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SRAM X1 Brings 1×11 Mountain Bike Groups to Mainstream Price Levels

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SRAM-X1-mountain-bike-1x11-drivetrain-group

When X01 debuted, it brought pricing on SRAM’s 1×11 groups down a bit, but the cassette remained virtually the same (and virtually as expensive), keeping the overall cost of the group out of the range of many enthusiast riders wanting a dedicated, complete single-chainring, 11-speed group.

Now, finally, they’ve introduced a more budget friendly option by taking their previously OEM-only alloy X1 crankset and wrapping a complete group around it. That means a new pinned construction cassette, but with the same 10-42 tooth range, with all the same X-Horizon shifting that makes XX1/X01 so great…

SRAM X1 1x11 mountain bike drivetrain group

The heart of the group is the new Mini-Cluster cassette, which blends a machined single piece of steel for the smallest three cogs followed by eight individual cogs pinned together. The cluster at the bottom was necessary to hang the 10t off the end of the XD Driver body. So, yes, you’ll still need an XD Driver freehub. It shares the Jet Black finish with the X01 cassette. Claimed weight is 315g, up from X01’s 275g. Full tooth counts are: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42.

SRAM X1 1x11 mountain bike drivetrain group

The X1 cranks now come in three variations: X1 1000 (top), X1 1200 (middle) and X1 1400 (bottom). Chainrings will be available in 30/32/34/36/38 tooth counts, with GXP and BB30 spindles. The differences between them are mainly in the arm construction and material. The top end 1400 uses hollow forged arms with a separate forged spider for a claimed weight of 800g. It also has a chainring guard option and the choice of gray or red graphics.

The 1200 drops down to 7000 series forged arms at 830g, and the 1000 gets 6000 series arms at 850g. All weights are for GXP, 175mm, 32t chainring.

SRAM X1 1x11 mountain bike drivetrain group

All of the cranksets get the X-Sync chainring, CNC machined from 7075 alloy and their patented wide/narrow tall tooth profiles.

SRAM X1 1x11 mountain bike drivetrain group

The X1 X-Horizon rear derailleur is essentially identical to the X01 save for an alloy cage (versus carbon), which adds all of 4g to put it at 256g. It keeps the sealed cartridge bearings, Cage Lock and X-Sync pulleys.

SRAM X1 1x11 mountain bike drivetrain group

The shift lever uses an alloy cap and forged aluminum pull lever. It’s slightly less refined somewhere since the claimed weight of 121g is about 30g heavier than the X01 version, but functionality is the same.

Not shown, the PC-X1 chain has solid pins and is designed for 1×11 drivetrains specifically. Weight is 258g (114 links).

SRAM X1 1x11 mountain bike drivetrain group specs and pricing

If you went with the best of everything (BB30 X1-1400 cranks) your total bill would be $970 USD, a far cry from the $1,375 for XX1 and $1,247 for X01. These prices do not include the XD driver body, but many brands are offering their wheels with that option as a no (or very low) cost up switch at time of original purchase.

SRAM.com

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J Train
J Train
9 years ago

Well played.

patrik
patrik
9 years ago

A Strava kudos to SRAM. Bravo, bravissimo.

deralex
deralex
9 years ago

This is good news.
I´m already riding a XX1.
The only complaint is about the technology only offered in expensive groups.
“Trickle it down, SRAM!” was the first wish as soon as I heard about the XX1.
$900 still needs one step more to be sold in high volumes.
By the way, most of my other bikes are Shimano equipped.
Maybe this will change.
Maybe Shimano will offer better alternatives than the (ugly) new XTR …

Tim
Tim
9 years ago

Well, that’s cheaper than before, yes. But an XT cassette costs 70 dollars, and a 42t big cog costs around 90 or 100. So it’s still significantly cheaper to get a knock-off. My guess is that this is the tipping point where people are willing to just spend the extra cash and get the real thing. This also marks the point where the drivetrain wars will get more serious, as SRAM has created a standard that does not work with Shimano and makes people ready to abandon it.

Ck
Ck
9 years ago

Happy to see they have a cheaper way to make the cassette. I think this is enough for me to finally go this direction. X01 for the bits that have a significant weight savings like the cranks and X1 for wear and vulnerable items like the chain, cassette and derailleur.

G
G
9 years ago

Why is there a chainguide/watcher in the first picture? Didn’t think it was required with a narrow/wide chainring and a clutch der?

Scottchy
Scottchy
9 years ago

@ G
Some folks will always want a bash guard. Cheaper than a new chainring every time you crash or scrape a rock.

