After riding SRAM XX1 extensively over the past two months, I’m smitten. No, I’m head-over-heels in love. Never in my years of riding have I felt that way about any drivetrain, but XX1 is THAT good. While it is that good, it has been elusive to most riders because it’s only spec’d on the most high-end builds and aftermarket availability has, at times, been limited.
With the introduction of the new SRAM X01, it will expand availability of 1×11 to more affordable bike builds and should help spread out demand across both price-points. That said, according to my calculations, X01 will set me back about $1330 for a BB30 setup and 32T chainring. The current street price of XX1 is below that, so I’d expect some discounts on X01 to get it closer to the $1000 range — we’ll see once retailers get it on their shelves. Regardless, I still believe that X01 Kinobi is the drivetrain you’ve been looking for — light, precise, simple and even more affordable.
See below for the details of X01 from SRAM.
SRAM 1X™ is the only one you need: less weight, better chain control and the ability to sync up with any riding style. Our 1X drivetrain philosophy focuses on optimizing how components work together—crank to ring, tooth to chain, shifter to derailleur, derailleur to cassette, and cassette to wheel. No matter where you ride, no matter what you’re up against, SRAM 1X takes you further.
Building the next generation of single chain ring drivetrains takes more than a few well-made components—it takes components made perfectly for each other. The result: flawless chain management, lower weight and faster, more precise shifting. The same spider works with all 6 ring sizes for faster gear tuning. The teeth on each ring of the crankset use X-SYNC™ design to hold the chain better. The X-HORIZON™ Rear Derailleur stops chain slap and ghost shifting. And the 11-speed, 10- to 42-tooth X-DOME™ Cassette keeps each gear step exactly even.
The SRAM X01 drivetrain carries on the tradition of SRAM’s championship-winning 1X™ philosophy—all the way down the mountain. The setup is simpler. The drivetrain is lighter. And the shifting is fast and solid. Bottom line: X01 is the right one for any terrain, every time. RELENTLESS.
X01 Crankset
- New patented X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
- Carbon arms with forged aluminum spider
- Chainring guard option
- New spider design allows for easier ring changes
- CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
- Colors: Red and Black
- Weight: 655g (with BB)
- Technologies: BB30, GXP, X-SYNC™
X01 X-HORIZON™ Rear Derailleur
- Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
- X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force and ghost shifting
- 12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
- TYPE 2 technologies: ROLLING BEARING CLUTCH™ and CAGE LOCK™
- Carbon cage
- Sealed cartridge bearings
- Colors: Red and Black
- Weight: 252g
- Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, X-HORIZON™, X-SYNC™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
X01 Trigger Shifter
- SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
- Zero Loss Engagement for fastest shifting
- Multi-adjustable trigger shifter
- MatchMaker X compatible
- Aluminum cover and adjustable forged aluminum pull lever
- Includes discrete clamp
- Colors: Red and Black
- Weight: 91g
- Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, ZERO LOSS, MatchMaker X Integrated
X01 Grip Shift
- SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
- SPEED METAL™ shift indexing
- ROLLING THUNDER™ ball bearing technology
- JAWS™ lock-on grip technology
- Aluminum cover
- Includes lock-on grips
- Colors: Red and Black
- Weight: 143g (clamps, cable and JAWS™ lock-on grip
- Technologies: JAWS™, ROLLING THUNDER™, SPEED METAL™, X-ACTUATION™
XG-1195 Cassette
- Unique finish for high durability
- 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: 275g
- Technologies: X-DOME™, XD™ DRIVER BODY
XD™ Driver Body
- Driver body design that lets riders tap the power and range of the SRAM 10-42 11-speed Cassette and a 10-tooth small cog
- Provides a more stable hub connection
- XD™ Driver Body is 6-8g lighter
PC-XX1 Chain
- New 1X™ specific chain
- HARD CHROME™ technology for maximum strength and wear resistance
- Proprietary link finish provides improved life span
- 11-speed power lock
- Technologies: X-SYNC™, HARD CHROME™
X01 Availability: Mid-September 2013
More Info: Visit SRAM.com
2 Comments
I think this is my next gruppo. I ran a 1×9 several years ago and found that I could make it up just about anything. I love the idea of the clutch in the rear derailleur to minimize chain slap. Does it feel pretty smooth when you are descending?
The clutch on my XX1 setup does a fantastic job at eliminating chain slap (haven’t heard a bit of it yet) for ultra-quiet descents. Shifting is quick and nearly imperceptible. I’m having a hard time finding any faults with XX1 and X01 should be largely the same.
The chainrings are removable from the outside, which means you can pack along a couple of options, if you’re racing or doing a ride with more climbing, more descents or more flats.