SRAM GX groupsets unleashed!

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After a couple of teases, SRAM has finally lifted the veil on the all new GX groupset. It’s designed to ‘bring the power of riding to everyone, everywhere‘. Which to you and me means it’s a mid-level groupset, forgoing the carbon and bling, and reduces the price to a level that more of us can actually afford.

SRAM_MTB_GX_Crank_1000_1x11sp_32t_Side_Black_L
Budget 1x GX-1000

There’s some magnificent flannel in the press release (‘For every bike, there’s a rider. A rider who builds it. A rider who knows it. And ‘introducing GX, the drivetrain for people who love to ride without restraint‘ – all internally spoken in a gravelly American accent, natch), but what it boils down to is a variety of different setups: 1×11, 2×10 or 2×11. Yep, that’s a 2×11, with a 24T granny and a 42T large rear sprocket. So HOW SPINNY??

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SRAM_MTB_GX_Crank_1000_2x11sp_36-24t_Side_Black_L
SRAM’s 2×11 GX-1000 chainset

In the granny gear, you’ll be running 15.8 gear inches, which (for those who don’t know) is the equivalent of a penny farthing with a front wheel a tiny bit bigger than an LP record. Which is really, really teeny. That’s some steep hill. The press stuff tells us that the 2×11 groupset has a 630% gear range.

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The 2×11 rear mech. Looks surprisingly elegant.

So, where were we? Ah yes. Well, there are all-new shifters – both trigger and Gripshift, mechs front and rear, chainsets and chains to accommodate the huge range of options available and keep the price reasonable. There are different levels of chainset within GX, too – the GX1400 uses Open Core Technology (it’s hollow) and the GX-1000 is machined (the chain sets are machined out at the back).

SRAM_MTB_GX_Crank_1400_2x11sp_36-24t_Side_Black_L
GX-1400 hollow cranks in a 2×11 stylee

One of the things about previous iterations of SRAM’s 1×11 drivetrains was the high cost of the cassette. Here are details on the GX offering, according to the press release: “FULL PIN™ technology uses eleven lightweight, stamped steel cogs held together with 123 high-strength stainless steel pins. The result: a cassette that’s extremely light, durable and equipped with SRAM’s super wide 10-42 gear range that’s a perfect fit for any ride. The open design similar to our X-DOME™ cassette aids in mud clearance, giving you cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.

SRAM_MTB_GX_Cassette_XG1150_Side_L
Some very impressive engineering to get the cassette down to £115.

The 11 speed cassette needs an XD hub (no surprises there) and it weighs a claimed 394g – for reference the (machined from one block) XX1 is claimed to weigh 260g and the X1 weighs a claimed 315g. Mind you, the new 11 speed XTR weighs 328g. So its heavier, but only by a Mars bar or so. And the price is (considering the engineering needed and its complexity) a very reasonable £115. We should be seeing it around July 2015.

Here are the pricing details in all your denominations:

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And because there’s SO MUCH information, and SO MANY buzzwords, here’s the (almost 3000 words, people – grab a brew) press release, for all you techno-weenies to pore over. Remember to read it in a gruff American accent (in your mind, or out loud, if you’ve got understanding colleagues), and you’ll be fine.

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GX
RIDE YOUR WAY
FAR AND WIDE
For every bike, there’s a rider. A rider who builds it. A rider who knows it. A rider who’s always ready to take the bike somewhere new. Introducing GX, the drivetrain for people who love to ride without restraint. From beginner to expert, GX delivers personalized gear choices that take you as far and wide as you want to go. Engineered in Germany with 1x and 2x options, SRAM GX brings the power of riding to everyone, everywhere.

SRAM GX 1×11
Retail : July 2015

GX 1x CRANKSET
The SRAM GX crankset delivers consistent performance every time out. Featuring SRAM’s 
X-SYNC™ tooth profile, the GX crankset is engineered for complete chain control. Each 
tooth’s thickness is CNC machined to work seamlessly with the chain’s inner and outer 
links. And with five available chainrings (30-32-34-36-38), you can personalize your 
gear range to match the way you ride.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
Open Core Technology AL (GX-1400 Crankset)
6000 series AL (GX-1000 Crankset)
CNC machined 7075, two-tone anodized X-SYNC™ chainring (30-32-34-36-38)
Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
Chainring guard option
Crank lengths: 175, 170
Colors: Black, Red
24 and 30mm options
Boost™ 148 compatible
Technologies: X-SYNC™
Weight: 680g (GX-1400, GXP, 175mm, 32t); 720g (GX-1000, GXP, 175mm, 32t)

GX 1×11 X-HORIZON™ REAR DERAILLEUR
The SRAM GX X-HORIZON™ rear derailleur is engineered for smooth, reliable shifting action—from the larger upper pulley offset to the 12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels. By eliminating unwanted chain movement, X-HORIZON™ shifts faster, puts an end to ghost shifting and reduces shift force and chain slap. And with CAGE LOCK™ technology, wheel removal and installation are easier than ever.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force, ghost shifting and chain slap
12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
Sealed cartridge bearings
Aluminum cage
Colors: Black, Red
Technologies: X-HORIZON™, X-ACTUATION™, X-SYNC™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
Weight: 265g

GX 11-SPEED TRIGGER SHIFTER
Get sharp, dependable shifting with the SRAM GX X-ACTUATION™ trigger shifter. Built for precise and swift shifting across our wide range 11-speed cassette, the GX trigger shifter brings championship technology to everyone.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
SRAM 1x™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Multi-position mounting
MatchMaker™ compatible
Aluminum pull lever
Discrete clamp
Colors: Black, Red
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, MatchMaker™ Integrated
Weight: 122g

