$231.

SRAM X1 rear derailleur
The SRAM X1 rear derailleur has the same geometry and architecture as the XX1 component.

While each XX1 and X01 cassette is machined from one piece of steel (except for the 42-tooth cog), the X1 has only its three smallest cogs (10-, 12- and 14-tooth) machined from a single piece. The remaining eight the cogs (16-, 18-, 21-, 24-, 28-, 32-, 36- and 42-tooth) are stamped and pinned together. This manufacturing process keeps the price down for the component. It rings in at US$313. It weighs 315 g, roughly 55 g heavier than the XX1 cassette.

SRAM X1 11-speed cassette
The SRAM X1 11-speed cassette weighs 315 g.

The planned release of the X1 group is June.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf6lV_KpQIA