SRAM just sent it with a major overhaul to their downhill and gravity products, built around completely new X01 DH and GX DH groupsets. Cranksets get X-SYNC 2 chainrings for better chain retention, improved durability via a new abrasion guard, and DUB-compatible spindles for increased bearing life over BB30. Rear derailleurs stay with X-Actuation shifting, but upgrade to the latest Type-3 roller bearing clutch for better chain management.
If those aren’t enough, you can also add some bling to your bike with new CoLab cranks and bars with graphics from Troy Lee Designs.
SRAM X01 DH and GX DH 7-speed MTB groupsets
SRAM’s been very busy updating both road and MTB groupsets in the past couple years, leaving pro-level DH equipment relatively untouched. The original 7-speed DH version of X01 DH came out back in 2014, while the lower-priced GX DH debuted in 2016. Both were solid component groups, using a mix of SRAM technologies of the day – but things have evolved since then, with DUB bottom brackets, as well as newer X-SYNC 2 chainrings and updated rear derailleur clutches.
SRAM XO1 DH 7-speed group
Starting from the cranks, the new XO1 X-Sync crankset moves to the SRAM DUB bottom bracket system, using a spindle diameter that’s about 1mm smaller than BB30 – leaving more room for robust seals. A new abrasion guard looks reminiscent of truck bed coating, and aims to keep your crank arms pristine.
165 and 170mm lengths are available, coming stock with a 34-tooth X-Sync 2 chainring for improved chain retention. Color options include black or red.
Shifting comes by way of a new XO1 DH X-Actuation trigger shifter, with Zero Loss technology for instant cable pull. The thumb paddle is adjustable up to 30 degrees, while MatchMaker X mounting keeps things tidy. Both the cover and trigger lever are made of forged aluminum for durability.
The new shifter actuates an updated XO1 X-Horizon rear derailleur, available in short or medium cage lengths. It uses the latest Type-3 Roller Bearing Clutch and Cage Lock for reliable chain management.
The XG-795 Mini Block 7-speed cassette carries over using a 10-24 range (10-12-14-16-18-21-24). It’s compatible with all SRAM 11-speed chains, and is only available for XD driver bodies.
SRAM GX DH 7-speed group
SRAM’s new GX DH groupset starts off with an update to their Descendant alloy crank, now with a DUB-compatible spindle and X-Sync 2 chainring. Similar to its XO1 bigger brother, lengths are 165 and 170mm, with a 34-tooth stock ring size.
The new GX DH trigger shifter doesn’t have the Zero Loss or adjustable lever of XO1, but it does retain MatchMaker compatibility and a barrel adjuster.
Like its bigger brother, the new GX DH rear derailleur can be had in short or medium cage lengths. It also upgrades to the Type-3 Roller Bearing Clutch with Cage Lock.
The GX DH (a.k.a. PG-720) cassette fits standard HG freehubs, and is available in 11-25 size. With compatibility for older wheels and a $251 savings over the XO1 DH cassette, we imagine this will be a popular choice, even for people running an otherwise-XO1 drivetrain.
All XO1 DH and GX DH 7-speed groupset products are expected to be available at retail immediately following this release.
Truvativ Descendant TLD CoLab cranksets & bars
If you’ve gotta have some extra flair for your bike, SRAM’s Truvativ brand partnered with Troy Lee Designs on a handful of cranks and bars with all-new styling that they call “the future of camo”.
First up is the DESCENDANT TLD CoLab Crankset, which is effectively a new version of the Descendant carbon crank updated for DUB bottom bracket compatibility. It features 11- and 12-speed compatible X-Sync 2 chainrings in 32, 34, or 36t sizes and 165, 170, or 175mm lengths. Claimed weight comes in at 487 grams, and it’s only for narrower XC and trail BBs (i.e. BSA73, DUB73, etc).
Next up is the DESCENDANT TLD CoLab DH Crankset. This is a DH version of the crank, with two options for spindle length (DH73 or DH83). Claimed weights are 479 grams and 530 grams, respectively. Chainrings can be had in 32, 34, 36, or 38t sizes, with 10 or 11-speed compatibility (including 7-speed XO1 and GX DH drivetrains, which use an 11-speed chain width). Lengths include 165mm and 170mm.
Pricing for all Descendant TLD CoLab cranks comes in at $449.99.
Finally, we have the DESCENDANT TLD CoLab Bar, available in a host of options – carbon, aluminum, 31.8mm and 35mm diameter, and multiple widths.
35mm Clamp Diameter – Carbon/Aluminum – 230g/310g – 760MM/800mm Wide – 20mm/25mm Rise – 5° Up – 7°/9° Back
31.8mm Clamp Diameter – Carbon/Aluminum – 219g/345g – 750MM/800mm Wide – 20mm/25mm Rise – 5° Up – 7°/9° Back
Carbon versions of the new bar retail at $199, while alloy versions retail at $99.
