SRAM brings affordable 1x11 with 2x11 and 2x10 options. Photo courtesy of SRAM

SRAM brings affordable 1x11 with 2x11 and 2x10 options (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of SRAM​

SRAM 1x11 is one of the best innovations to come to mountain biking in the last decade. It has simplified riding as its expanded rear cassette range has allowed riders to just stay in one ring in the front.

It has changed the way we ride by allowing the mind to focus the right hand on shifting. It has also freed up some real estate on the lower left side of the handlebar for the now all-important dropper post lever. And it has simplified chain management and retention with the use of X-SYNC Narrow-Wide chainring technology that seems to magically mate the chain and chainring together.

But there's been two knocks on this line-up from SRAM: "The gearing is not low enough. And it's too expensive." These are the complaints most often heard about the three models available, the XX1, XO1 and X1.

This  chart compares the weights and price of the the 1x11 components.

This chart compares the weights and price of the the 1x11 components that existed before the GX group.​

SRAM GX is here to tackle both these issues head-on. SRAM GX is now available as 1x11, 2x11 or 2x10 for a massive range of gearing. And it is available at a price of $564 for the 1x11 configuration. That is 47% cheaper the the SRAM X1's price of $1066

SRAM GX 1x11

1x11 is the crown-prince of this GX line-up as it is the configuration that everybody lusts for. In fact, some bikes now like the Santa Cruz Nomad and Specialized Enduro 29 don't even accept a front derailleur. The highlight of this 1x offering is the SRAM GX cassette shown below. In previous versions, the least expensive SRAM option was the X1 cassette at $313. Now, this new GX cassette costs $144 only and we expect shifting performance to match that of its predecessors. It weighs 394 grams which is 79 grams more than the X1. It is an absolutely fair trade as this is a wear item that has to be replaced periodically.

This chart shows what drivetrain people are currently using on their primary bike.

This chart shows what drivetrain people are currently using on their primary bike. 1x10 Narrow/Wide conversion drivetrains still dominate due to the high cost of pure 1x11 Narrow/Wide solutions.​

And of course this is cross-compatible with the XX, XO1 and X1 groups so one could even use the $144 GX cassette to replace the $432 XX1 cassette if weight is not too much of a concern.

SRAM MTB GX Cassette XG1150

XG-1150 Full Pin Cassette

  • 10-42T range
  • XD driver body compatible
  • Technologies: Full Pin, XD driver body, JET
  • Weight: 394g
  • Price: $144

SRAM MTB GX Crank 1400 1x11sp 32t Black

SRAM GX 1x Crankset

  • Open Core Technology AL (GX-1400 Crankset)
  • 6000 series AL (GX-1000 Crankset)
  • CNC machined 7075, two-tone anodized X-Sync chainring (30-32-34-36-38)
  • Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
  • Chainring guard option
  • Crank lengths: 175, 170
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • 24 and 30mm options
  • Boost™ 148 compatible
  • Technologies: X-SYNC™
  • Weight: 680g (GX-1400, GXP, 175mm, 32t); 720g (GX-1000, GXP, 175mm, 32t)
  • Price: $120 for the GX-1000

SRAM MTB GX RD 11sp Black

GX 1x11 X-Horizon Rear Derailleur

  • X-Horizon design reduces shift force, ghost shifting and chain slap
  • 12-tooth X-Sync pulley wheels
  • Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
  • Sealed cartridge bearings
  • Aluminum cage
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • Technologies: X-Horizon, X-Actuation, X-Sync, Roller Bearing Clutch, Cage Lock
  • Weight: 265g
  • Price: $115

SRAM MTB GX Shifter 11sp Black

GX 11-Speed Trigger Shifter

  • SRAM 1x X-Actuation for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
  • Multi-position mounting
  • MatchMaker™ compatible
  • Aluminum pull lever
  • Discrete clamp
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • Technologies: X-Actuation, MatchMaker Integrated
  • Weight: 122g
  • Price: $43

SRAM MTB GX Grip Shift 11sp Black

GX 11-Speed Grip Shift

  • SRAM 1x X-Actuation for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
  • Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift
  • Three rows of ball bearings provide zero friction or play-reducing the force needed to shift and promoting long-term performance under all weather conditions with Grip Shift
  • Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • Technologies: X-Actuation, Speed Metal, Rolling Thunder, Jaws
  • Weight: 144g
  • Price: $52

Continue to page 2 for SRAM GX 2x11, GX 2x10, pricing and full photo gallery »

SRAM GX 2x11 - Available August 2015

If 1x11 is the group most lust for, 2x11 is the answer to the call of many who long for a lower gear. There's a few out there (ahem, Europe) who seek a higher gear as well for the extended periods of fire road or pavement.

But one thing many don't realize is that 1x11 is a bit of a compromise. Often, low gear is compromised because the romance with simplicity and handlebar real estate is so rewarding. The front chainring on a 1x11 drivetrain is best when it is customized for one's power, weight, terrain and wheel size. Put it a formula and hopefully a 32, 34 or 36 number pops out as your ideal match. If not, you have to man up, get strong or get a 26 or 28 tooth front ring. Those work but they don't have a good high gear range and pedaling efficiency is compromised with such small rings.

So for those riders where 1x11 is a stretch, there is now a solution, 2x11. This 2x solution has the fabled 10x42 in the back so you can hang out in one chainring all day. But when you finally run out of gearing in the back cluster, you have more. Plus the front rings are not so far apart that front shifting is difficult under load or abrupt.

