• Home
  • Gear Reviews
    • Mountain Biking
    • Road Biking
    • Bike Commuting
    • Trail Running
    • Skiing
    • Outdoors
    • Water Sports
    • Vehicles
  • News
  • Trip Reports
  • Videos
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook Twitter Instagram
FeedTheHabit.com
  • Home
  • Gear Reviews
    • Mountain Biking
    • Road Biking
    • Bike Commuting
    • Trail Running
    • Skiing
    • Outdoors
    • Water Sports
    • Vehicles
  • News
  • Trip Reports
  • Videos
FeedTheHabit.com
Gear Reviews

SRAM X1 Groupset Review

Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellOctober 12, 2015No Comments4 Mins Read

The simplicity of going 1x for MTB can’t be overstated. Granted, it’s not for everyone, but for anyone with a solid fitness level, it’s simply the way to go. And, with the more affordable SRAM X1 groupset, there’s no reason not to go that way for your next bike or an upgrade.

SRAM X1 Groupset Features:

  • Alloy crankset options
  • 4-bolt or direct-mount chainrings
  • Trigger shifter only
  • X-Horizon rear derailleur with aluminum cage
  • Unique, pinned 10-42 11-speed cassette
  • Requires XD driver body
  • Weight: 1750 grams (w/1400 crankset)
  • MSRP: $961 (versus $1500 for XX1)

SRAM X1 X-Horizon Rear Derailleur

Trickle-down XX1 for the rest of us

More and more 1×11 bikes are showing up at local shops and thanks to SRAM, that groupset is getting more and more affordable — with little sacrifice in performance. The full X1 kit is a fantastic example of trickle-down economics and shows that SRAM continues as the 1x market leader.

Throughout the season, I’ve had the Niner ROS 9 Plus in the hopper. This 29+ bike has been fun to ride on all the local trails and is only available in singlespeed or 1×11 drivetrains. One of the added benefits of the 1x proliferation is the ability to design bikes around it — thus shortening chainstays, increasing tire clearance and such. On the ROS 9 Plus, this allows Niner to ditch the front derailleur mount while keeping a standard bottom bracket width and still accomodate 29×3.0 tires.

SRAM X1 Crankset

From top-to-bottom, the SRAM X1 kit provides excellent performance. Shifting remains crisp and the trigger feel is responsive and smooth. Having now ridden XX1, X01 and X1, I can honestly say that the performance and feel of each drivetrain is absolutely negligible. Blindfolded, I’d have a hard time telling the difference between each one.  Yes, the aluminum trigger lever does feel slightly different compared to the carbon one on the XX1, but that’s splitting hairs.

Much like the Rival, Force and Red road groupsets, the XX1, X01 and X1 kits deliver identical performance, but at minimal weight penalties and with significant price breaks.

My test bike was outfitted with a 32t front chainring, which is pretty much the standard size for most bikes. On this bike, I did wish for a little lower gearing on a few occasions (it is 32 lbs afterall), but I just dug deep and made it up anything I would ride up on any other bike in the stable. That said, getting a 30t chainring on there is simple and can be done without removing the crankset.

During the course of my testing, shifting remained smooth with the ability to shift to a higher gear in a hurry or dump gears when encountering a steep incline unprepared. SRAM really has a corner on instant shifting. The competition is solid and predictable, but X1 shows just how fast shifting should be. Click, shift. Click, click, shift, shift. Every time.

I’ll also add that the X1’s trigger shifter is very ergonomic and built for thumb shifting only. None of this “take your index finger off the brake to shift” stuff. The most optimal shifting experience is with your thumbs because fingers are for braking.

SRAM X1 Trigger Shifter

Something that’s nice about all SRAM 1×11 trigger shifters is the ability to move the shfiter body inward or outward — depending on which mount screw you use. I always like as much grip room as possible, so I mount the trigger as far inward as possible. It’s only about a half-inch, but that little bit makes for a huge difference in hand room. If you’re using SRAM’s Matchmaker system, you’ll also enjoy a single clamp for brake/shifter with added adjustability. I was running X1 with the capable Shimano Deore brakes and did lack some adjustability that I’d otherwise have had the bike been spec’d with full SRAM shifting and brakes.

The Good

  • 1X simplicity in a more affordable package
  • Reliable, crisp shifting
  • Excellent gear ratios for aggressive riders
  • Minimal weight penalty versus XX1 (~300 grams)

The Bad

  • Not as sexy as XX1 — but your 401K will thank you

SRAM X1 Launch Video

The Bottom Line: SRAM X1 Groupset

Satisfy your N-1 bike needs and keep your significant other at bay by going with a lower-cost X1 kit on your next bike. The performance is honestly as good as the pricier XX1 kit, but at a significantly lower price point and modest weight gain.

Buy Now: Visit JensonUSA

160
SHARES
ShareTweet
sram
Jason Mitchell
  • Website
  • Twitter

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

You Might Also Like

Tifosi Rail Sunglasses Review

May 16, 2022

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie

May 12, 2022

Salomon Ultra Glide Review

May 9, 2022

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Most Popular
9.5

Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedals Review

April 14, 2022
8.9

Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

November 4, 2021
9.1

Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

September 9, 2021

Hoka One One Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

November 2, 2021
9.4

Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

September 13, 2019
9.0

Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc Di2 Review

August 13, 2020

Salomon Ultra Glide Review

May 9, 2022
9.1

Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

June 18, 2020

Review: SRAM GX AXS Upgrade Kit

December 21, 2021

Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

February 2, 2021
Advertisement
Our Latest Posts
  • Tifosi Rail Sunglasses Review
  • Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie
  • Salomon Ultra Glide Review
  • Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts Review
  • Louis Garneau Garnott LS Jersey Review
  • Fresh Wheels: Campagnolo Levante Gravel Wheelset
  • Review: Scott Gravel Tuned Bike Shoes
  • Colnago C68 Ditches Lugs, Goes Modular
  • Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody Review
  • Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedals Review
About Us
About Us

Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

© 1999-2022 FeedTheHabit.com All rights reserved // About Us // Privacy Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.