With the new GX groupset, SRAM wants to make its 11-speed drivetrains accessible to a wider audience. Until now, the 1x11 drivetrains were reserved for a wealthy clientele. Now SRAM is breaking down the established technologies to an entry-level groupset. However, the new SRAM GX will not only be available in a 1x11 version. Until now, 2x11 systems were only available from Shimano. SRAM is now responding to this with a 2x11 version of the GX. There will also be a 2x10 offshoot in the programme, which will replace the previous X9 and X7 lines in terms of price.
What you need to invest in the SRAM GX
Simple switching logic
The advantages of 1x11 systems are obvious. In addition to the simple shifting logic, a tidy cockpit and the weight advantage over 2x and 3x drivetrains are the main advantages. However, you have to make compromises when it comes to the range. The front chainring is used to select either a more uphill or downhill-orientated gear ratio.
The components in detail
XG-1150 full pin cassette
The most striking feature is probably the new 10-42 cassette. It is made from eleven individually stamped sprockets, which are connected to each other with 123 pins. This should not only ensure low weight, but above all improved durability. The GX cassette covers the same range as the more expensive products from the X01, X1 and XX1 groupsets at a significantly lower price.
FULL PIN™ technology
10-42T gradation
XD™ driver compatible
GX 1x crank
SRAM makes no compromises with the cranks either. The X-Sync tooth profile, in which wide teeth alternate with narrower teeth, is also used here. A total of five different chainrings are available for the GX 1x crank (30-32-34-36-38).
GX 1400 option (hollow forged crank arms)
GX 1000 option (6000 series AL)
CNC-machined 7075, two-tone anodised X-SYNC™-
Chainrings (30-32-34-36-38)
Bottom bracket: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
Chainring guard available
Available arm lengths: 175 mm, 170 mm
Colours: black, red
24 and 30 mm Options
Boost 148™ compatible
Technologies: X-SYNC™
GX 1x11 rear derailleur
X-HORIZON™ design reduces shifting force, ghost shifting and chain slap
X-SYNC™ chain idler with 12 teeth
Sealed industrial bearings
Aluminium cage
Colours: black, red
Technologies: X-HORIZON™, X-ACTUATION™, X-SYNC™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
GX 11-speed trigger
SRAM 1x™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and reliable performance in the 11-speed range
Several mounting options
Compatible with MatchMaker™
Aluminium pull lever
Inconspicuous clamp
Colours: black, red
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, MatchMaker™
GX 11-speed Grip Shift
SRAM 1x™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and reliable performance in the 11-speed range
Full metal switch for smooth gear changes.
Three rows of ball bearings for smooth gear changes.
Once the Grip Shift shift unit and the handle are fitted, forged aluminium clamps secure and reinforce the unit.
Colours: black, red
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, SPEED METAL™, ROLLING THUNDER™, JAWS™
SRAM GX 2x11
SRAM tries to avoid the compromise in the gear ratio with the 2x version of the GX. With the two chainrings with 36 and 24 teeth, the gear range is 630%. Shimano achieves a maximum range of 515% with its 1x11 drivetrains.
GX 2x11 crank
GX 1400 option (hollow forged crank arms)
GX 1000 option (6000 series AL)
X-Glide technology for 2X11 transmission
Chainring options: 36-24
Available in the following bottom bracket versions: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
Chainring guard available
Available arm lengths: 175 mm, 170 mm
Colours: black, red
24 and 30 mm Options
Boost™ 148 compatible
Technologies: X-GLIDE™
GX 2x11 rear derailleur
X-ACTUATION™ for precise and reliable performance in the 11-speed range
TYPE 3 Technologies: ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™
and CAGE LOCK™
Design tailored to all conditions and areas of application
10-42 Compatible with gear ratio
Colours: black, red
Technologies: X- ACTUATION™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
GX 11-speed front derailleur
Large 2×11 transmission range with X-Glide technology at the front
High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Mid Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount
Pull: Top and bottom pull
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, X-GLIDE™
SRAM GX 2x10
There will also be a 2x10 version in the SRAM programme. No special freewheel will be required for the cassette in this groupset. In future, SRAM will also use the ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ and CAGE LOCK™ technologies already familiar from the higher-quality groupsets.
Stefan Frey
Editor