Diego
Diego
9 years ago

Half group for almost 1000 USD?? Still very expensive. Each new launch seems to cost less to be produced but the prices go the opposite direction. I am sure they could be selling it for 700 bucks and would be still a great deal for Sram.
I hope shimano is releasing a cheaper version of their 1×11.
Anyway I do not like the direction bike industry is going, cheaper production products for stupid expensive prices.

fears for gears
fears for gears
9 years ago

Rear derailluer is more expensive than XTR
$387 for cassette, chain and front ring. Meh at best.

just score a One-Up gear in the rear and a new chainring up front and DIY that 1by

mateo
mateo
9 years ago

Yes, there are other options to get a 40t or 42t cog. But no other way to get one with a 10T as well.

Still more gear range with these cassettes than any aftermarket or Shimano solution.

Definitely a good move for SRAM.

Chader
Chader
9 years ago

@ Scottchy
You are correct about bash rings being desirable for some.

But the picture G was referring to has an upper chain guide. Those are not really needed anymore with the new X-Sync chainring. Some may need it for extreme cases, but it is largely unnecessary now.

James S
James S
9 years ago

It’s nice that it’s cheaper, but we’re still up there in Mercedes Benz territory. You still gotta be a rich dude to play the 1×11 SRAM game. Those SRAM guys are stubborn as hell – they could’ve made a cassette the normal way and sold it for half what this one goes for. But no, they just don’t want us working class folk touching their precious 11 speed group. It’s class warfare! Where’s the 1×11 group for the 99%?

Yeah, I’m engaging in a little bit of hyperbole, but I just don’t like the way these SRAM guys are playing the game. I used to like SRAM as an alternative to the big beast Shimano, but if I ever veer from my single speed ways, I’m gonna run a 1×10 Shimano system. To heck with SRAM.

fears for gears
fears for gears
9 years ago

@James- But just think how wonderful your life will be with a 10t cog!
Thats the gear I use 1% of the time

Chris
Chris
9 years ago

Not sure I would call $900+ for a drive train a “budget friendly option”. Eventually this will trickle all the way down to the bottom. Really it’s at the bottom where 1x has the most potential. One of the most common complaints new cyclists have is around the complexity of gears. 1x pretty much eliminates that. In theory it could also reduce costs. In addition to eliminating a shifter, 1-2 chain rings and a front derailleur you’re also eliminating the time at the factory to install those parts and the time in a shop to install/adjust them. Time is money.

I’m actually waiting for 1x to show up on road bikes. If Eddy could win the Tour with a 2×5 drive train and Greg and Bernard could do it with 2×6 drive trains I think it’s safe to say the average rider/racer could get by with 11 unique gear choices. I actually cobbled together a 1×10 bike years ago and it worked fine, even in hilly SF. These new wider range cassettes could easily provide enough gear options for most riders.

RickyBob
RickyBob
9 years ago

@ fears for gears –

If you dropped your front ring down a size you would lower all gears, climb easier and actually use the 10 t cog.

RickyBob
RickyBob
9 years ago

p.s. all the complaining I hear about expensive components is getting so old. It’s like complaining about the cost of the new BMW 2 series. Is it expensive? Yeah. Is it as expensive as the M6?? No. But its still a budget BMW. If you cant afford either don’t complain about it, just buy a Nissan. Or in this case a Deore goupset.

phil
phil
9 years ago

Stupid question: is the SRAM 11-speed cassette compatible with Shimano 11-speed? ie. is the cog spacing the same for both SRAM and Shimano at 11-speed? (Yes, i know you need a different freehub body.)

Alex
Alex
9 years ago

11spd 11-40 XTR cassette on the rear (on my existing 10spd rear hub) and a 28t RF Narrow-wide up front. Problem solved.

k
k
9 years ago

The sram cassettes below their pinned and XG styles are heavy as sin. You’d be looking at 400-500 gram cassettes and then everyone would bitch about that too. These are intended for full suspension bikes and you can’t load up a giant weight on your rear end less you ruin your suspension feel. Everyone is stupid. I’m banned on here.

craigsj
craigsj
9 years ago

“But just think how wonderful your life will be with a 10t cog!”

Anyone who needs/wants 400+% gearing range, and that is many, will find the 10T “wonderful”. Without it, you’re looking at 44+T big and that’s much worse.

