First Look: SRAM X1 Drivetrain - 1x11 Trickling Down 8

Ever since SRAM's XX1 turned the drivetrain world on its head in 2012, many riders have been waiting for the technology to trickle down to more affordable levels. SRAM provided a partial answer in 2013 when it launched the X01 drivetrain, which retails for about $200 less than XX1 for the complete system. However, at $1,200 X01 very much remains a premium offering.

With the launch of X1 today, SRAM knocks another $200 off the complete drivetrain price, while crucially maintaining nearly all of the key technologies that help make XX1/X01 special. The price reduction is made possible by the use of different materials and manufacturing techniques, and comes with a total system weight penalty of about 300-grams compared to XX1.

The biggest differences with XX1/X01 lie in the crank and the cassette. The crank is the X1 aluminum crank already found on OE builds today, which like X01 uses the 94BCD standard allowing it to take a 30T minimum size chainring (only XX1 with its 76BCD can take a 28T minimum size chainring). If you are looking to convert your current bike to 1x11, note that SRAM also sells X-Sync chainrings for the 104BCD standard which would allow you to keep your old crank - provided you can make do with a 32T minimum size chainring in that case.

The cassette is an all-new offering constructed with a 3-cog CNCed minicluster and 8 pinned cogs. The cassette has always been one of the more expensive components of XX1/X01, and this new construction technique allows SRAM to knock more than $100 off the component price compared to XX1. Like XX1/X01, the X1 cassette requires an XD-driver body on the hub to make room for the smallest cog. There are many wheels already available that offer an XD driver option, and some existing hubs can also be converted. Check HERE for a current list of companies supporting the XD standard.

For the rest, it's all there:

• 10-42T 11-speed cassette: currently the widest possible range on a 1x11 setup
• X-Sync Chainring: the original widely available narrow/wide chainring, offers a very high level of chain retention without a guide
• X-Horizon rear derailleur: derailleur movement along a horizontal axis, which limits ghost-shifting while reducing shift force
• Clutch technology: a roller bearing clutch on the rear derailleur limits chainslap and helps with chain retention
• Cage Lock: locks the derailleur open to facilitate wheel removal

X1 will be available in June. Stay tuned for our ride impressions as soon as we can get a little trail time in on it!

By The Numbers

Take a look at how X1 stacks up against bigger brothers XX1/X01 (all weights in grams):

SRAM X1 Specs and Pricing

SRAM X1 X-HORIZON™ Rear Derailleur

Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force, ghost shifting and chain slap
12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
Aluminum cage
Sealed cartridge bearings
Colors: Black
Weight: 256g
MSRP: $231

SRAM X1 1400 CRANK

X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
Hollow forged aluminum arms with forged aluminum spider
GXP or BB30
170mm or 175mm crankarm
Chain ring guard option
CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
Colors: Black, Red
Weight: 800g (GXP, 175mm, 32t)
MSRP: $262 (GXP, 32T chainring)

SRAM X1 1200 CRANK

X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
7000 series forged aluminum arms
GXP or BB30
170mm or 175mm crankarm
CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
Weight: 830g (GXP, 175mm, 32t)
MSRP: OE only (not sold aftermarket)

SRAM X1 1000 CRANK

X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
6000 series forged aluminum arms
GXP or BB30
170mm or 175mm crankarm
CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
Fat bike crank option (GXP and 30-32 X-SYNC™ rings only)
Weight: 850g (GXP, 175mm, 32t)
MSRP: $199 (GXP, 32t)

X-SYNC™ CHAIN RINGS

X-SYNC™ tall, square tooth design provides maximum chain control
Sharp, narrow tooth profile and rounded chamfer edges help manage a deflected chain
30-, 32-, 34-, 36- or 38-tooth single ring
CNC-machined 7075, two-tone anodize
Mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers
An integral component of the SRAM 1X™ drivetrain
MSRP: $105 (32t)

SRAM X1 X-ACTUATION™ Trigger Shifter

SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Zero Loss Engagement for fastest shifting
MatchMaker X compatible
Aluminum cover and forged aluminum pull lever
Discrete clamp
Colors: Black
Weight: 121g (w/o clamp)
MSRP: $81

SRAM XG-1180 MINI CLUSTER™ Cassette

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: 315g
MSRP: $313

For more information visit www.SRAM.com.