Since black is the new black, SRAM has gone stealth with the XX1 Black group. Formerly only available with bright red logos, and a few other colors as OEM options for complete bike makers, the new group color is set to make it look better no matter what color frame or anodized Chris King headset you choose for your ultra high-end ride.
Also incorporating the new X-SYNC Direct Mount Chainring, the XX1 Black group brings the newest of what SRAM has to offer, along with some nice new accessory additions. Take a look inside to see the other components and new small parts…
There are no mechanical changes (aside from using a different existing chainring on the crank) to any of the XX1 Black group’s parts, it is still the industry-leading 1×11 pioneer that has changed so many of our rides for the better.
The XX1 Black group consists of an XX1 Crankset with X-SYNC Direct Mount Chainring ($456 for GXP, $488 for BB30), XX1 Rear Derailleur ($326), XX1 Trigger Shifter ($183), XG-1199 X-Dome Cassette and PC-XX1 Chain. The cassette and the chain are the only items not getting any cosmetic treatment, as their siblings in the X01 family area already black, and the distinctive champagne finish of the cassette is both a performance and visual difference for the higher-end cassette.
UPDATE: Some of our eagle-eyed readers noticed differences on this photo from the current crop of XX1 rear derailleurs. We contacted SRAM to hear about this, and they confirmed here that the photo shown above was wrong, and that the XX1 rear derailleur maintained the wide/narrow tooth profile in the pulleys, and the windows as well.
SRAM did not release new pricing on the chain and cassette since they are unchanged from the original XX1 group. The cassette retails for $425 and the chain for $63.
1×11 is completely changing the industry, and even allowing some bike manufacturers to be more creative with frame design being only compatible with a single front chainring. However, most manufacturers are still insuring the most choice for their customers, and designing bikes with front derailleurs in mind. If you have one of those frames, this High Direct Mount Front Derailleur Cover ($15) from Sram should hide that mounting point, and match the rest of the group nicely.
Race Face has offered rubber boots as a stock item with their cranks for years, even available in a rainbow of colors, SRAM’s starting out with all black to match the new stealth group. If you haven’t heard of these, they cover the ends of expensive carbon cranks so rock gardens don’t eat your expensive investment for lunch. They are quite simple, but make a huge difference as I’ve had some off-branded ones on my X0 cranks for a few years, and while the boots are torn up, the cranks are still fine. SRAM simply calls them the Carbon Crank Boot, and they are $10.
