SRAM (innovators of the 2×10 drivetrain) are back at it again. This time, they are making things even simpler with a 1×11 setup called “XX1″. It is a single chainring in front, paired with an 11 speed cassette in the rear. The rear cassette features an ultra-small 10 tooth cog and an ultra high 42 tooth cog! The XX1 system works with either Grip Shift or trigger shifter.
One. And. Only
SRAM XX1 was built with a dedicated 1X drivetrain philosophy—making it simpler, lighter and more durable than any other. No matter where you ride, no matter what you’re up against: SRAM XX1. UNSTOPPABLE.
Single-Minded Pursuit
Driven by a cutting-edge, single-ring carbon crank and seamless component integration, SRAM 1X drivetrain delivers flawless chain management and faster, more precise shifting. But the relationship between XX1 components goes far beyond fitment. From the X-HORIZON™ rear derailleur with TYPE 2 technology to the super wide range 11-speed 10-42T cassette, each component is designed to function synergistically with the others, achieving what no other 1X drivetrain has before.
XX1 Cassette
First Of Its Kind.
Ranging from 10- to 42-teeth, the 11-speed X-DOME™ delivers an incredibly wide gear range while maintaining even, optimized steps. The single-unit cassette combines with the XD™ driver body for a superior connection to the wheel. Available October 2012.
- 11-speeds (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42)
- Bearing design and ratchet mechanism steadied by XD driver body
- Creates more stable hub connection
- Gear steps optimized across entire range
- Wheels equipped for XD driver body available from SRAM and DT Swiss
- XD driver body is 6-8g lighter
- Weight: 260 grams
Technologies:
X-DOME
Machined from a single piece of billet steel, X-DOME has an “open” interior—giving riders better mud clearance, less weight, cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.
XD
This new cassette driver body design lets the drivetrain use a 10 tooth small cog—all while providing better interface across the entire cassette.
XX1 Crank
King Of The Ring.
Developed for maximum chain control, each tooth’s thickness is precisely CNC-machined to support the chain’s inner and outer links perfectly. Six available chain rings (28-30-32-34-36-38) allow you to tune your gear range to match your terrain, wheel size and riding style. Each X-SYNC™ chain ring fits a single, universal spider—allowing you to change rings without removing the light-weight carbon crank arm. Available October 2012.
- New tooth profile alternates thickness by inner and outer links, providing maximum chain control
- Carbon arms with forged aluminum spider
- CNC-machined rings (28-30-32-34-36-38)
- New spider design allows for easier ring changes
- Wide/narrow Q factor cranks for BB30 and GXP
- Weight: 650 grams with BB (approx.)
Technologies:
X-SYNC
A CNC-machined, “wide tooth, narrow tooth” pattern is repeated around the entire chainring, perfectly mirroring the chain’s inner and outer links for maximum control.
BB30
Besides serious weight savings, this bottom bracket means narrow Q-factor, more ankle clearance, greater bearing durability and stronger crank construction.
GXP
GXP’s Gutter Seal design cuts friction, durability and weight—improving both feel and performance.
X-HORIZON Rear Derailleur
Maximum Impact.
With its “horizontal parallelogram” design and pulley offset, X-HORIZON™ keeps the chain gap constant across all 11 gears, providing fast, precise shifts. By limiting all movement to the horizontal axis, this design is faster, reduces shift force and eliminates ghost shifting. ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology reduces bounce and chain slap. CAGE LOCK™ technology makes wheel removal and installation easier than ever before. Paired with the XX1 shifter, the X-HORIZON RD forms the backbone of X-ACTUATION™ technology for unbelievably smooth shifting action. Available October 2012.
- Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
- Straight parallelogram design with horizontal movement reduces shift force and improves drivetrain performance
- 12T X-SYNC pulley wheels
- TYPE 2 technologies: ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ and CAGE LOCK™
- New silent pulley tooth design
- Weight: 220 grams (approx.)
Technologies:
X-HORIZON
This rear derailleur’s “straight parallelogram” design limits all movement to the horizontal axis, which makes ghost shifting impossible while also reducing shift force. For quicker, more exact shifting, the large upper pulley offset design maintains a constant chain gap across all gears.
X-SYNC
A “wide tooth, narrow tooth” pattern is repeated around the pulley wheel, perfectly mirroring the chain’s inner and outer links for maximum control.
CAGE LOCK
With Cage Lock, wheel removal and installation—as well as chain installation—becomes faster and simpler. Just pushing the cage forward to create slack and lock it into place.
ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH
Roller Bearing Clutch™ technology eliminates derailleur bounce and chain slap without sacrificing precision.
X-ACTUATION
Developed specifically for the SRAM 1X11 drivetrain, X-ACTUATION keeps shifting sharp and consistent across the entire 10-42T cassette.
XX1 Grip Shift
Seismic Shift
- SRAM 1X11 X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
- SPEED METAL™ shift indexing
- ROLLING THUNDER™ ball bearing technology
- JAWS™ lock-on grip technology
- Carbon cover
- Full Gore Ride-On cable system
- Available October 2012.
Technologies:
JAWS
Once the shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar.