The 10T *IS* an improvement on the SRAM cassette. Prior to it, SRAM spacing was 11-12-14. That makes the last gear only a lame half step. With the 10T you now have 10-12-14 which is much better. Sure it’s only one tooth, but if that’s your point you’re just showing your ignorance. It’s the gear spacing that matters, and the 10T improves gear spacing.

craigsj
craigsj
9 years ago

“11spd 11-40 XTR cassette on the rear (on my existing 10spd rear hub) and a 28t RF Narrow-wide up front. Problem solved.”

Some would say that the <14% steps of your 11-40 11 speed IS the problem they want to solve. I don't want gear spacing that close…it's worse than an 11-36 10 speed.

Mason
Mason
9 years ago

SRAM can’t win. They make a cheaper option, everyone whines that it isn’t cheap enough.

Also, brakes

Jr
Jr
9 years ago

If it’s too expensive start making more money then you can buy it. This is Mercia.

Sramic
Sramic
9 years ago

The weight difference between the X-ones is too small.
Why would I get the xx1 or x01??

Ilikeicedtea
Ilikeicedtea
9 years ago

A 30% price reduction won’t please everybody.

Produce your own group or quityourbitchin’.

Furlo
Furlo
9 years ago

975 a far cry from 1250? Talk about running a commercial for SRAM! Add the cost of the driver and you have To spend 1000 plus for the privilege of having a useless 10 tooth cog with aa set up that does not even come close to aa dual. Insist on a single? Spend $80 a and you can have an identical, to all practical purposes, 1142 cassette!

Matt
Matt
9 years ago

I wonder how this new cog tastes?

X
X
9 years ago

@chris Keep it off the road bikes. The difference between MTB and road is so huge it’s not funny. We could already use it if we wanted – Rohloff and Alfine are single crank ring solutions, but the requirements for steady cadence at high speeds and low speeds makes the technology incapable. I get 39kmh for 34/10 and 9kmh for 34/42. 30kmh stretch. I need to be pedalling at 70kmh – 53/12, and pedalling at 14kmh – 39/25 in the same ride regularly. I also don’t want to be hauling dual suspension and 2 inch tyres up the hill on the road, but I don’t want 700x23s in the scrub either.
Let the innovations for the disciplines sit where they may. Road just doesn’t have the same challenges as MTB, just like Triathlon doesn’t have the same challenges at either. And that’s a good thing… some of us aren’t so good at turning and braking 😉

Pete
Pete
9 years ago

I love that every time SRAM does anything the haters come out in force. At least we are talking about them. They are innovating and the consumers foot the bill. The premium you are paying here is also for R&D which SRAM appears to be doing a lot more of than Shimano. At this point, Shimano is the real rip off as they are still charging $600 for an XT group w/out brakes. That is a rip for old tech.

rupert3k
rupert3k
9 years ago

I wish they’d released this before the XTR announcement.
I’m running an Absolute Black 34 x 11-36 with X9 type 2 rear mech (peasant style).
Although the cheaper pinned cassette is welcome news when I consider the choice between:
XTR shifter, rear mech, chain & 11-40 cassette
VS
X1 shifter, rear mech, chain & 10-42 cassette & XD driver
I think I’m leaning towards XTR or subsequent XT PROVIDED Shimano has adjusted their clutch because I think SRAM’s always on clutch works better than Shimano’s switch.
(I have Saint and XT clutch mechs with the switch and it feels too stiff switched on compared to the X9 type 2 clutch feel).
Ultimately I think fitting 11sp onto an old free hub and only losing half a gear from top & bottom.. Shimano has countered nicely.
I would LOVE to see 1x road take off but presumably that won’t happen until 12sp plus arrives to retain the necessary range.

muf
muf
9 years ago

the cx1 “is” the x1 road. it makes no sense for true road bikes to have an x1 setup. the range is way too wide.

chsad
chsad
9 years ago

or you can stick with 2×10 have all the range with excellent front shifting (shimano) and go 1×11 when they launch their XT version next year at a reasonable price…..

Fears for Gears
Fears for Gears
9 years ago

@chsad- thank you sir, a true voice of reason!

hellbelly
hellbelly
9 years ago

It’s pretty simple. If you have a 10 speed group that works fine and you want to go 1X buy a Wolf Tooth, OneUp, etc and n/w chainring and you are in for under $200. By the end of the year you will be able to get SRAM 1X stuff aftermarket (eBay, re-sellers, etc.) minus a crankset for under $500. The XX1 and XO1 stuff is already floating around for way below MSRP. A new crankset is not necessary as tons of single ring options will fit just about anything you already have. Otherwise, shut up and ride.