The downside of course is you have a front shifter and derailleur again and lose the magic of Narrow-Wide chain retention and management. But hey, now you have a choice during purchase and you're not locked in during the life of your bike.

SRAM MTB GX Crank 1400 2x11sp 36-24t Black

GX 2x11 Crankset

  • Open Core Technology AL (GX 1400 Crankset)
  • 6000 series AL (GX 1000 Crankset)
  • X-Glide 2x11 shifting technology
  • Chainring option: 36-24
  • Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
  • Chainring guard option
  • Crank lengths: 175, 170
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • 24 and 30mm options
  • Boost 148 compatible
  • Technologies: X-Glide
  • Weight: 727g (GX-1400, GXP, 175mm); 774g (GX-1000, GXP, 175mm)

SRAM MTB GX FD 2x11sp HC Bottom Pull

GX 11-Speed Front Derailleur

  • Wide range 2x11 systems with X-Glide front shifting technology
  • High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Mid Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount
  • Dedicated top and bottom pull
  • Technologies: X-Actuation, X-Glide
  • Weight: 123-153g

SRAM MTB GX RD 2x11sp Black

GX 2x11 Rear Derailleur

  • X-Actuation for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
  • Focused chassis design for all conditions and usage
  • 10-42 wide range cassette compatible
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • Technologies: X-Actuation, Roller Bearing Clutch, Cage Lock
  • Weight: 289g (long cage), 286g (medium cage)

SRAM MTB GX Shifter 2x11sp Black

GX 2x11 Trigger Shifters

  • Dedicated 2-speed and 11-speed trigger shifters
  • X-Actuation for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
  • Multi-position mounting
  • Aluminum pull lever
  • MatchMaker compatible
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • Technologies: X-Actuation, MatchMaker Integrated
  • Weight: 242g (per pair)

SRAM MTB GX Grip Shift 2x11sp Black

GX 2x11 Grip Shift

  • X-Actuation for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
  • Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift
  • Three rows of ball bearings provide zero friction or play-reducing the force needed to shift and promoting long-term performance under all weather conditions with Grip Shift
  • Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar
  • Colors: Black, Red
  • Technologies: X-Actuation, Speed Metal, Rolling Thunder, Jaws
  • Weight: 286g (per pair)

Continue to page 3 for SRAM GX 2x10, pricing and full photo gallery »

SRAM GX 2x10 - Available June 2015

2x10 and it doesn't quite have the compelling proposition of its other two sibling as it's only $50 cheaper than 1x11 and its range is nowhere that of the 2x11. But it doesn't require the new XD cassette driver body so backward compatibility with existing wheels is its forte. And some might argue that 10-speed is more robust and more resistant to dirt and grime than 11-speed. Either way, GX is all about choice and options so SRAM offered 10-speed compatibility in the GX line.

This graph shows what drivetrain users want to buy next.

This graph shows what drivetrain users want to buy next.​

Although 1x11 is the most popular choice of riders for their next bike, this data shows that people still have varying preferences and want choices between different drivetrain options.

SRAM MTB GX Crank 1200 2x10sp 34-22t Black

GX 2x10 Crankset

  • 6000 series AL (GX 1000 Crankset)
  • X-Glide 2x10 shifting technology
  • Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
  • Chainring options: 38-24, 36-22
  • Chainring guard option
  • Crank lengths: 175, 170
  • Color: Black
  • 24 and 30mm options
  • Boost 148 compatible
  • Technologies: X-Glide
  • Weight: 799g (GXP, 175mm, 36/22)

SRAM MTB GX FD 2x10sp MDM Top Pull

GX 10-Speed Front Derailleur

  • 2x10 systems with X-Glide front shifting technology
  • High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount, Mid Direct Mount
  • Dedicated top and bottom pull
  • Technologies: X-Glide, Exact Actuation
  • Weight: 134-161g

SRAM MTB GX RD 2x10sp Black

GX 2x10 Rear Derailleur

  • Exact Actuation for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
  • Cage lengths: Short, Medium and Long
  • Color: Black
  • Technologies: Exact Actuation, Direct Route, Roller Bearing Clutch, Cage Lock
  • Weight: 302g (long cage with Roller Bearing Clutch)

SRAM MTB GX Shifter 2x10sp Black

GX 2x10 Trigger Shifters

  • Dedicated 2-speed and 10-speed trigger shifters
  • SRAM's 2x10 Exact Actuation for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
  • Multi-position mounting
  • MatchMaker compatible
  • Aluminum pull lever
  • Color: Black
  • Technologies: Exact Actuation, MatchMaker Compatible
  • Weight: 246g (per pair)

2x10 Cassettes

PG-1050
  • The PG-1050 cassette benefits from SRAM's long history and expertise in developing cassettes. With its simple and reliable construction, it is the perfect cassette for the SRAM GX rider.
  • Gear Ratios: 11-32, 12-32, 11-36, 12-36
  • Technologies: PowerGlide II
  • Weight: 299g (11-32T)

PG-1030
  • PowerGlide technology provides super-smooth shifting between gears
  • Gear Ratios: 11-32, 11-36
  • Durable nickel chrome finish
  • Technologies: PowerGlide
  • Weight: 395g

Pricing

SRAM Pricing

For more information visit www.sram.com.