1x11 - two numbers that polarise. Since SRAM's first single drivetrain with the XX1 the industry and bikers are debating the sense or nonsense of the "simplify your life" philosophy. Until now, however, the eleven-speed groupsets available have been expensive and hardly affordable for the majority of bikers anyway. This is now set to change: with the GX now brings SRAM an affordable 1x11 groupset which will be available for less than 600 euros.
SRAM GX: no functional losses
But can the new GX keep up functionally with the much more expensive groupsets? We are sceptical. According to SRAM, no functional losses are to be expected with the GX. From X-Sync chainrings to the X-Horizon rear derailleur, where the derailleur cage moves in the axis plane - the GX offers all the important functions that were introduced on the XX1. The favourable price is merely the result of different manufacturing technologies. For example, the sprockets are stamped and then riveted together rather than milled from a block. In addition, different bearings are used in some cases and carbon is not used.
Fast gear changes with Grip Shift lever
To get our own impression of the shifting behaviour of the new SRAM GX, we took the test bike out on our local trail on Lake Garda. A 30 t chainring is the right choice for the steep climb and should provide sufficient reserves in conjunction with the 42 teeth at the rear. We changed gears, somewhat unusually, using the optional Grip Shift gear lever. It feels good in the hand and changes gears quickly and with the typical SRAM click. Only on the way to the largest sprocket does it require a little more pull on the twist grip. Otherwise, the X-Horizon rear derailleur finds the gears precisely and - indeed - without any noticeable difference to the more expensive SRAM groupsets. In general, the twist grip is really impressive: it's hard to shift so many gears in one go faster on a mountain bike, a real alternative to the classic trigger.
On the flowing ups and downs of the trail, the favourable gearing behaves absolutely inconspicuously. Only when the trail drops steeply and the typical Lake Garda rumble sets in is the GX challenged again. Even on big bumps and small jumps, the chain is reliably held in place by the narrow-width profile of the chainring. The friction damper in the rear derailleur keeps the chain in check and lets us rumble surprisingly smoothly over the trail. On fast sections, however, the gear range quickly reaches its limits. Pedalling along or catching up with the rider in front is only possible by choosing the ideal line.
The route back to Riva is then on tarmac. Here too, the limits of 1x11 become apparent: the large gear jumps make it difficult to find the right cadence when travelling fast. If the tarmac ride is supported by a tailwind, the highest gear of 30x10 is simply not enough for the desired speed. However, this problem is not new and is common to all 1x11 groupsets.
Conclusion after the first test round
In the end, our first ride with the GX from SRAM left us with a thoroughly positive impression. Functionally, the inexpensive groupset is impressive. It shifts quickly and precisely, especially with the Grip-Shift lever. When "dry shifting" at the SRAM stand, the only thing we noticed was the slightly more angular trigger lever. With a total of five chainring sizes (30/32/34/36/38), SRAM offers the option of customising the drivetrain to suit your personal area of use. However, a slight limitation in the range is still unavoidable. If you want more, you should therefore opt for the double GX version. With 36/24 teeth and the 10/42 sprocket set, it offers a significantly wider range. However, you also do without chainrings with a narrow-width profile and the rear derailleur running parallel to the axle.
Stefan Frey
Editor
