Skip to main content

SRAM X01 DH transmission

SRAM X01 DH transmission

SRAM'S RADICAL RESTRICTED range DH set-up is a rock solid close-ratio race specialist with super-positive shifting but a punishing price.

The ultralight (133g) seven-speed rear block is machined from a single block, then pinned on to a 3D machined spoke protector backplate. The 10-24t range gives a significant pedalling difference with every shift too. The cassette costs 380$ though and you'll need an XD compatible wheel, which makes the 10-speed version of X01 DH more cost effective.

The clutch-stabilised X-Horizon rear mech only moves sideways and hugs the cassette for a more secure shift. The steel and thick alloy cage plates are available in short and medium options for different amounts of chain stretch/suspension travel. The Cage Lock makes wheel/chain removal easier and the big jockey wheels use alternating thick and thin teeth for chain security. At 310$ it costs a scary amount for a DH mech though, however tough it is.

The metal main shift lever doesn't have any grip texture but you can adjust the angle to your thumb sweep preference. The actual shifting action is super-positive, making it a uniquely focused set-up for pure gravity use if you can afford the pro-level purchase and replacement prices.

WEIGHT 772g
FORMAT 1x7

PRICE 930$

SRAM X01 DH shifter

SRAM X01 DH rear derailleur

SRAM X01 DH rear derailleur

SRAM X01 DH crankset

SRAM X01 DH cassette

SRAM X01 DH cassette

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

YT Tues downhill bike

The new Tues downhill bike is here – and won a World Cup on its first outing While a number of big brands have launched 29er downhill bikes,YT Industries are sticking with proven 650b wheels – for now, at least. The latest Tues comes in five sizes (S-XXL), with the biggest sporting a reach of 495mm. Head tube and chainstay lengths now vary between sizes, to put the rider in a better position on the bike. The S-L bikes have 435mm stays, while the XL and XXL are a shade longer, at 440mm. Reach is longer than last year on some sizes, including the XL ridden to victory by Aaron Gwin at this year’s openingWorld Cup round.A reachadjust headset can be used to tailor the fit further. YT have also made subtle but significant changes to the suspension. The initial stroke is said to be more sensitive, while there’s more mid-stroke support, to sit the bottom bracket a shade higher when on track.YT have decreased end-stroke progression, by five per cent, to make tackling really big hits th...

NS Bikes Metropolis bike

There aren’t many companies like NS Bikes, whose entire product range is designed around getting rad, ripping corners and boosting jumps. The Polish brand are passionate about freeride and have gained a reputation for building heavy-hitting,wellspecced and reasonably-priced bikes. This latest incarnation of their Metropolis dirt jump rig follows in this vein, with a doublebutted 4130 chromoly frame and an array of reliable kit. The frame mixes MTB and BMXtechnology, using a threaded bottom bracket and Race Face AEfect two-piece crankset in combination with horizontal dropouts and an integrated headset and seat clamp. A Manitou Circus Elite fork gives 100mm of air-sprung travel, with a 20mm front axle to maintain stifness. The Metropolis rolls on 26in NS Fundamental rims, fitted with Kenda Small Block 8 tyres. We reckon the combo of chrome frame and tan-wall rubber looks pretty rad too! The full build weighs a fairly robust 12.13kg , but it should have no problem shrugging of s...