ROLLING THUNDER
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.
SPEED METAL
Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise.
XX1 Trigger Shifter
Quick On The Draw
- SRAM 1X11 X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
- Multi-adjustable trigger shifter
- MatchMaker X compatible
- Carbon cover and adjustable carbon pull lever
- Full Gore Ride-On cable system
- Available October 2012.
Technologies:
X-ACTUATION
Developed specifically for the SRAM 1X11 drivetrain, X-ACTUATION keeps shifting sharp and consistent across the entire 10-42T cassette.
XX1 Chain
Powerful Connections.
The XX1 chain represents the latest breakthrough in a long line of precise, light-weight chains from SRAM. It’s designed to deliver the greatest strength and reliability to a drivetrain that doesn’t have to make compromises for front shifts. Available October 2012.
- New 1X11 XX1 specific chain
- Designed for maximum strength and wear resistance
- Proprietary link finish provides improved life span
- 11-speed power lock
Available October 2012.
Source: Tyler Morland











I was happy to ditch triples for 2×9 and (now) 2×10, the possibility of going 1×11 has intrigued me for a while now. BUT…. does sram even make a bashguard for their own 2×10 yet? I don’t see one in any in these new photos either. Two shortsighted blunders if you ask me.
Seems like a bad idea too me. How is that chain line and durability going to be?
it goes up to 11.
My 9 speed goes to nine, it does not mean it likes to be cross chained that much. Could only imagine 2 more. They can keep the 11 for the road.
Why not focus on an internal geared hub, and do a way with the cassette all together.
I also see no need for a 42t rear cassette. If you cannot push a 36, maybe there is an easier sport out there to try.
“why not make 11 be the 10″ oh they did ;0)
that made me laugh !! Muso joke
I’d like to see a list of cogs in that 10/42 cassette; because for XC racing, what I need is tighter spacing between cogs, not a wider range with only 1 ring, and it sure seems like the latest trend is moving away from what I need. 11-32 9-speed has unacceptably large gaps if you want to hold a fairly consistent cadence, I can’t see 2 more gears over 11t more range improving that.
Look at road bikes: from 6 to 11 speeds, the cassette range hasn’t changed much.
Between this and 650b, it sure looks to me like the bike industry is desperately looking for something new to sell us, and they are out of actual good new ideas.
No way I’m giving up my King hub for a sram freehub. Next !
I think Shimano should follow up with an 11-42 (10 speed) cassette that fits any standard freehub, and rear mech to accommodate.
Yes, 11 speed chainline is pretty steep.
I WANT A BASHGUARD FOR MY 2X10 XX CRANKSET!!!!!
It will take some time, because it is made to order, but here you go,
http://www.homebrewedcomponents.com/store.php/products/lightweight-bash-ring-for-sram-xx-crankset-120bcd
For anyone who has spent some time on a 1x, SRAM has checked all the boxes as far as issues encountered on a regular basis. Higher gear, check. Lower gear, check. Dropping chain, check. Looks like a winner to me. If you think they’re forcing one more thing down your throat, don’t buy it! Some people see the advantages and will choose to use the system.
Actually they do, eventually products we like disappear in favor of what they produce. Unless it was a complete bomb like rapid rise.
The idea is awesome, riders have been wanting to get ride of the FD for years.
But do I have to go ” clic clic clic clic clic clic… ” when the sudden long steep uphill appears? That´s not very functional.
This is getting ridiculous… I never even manage to use the 34 wheel on my 3×9 setup and i do some 30% climbs daily. 42 in the back? Thats like my big chainring in front! And in the end you’ll only end up with lower high speed achievable on the straight part of the trail. Hopefully shimano wont jump on this hype… I sure hope I’ll be able to find an x3 replacement when the time will come. Thank you marketing department again for messing up.
I must say I am intrigued by the idea of going 1×11 and losing the FD but I am completely turned off by the proprietary components required to run it. I am also turned off by the carbon cranks. For a part that takes so many blunt impacts with rocks why make it out of carbon? I’ll take a few grams for less flex and nearly half the price of the CF cranks.
Uh, I think I’d rather get an Alfine 11 speed internal hub and run that. I’m on a 1×9 setup now, but I would like a couple lower gears. And internal should be more durable, plus no chain line issues.
Very cool. I am interested but crankarm length, Please a 180mm…….
+1 – no clue why 180 seems to have been abandoned.
I have a redline29er can I use this kind of drive train on my single speed I know Ill have to modify it drop outs like the track bike help . I just do not have a lot cash to buy kick ass Mt.bike for now. The 1 by 10 is kick ass Help
kick ass and very fast.
This systemic acomplishment is right in line w/ the innovative efforts SRAM has ‘pushed’ all along. Presumably, the 11 individual sprockets resides within the same axial space as the previous 10 (9) did, & so the internal chain bushing bearing area is diminished some. Add that w/ the inevitable chainline issues implicit w/ continuous hill climbing & wear ensues. Nice to have done away w/ front chain guard though. This system goes down to a 28 tooth in front. That’s a 19 gear. low enough.