Prototypes and spyshots no more, the SRAM CX1 single-ring cyclocross group is official.
‘Cross is hard enough on bikes, but it is especially hard on drivetrains. From broken derailleurs to dropped chains, CX groups have to work even when they’re encased in a layer of frozen muck. As one of the main weak points of a drivetrain, CX1 gets rid of the front shifter and derailleur entirely thanks to the chain grabbing ability of the X-Sync Chainring. Add in the stability and control of the X-Horizon rear derailleur and you end up with a system that is ready for the toughest conditions – if you’re ready to run a single ring.
Ditch the granny after the break…
UPDATED: Video added to bottom of post.
Rather than introducing CX1 at the top level, SRAM instead has chosen to first offer a group at the Force level. The attrition rate of drivetrains is fairly high in cross, so most privateers aren’t running the highest end groups on their race bikes. As such, SRAM Force CX1 should find its way onto more bikes for the coming season thanks to the lower price point.
We’re told there will be both mechanical and hydraulic brakes available with the system, though all we’ve seen to this point are the mechanical versions. The group will include a CX1 specific rear brake lever without shifter internals that is painted to match the rest of the system. Otherwise, the levers are fairly similar to the latest versions.
The medium cage rear derailleur is based off of the same X-horizon design as XX1, but is tuned to work with SRAM’s road shifters. Part of that redesign includes a more traditional cable routing for road/cx frames and a different cable anchor for the cable pull. Features like Cage Lock and the clutch mechanism remain unchanged. A nice design touch is the fact that the derailleur is compatible with both 10 and 11 speed SRAM road shifters, and the derailleur will accommodate up to 32t cassettes.
- Shifters: 158 grams right lever, 119 grams left lever, Right $193/ €172/ £147, Left: $113/ €100/ £86
- Cranks: 42T: 172.5mm): 542 grams (BB30), 710g (GXP), GXP (Chainring and GXP Cups Not Included): $207/ €184/ £157
BB30 (Chainring and Bearings Not Included): $249/ €221/£189 - Chainring: 75g (42T), From $126/ €112/ £96 to $152/ €135/ £115
- Rear Derailleur: 261g, $235/ €209/ £178 Medium Cage 11-Speed
- PG-1170 Cassette: 247g (11-26), 257g (11-28), 300g (11-32), $107/ €95/ £81 (11-25, 11-26 & 11-28), $118/ €105/ £90 (11-32)
- PC-1170 Chain: 242g, $54/ €48/ £41
- In total, a 205g savings over Force22 2x