Editor's Note: This article is courtesy of the team at Art's Cyclery. The original post can be found here.

SRAM's 1×11 groups have revolutionized mountain bikes and we've only just begun to see what is possible with full suspension frame designs built around 1x groupsets. Each of SRAM's 1x groups works great, but some of the components offer better value than others. Here are our picks for the best combination that will bring cost down but not greatly reduce performance.

For the highly visible and vulnerable rear derailleur in this group, X1 ($180) is our value pick.

For the highly visible and vulnerable rear derailleur in this group, X1 ($180) is our value pick.​

For the highly visible and vulnerable rear derailleur in this group, X1 ($180) is our value pick. It is only 6 grams heavier than X01 ($200) and still features steel ball bearing equipped pulleys and all of the precision of the X01 and XX1 ($246) derailleurs for a fraction of the cost, and it looks good too. Plus you won't shed as many tears when it gets destroyed in a crash.

The bang-for-buck pick here is to stick with the crank you have and just upgrade the chainring.

The bang-for-buck pick here is to stick with the crank you have and just upgrade the chainring.​

1×11 cranksets are essentially the same as other cranksets, they just have one chainring. The bang-for-buck pick here is to stick with the crank you have and just upgrade the chainring. There are a ton of narrow wide chainrings out there these days, but in our opinion the SRAM X-Sync rings ($54 and up) really do the best job of chain retention. Chromag ($56 and up) makes some great 1x rings that license the patented SRAM X-Sync tooth design and they run cheaper than the SRAM chainrings, so they are another great option.

If you don't have an old crank to use, SRAM's X01 carbon crankset ($249) is outstanding and relatively affordable.

If you don't have an old crank to use, SRAM's X01 carbon crankset ($249) is outstanding and relatively affordable.​

If you don't have an old crank to use, SRAM's X01 carbon crankset ($249) is outstanding and relatively affordable. It is the same as the XX1 crankset ($400 and up), but has a heavier (but removable) spider and a lower price.Thus we recommend going with this crank and opting for a direct mount chainring to get a complete crankset that is lighter than XX1 for less money. If you are on a tight budget though, the alloy X1 crank is a great option.

All of SRAM's XG 11-speed mountain cassettes are impressive with their broad range and light weight, but the X01 XG-1195 cassette ($251) is the best value of the three.

All of SRAM's XG 11-speed mountain cassettes are impressive with their broad range and light weight, but the X01 XG-1195 cassette ($251) is the best value of the three.​

All of SRAM's XG 11-speed mountain cassettes are impressive with their broad range and light weight, but the X01 XG-1195 cassette ($251) is the best value of the three. In addition to its sexy black finish, the X01 cassette is actually just a few grams lighter than the XX1 cassette ($259), costs less, and features the essentially the same construction with 10 cogs machined from one piece of steel billet and an alloy 42-tooth cog. The X1 XG-1180 cassette ($220) is a little cheaper, but it is also 47 grams heavier and the cogs aren't quite as stiff or crisp shifting as the ones on the X01 cassette.

Continue to page 2 for more SRAM 1x11 component picks »

Shifters are an area where you don't want to skimp, but when it comes to SRAM 1x groups, the X01 shifter ($101) is our pick regardless of price.

Shifters are an area where you don't want to skimp, but when it comes to SRAM 1x groups, the X01 shifter ($101) is our pick regardless of price.​

Shifters are an area where you don't want to skimp, but when it comes to SRAM 1x groups, the X01 shifter ($101) is our pick regardless of price. It has the most positive shift feel of the three, is sealed better than X1 ($66), and has the adjustable position cable uptake lever that XX1 ($139) has, but with a more affordable alloy lever. You won't save any weight going with an X01 shifter compared to the X1 shifter, but the crisper shifting and sealing alone are worth the added cost.

The XX1 chain has more stainless parts for smoother shifting and longer life, so we feel it's worth the added cost compared to the X1 chain.

The XX1 chain has more stainless parts for smoother shifting and longer life, so we feel it's worth the added cost compared to the X1 chain.​

SRAM's 11-speed mountain chains are limited to just two models, the PC-XX1 ($39) and the PC-X1 ($23). The XX1 chain has more stainless parts for smoother shifting and longer life, so we feel it's worth the added cost compared to the X1 chain.

So to sum it up, here are our picks for the best value SRAM 1×11 build:

  • Rear Derailleur: X1 ($180)
  • Shifter: X01 ($101)
  • Crankset: Upgrade your old crankset with a Chromag X-Sync ring ($101)
  • Or if you need a crankset, go with an X01 crankset ($249) with direct mount ring, or a complete X1 crankset depending on budget ($400 and up)
  • Cassette: X01 ($251)
  • Chain: XX1 ($39)

While this combination will not produce the most cohesive looking build, performance will be top end. Moreover your significant other will love that the thickness of your wallet hasn't been reduced to that of a business card by your purchase. Alternatively, you may also want to look at SRAM's recently released GX drivetrain, which includes affordable 1x11 with 2x11 and 2x10 options.

Also be sure to check out our best bang for buck guide for Shimano drivetrain components.