AbelF
AbelF
9 years ago

since when is $900 dollars for a drivetrain considered mainstreamÑ?

Matt
Matt
9 years ago

@hellbelly, I shat up and rode.

K11
K11
9 years ago

ya’ll are stricken with OCD. 2X 10/11 is fine.

craigsj
craigsj
9 years ago

“the cx1 “is” the x1 road. it makes no sense for true road bikes to have an x1 setup. the range is way too wide.”

“True road bikes” don’t have wide range gearing. A compact double with 11-28 is 375%. 130BCD and narrower range cassettes drop that to as little as 260% (39/53, 11-21). Even assuming a “true road bike” had an 11-32 with a double, a 1x with 10-42 matches its range. Road bike range is easy to achieve.

“True road bikes” want fine gear steps and that’s what you give up with a wide range cassette. It’s also what you want with MTB. Double and triple shifting while riding trails sucks. XC racers can ride road cassettes if they want to.

hitar_potar
hitar_potar
9 years ago

@hellbelly – Or a better way to spend your cash would be to buy OneUp/WolfTooth/E13/etc wide-range sprocket and a chainguide instead of the N/W ring. 🙂

hellbelly
hellbelly
9 years ago

@hitar_potar That’s what I meant. I have the Wolf Tooth ones on my bikes.

MaLóL
MaLóL
9 years ago

these are good news, but still expensive though. SRAM just what to stay in the premium sector just as long as possible. They will wait to XT version in 1,5 years, then they will release something in that range. Sram is not stupid.

aaron
aaron
9 years ago

@MaLóL – what are you saying. drunk much?

Sean
Sean
9 years ago

@aaron. You do realize that non native English speakers visit this site also? But they try their hardest to answer in English? #grammarpolice

dodgybloke
dodgybloke
9 years ago

I do totally understand the bitchin about prices, $900 is a lot of money, true but that is only valid if your buying the groupset!
As some people have mentioned already, take your existing bike, buy a clutch rear mech such as SLX @£54.99RRP and a raceface ring @£44.95RRP (other brands available) and you have a 1×10 drivetrain for……um,…..under £100.

(ps I’d recommend the 30t raceface ring, an HG62 cassette @£32.99RRP and the HG54 chain@£14.99RRP, a few hours tinkering and your still coming in for under £150 even if you pay the RRP. I bet some canny people could still do it for under £100…)

John
John
9 years ago

US$313 for the cassette? Are you sh*tting me?

Izzy
Izzy
9 years ago

Hooray for trickle-down!
But $300+ for a cassette is still ridonculous!

Ham-planet
Ham-planet
9 years ago

I held off from going 1×11 when I bought a new bike last year partially because I wanted to see what Shimano’s offering would be and partially because the consumables in the Sram gruppos are so expensive. When Shimano introduced 11 speed XTR, they demonstrated a bare-faced refusal to give the consumer what they want and I was disappointed. I’m nonplussed by this new gruppo – €278 cassettes are a long way from ‘mainstream price level’ – but I can hardly blame Sram for taking advantage of their monopoly on this market segment. It wouldn’t surprise me if Sram had intended for X1 to be priced to match XT, but they shrewdly waited until Shimano showed their hand to announce the prices.

At least they finally got the name right.

finnishflash
finnishflash
9 years ago

Actually the price for the cassette is not that much, Specialized’s mechanic said you can ride the cassette for like 10000-12000km before you need to change it

X1 groupset is going to be sold at around 500-550 euros I think so it’s not that much. You can already get XX1 groupset for 749 euros and X1/X01 mix for 649 euros. Of course it’s more expensive than a Deore groupset but for us who really have a use for 1×11 groupset this is great news.

If you can’t afford it, you really don’t need it.

Andrew
Andrew
9 years ago

@Rupert 3K. You know the Shimano Friction clutch is adjustable right? The Sram roller bearing isn’t. I’ve been working on both the Type 2 and Plus derailleur since their inception, and most end users have no idea that the clutch on Shimano Plus RD’s have ‘tunability’. With the Shimano system, imagine the cage pivot is held by a hose clamp with a mild friction lubricant (nexus grease). When you tighten the hose clamp it takes more force to get the cage to move, when you loosen it the cage moves with far less force. Moral of the story: Having trouble with chain drops on your ‘ghetto’ 1x? tighten up the clutch… the clutch affecting shifting quality? loosen it off. OR use Sram because the roller bearing system is max-awesome.

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