SRAM has led the way in drivetrain innovation for allmountain riding ever since they introduced their radical 1x11 XX1 group in 2013. since then, 1x11 has almost taken over the market, although the wider gear range of a 2x system still has lots of appeal to certain riders, usually depending on local geography. This year, SRAM is releasing a completely new group called GX that trickles down 1x11 to lower price points and also adds flexibility by giving the riders the option to run 2x11 or 2x10 shifting setups.
SRAM GX is going to be a big deal as it’s much more price competitive and accessible to a wider audience than previous XX1 and X01 groups. The GX parts are positioned to sit between SRAM’s X1 and X5 group and will offer the lowest price 1x11 drivetrain on the market.
Although we have not ridden the parts ourselves yet, much of the talk about them focuses on being able to build up your bike however you want to. The wider gearing option of a 2x11 setup has us very excited since 2x11 gearing offers such an extended range. We have ridden other 2x11 drivetrains and never felt under-geared when climbing the steeps or on long climbs, like we have had happen with the 1x11 setups in the past. This is also important as the lower price of the GX group is focused more at weekend warrior riders, who might not have the fi tness of a competitive racer who is hell bent on a 1x system.
Everything about GX sounds great to us but SRAM didn’t make it easy. There were no fewer than 15 different “technologies” in SRAM’s press release, six of which had X’s in their name. Everything from “All For One” to “X-Synch” and another dozen in between; it’s an overwhelming amount of marketing jargon and it makes a complex group of hardware even more diffi cult to read about, but we’ll try to keep things simple here.
SRAM GX 1X11
1x11 CRANKSET
The SRAM GX 1x crankset is available in two models and price points. The GX 1400 option is made from Open Core Technology aluminum while the lower priced, and most likely OEM focused, GX1000 is made from solid 6000 series aluminum. The cranks come with two-tone anodized X-SYNC chainrings available in 30, 32, 34, 36, or 38-tooth confi gurations. PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP bottom bracket confi gurations will all be available with a chainring guard option and 175 or 170 mm lengths to choose from.
Price: GX1000: $120-$163; GX1400: $195-$225 (depending on BB)
GX 1x11 REAR DERAILLEUR
The SRAM GX X-Horizon rear derailleur looks very similar to the XX1 rear mech. The unique X-Horizon design of this derailleur eliminates unwanted chain movement, to shift faster, put an end to ghost shifting and reduces shift force and chain slap. Plus you get the Cage Lock clutch release button to easily remove your rear wheel.
Price: $115
1x11 TRIGGER and GRIP SHIFTERS
Unless you’ve been a Shimano-only rider for the past ten years everyone should be familiar with SRAM trigger shifters. Trigger shifters are noted for having sharp precise shifting with light action and integrate nicely with SRAM brake levers. Also, SRAM got its start with the once-popular Grip Shift so they are making a 1x11 Grip Shift option for devoted followers who insist on twisting their throttle.
Price: Grip Shift: $52; Trigger Shift: $43
1x11 CASSETTE
The GX cassette is assembled using SRAM’s Full Pin technology, essentially a less expensive alternative to the fully machined XX1 and X01 clusters. Full Pin uses eleven lightweight, stamped steel cogs held together with 123 high-strength stainless steel pins to yield a super wide 10-42 gear range. An XD driver body rear cassette body is required for this or any SRAM 11-speed shifting systems on the rear wheel.
Price: $144
X1 CHAIN
SRAM has their 11-speed chain game dialed; we haven’t experienced any failures for a long time. We don’t expect the PC-X1, as they are calling it, to be any different. It uses the same dimensions as the XX1 chain, except with solid pins.
SRAM GX 2x11
This is where things really get interesting. SRAM is greatly expanding the available gear range of the GX group by offering a 2x11 option with 36 and 24-tooth front rings combined with the incredibly wide range of a 10-42 cassette in back. It’s a huge range and something that we’re hoping gets offered for other groups like X01.
2x11 CRANKSET
The SRAM GX 2x crankset is the same deal as the 1x offering. SRAM is making Open Core aluminum and solid 6000 aluminum versions in 175 or 170 mm lengths, except with a 36-24-tooth ring option. The rings are mounted on a spider so there may be more options available in the future.
Price: GX1000: $134; GX1400: $195-225 (Depending on BB)
2x11 FRONT DERAILLEUR
After nearly making these extinct, SRAM’s new 2x setup is going to require a front derailleur so they designed one specifi cally for GX chainrings. The front derailleur will come in a wide variety of clamp-mount and direct-mount options.
2x11 REAR DERAILLEUR
Since the 2x system has to work with a front derailleur the X-Horizon design will no longer work and the design reverts back to something reminiscent of the SRAM X0. It includes an all alloy construction with Roller Bearing Clutch technology to deliver maximum drivetrain stability and push-button wheel removal.
Price: $126
2x11 TRIGGER and GRIP SHIFTER
Not wanting to make the 2x riders feel left out, SRAM will be offering both Grip Shift and Trigger shift options for the GX drivetrain group.
Price: Grip Shift: $101; Trigger Shifters: $85
SRAM GX 2X10
2x10 CRANKSET
Offering a 2x10 option in the GX group makes a lot of sense since we believe SRAM is probably targeting budget OEM bike builds. This is a less expensive way to go with a simple rear cassette, no requirement for an XD driver body rear wheel and for the crankset you only get the 6000 Series aluminum option. There are two chainring combinations available though: 38-24 or 36-22.
Price: $134-163 (depending on BB)
2x10 DERAILLEURS
Front and rear GX derailleurs for the 2x10 group provide the precise shifting SRAM is known for. This hardware is reminiscent of 10-speed SRAM groups from several years ago and we expect it to work just as well as it did then. The front derailleur is available in all the clamp mount options you could wish for and the rear includes a Roller Bearing Clutch to deliver maximum drivetrain stability with push button release.
Price: $68 rear
2x10 TRIGGER SHIFTER
The GX 2x10 trigger shifters feature an aluminum lever for durability and pair with MatchMaker clamps to streamline your handlebar setup. There is no Grip Shift option with the 2x10 GX.
Price: $59
2x10 CASSETTE
Sram is recommending their PG-1050 cassette to marry with the GX group. It is available with 11-32, 12-32, 11-36 or 12-36 gear ratio options. The PG-1030 will also get the job done with about a 100-gram weight penalty and gear ratios or 11-32 or 11-36.
GX Group Pricing
2x11 Grip Shift: $677
2x11 Trigger Shift: $661
1x11 Grip Shift: $573
1x11 Trigger Shift: $564
2x10 Trigger Shift: $511