GX 11-SPEED GRIP SHIFT
Designed for the most discerning, performance obsessed riders, new GX 11-speed Grip Shift features lightweight construction and delivers outstanding speed and precision.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
SRAM 1x™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift
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 with Grip Shift
Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar
Colors: Black, Red
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, SPEED METAL™, ROLLING THUNDER™, JAWS™
Weight: 144g

XG-1150 FULL PIN™ CASSETTE
FULL PIN™ technology uses eleven lightweight, stamped steel cogs held together with 123 high-strength stainless steel pins. The result: a cassette that’s extremely light, durable and equipped with SRAM’s super wide 10-42 gear range that’s a perfect fit for any ride. The open design similar to our X-DOME™ cassette aids in mud clearance, giving you cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
10-42T range
XD™ driver body compatible
Technologies: FULL PIN™, XD™ driver body, JET™
Weight: 394g

PC-X1 CHAIN
The recommended chain for GX, PC-X1, comes from a long line of dependable, lightweight chains that are built for toughness. Designed with SRAM’s trusted XX1 geometry, the PC-X1 features solid pin construction, 11-speed PowerLock™ and smooth, efficient shifting that you can count on every time out.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
SRAM 1x™ specific chain designed with our XX1 geometry
Solid pin construction
11-speed POWERLOCK™
Color: Black/Silver
Technologies: X-SYNC™, POWERLOCK™
Weight: 258g (114 links)

SRAM GX 2×11
Retail : August 2015

Headline 1: RIDE YOUR WAY
With subhead: FAR AND WIDE

Take every ride further with a drivetrain focused on efficiency, durability, and the possibility to go wherever your bike can take you. Introducing GX 2x, simpler than a 3x drivetrain and the widest 2x gear range on the market. Engineered in Germany, GX 2x stands up to every challenge in front of you — from broken pavement to alpine hazards. GX 2x lets you ride as far and wide as your legs will take you.

GX 2×11 CRANKSET
The SRAM GX 2x crankset delivers consistent performance every time out. Featuring SRAM’s X-GLIDE™ chainrings, the GX crankset is engineered for 2x shifting performance. When paired with our wide range 10-42 cassette and GX 2x rear derailleur, GX 2×11 provides the widest range of gears ever offered on a 2x drivetrain.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
Open Core Technology AL (GX 1400 Crankset)
6000 series AL (GX 1000 Crankset)
X-GLIDE™ 2×11 shifting technology
Chainring option: 36-24
Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
Chainring guard option
Crank lengths: 175, 170
Colors: Black, Red
24 and 30mm options
Boost™ 148 compatible
Technologies: X-GLIDE™
Weight: 727g (GX-1400, GXP, 175mm); 774g (GX-1000, GXP, 175mm)

GX 11-SPEED FRONT DERAILLEUR
The low-profile GX 11-speed front derailleur was designed specifically for SRAM 2×11 X-GLIDE™ shifting. When paired with our wide range 10-42 cassette and GX 2x rear derailleur, GX 2×11 provides the widest range of gears ever offered on a 2x drivetrain. Offered in a wide variety of clamp-mount and direct-mount options.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
Wide range 2×11 systems with X-GLIDE™ front shifting technology
High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Mid Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount
Dedicated top and bottom pull
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, X-GLIDE™
Weight: 123-153g

GX 2×11 REAR DERAILLEUR
Leveraging the legendary history of SRAM shifting, the GX 2×11 rear derailleur provides incredible shifting speed and precision. X-ACTUATION™ technology eliminates slop and shifting variation. ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology delivers maximum drivetrain stability—even through the most punishing terrain. And with CAGE LOCK™ technology, wheel removal and installation are easier than ever.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Focused chassis design for all conditions and usage
10-42 wide range cassette compatible
Colors: Black, Red
Technologies: X- ACTUATION™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
Weight: 289g (long cage), 286g (medium cage)

GX 2×11 TRIGGER SHIFTERS
Get sharp, dependable shifting with the SRAM GX X-ACTUATION™ trigger shifters. Built for precise and swift shifting across our wide range 11-speed cassette, the GX trigger shifters bring championship technology to everyone.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
Dedicated 2-speed and 11-speed trigger shifters
X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Multi-position mounting
Aluminum pull lever
MatchMaker™ compatible
Colors: Black, Red
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, MatchMaker™ Integrated
Weight: 242g (per pair)

GX 2×11 GRIP SHIFT
Designed for the most discerning, performance obsessed riders, new GX 2×11 Grip Shift features lightweight construction and delivers outstanding speed and precision.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift
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 with Grip Shift
Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar
Colors: Black, Red
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, SPEED METAL™, ROLLING THUNDER™, JAWS™
Weight: 286g (per pair)

SRAM GX 2×10
Retail : June 2015

GX 2×10 CRANKSET
The SRAM GX 2x crankset delivers consistent performance every time out. Featuring SRAM’s 
X-GLIDE™ chainrings, the GX crankset is engineered for 2x shifting performance. Flawless shifting means you’ll never again compromise your speed and power in unpredictable off-road terrain. No more missed shifts, ever. X-GLIDE™ puts you in the right gear, right now.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
6000 series AL (GX 1000 Crankset)
X-GLIDE™ 2×10 shifting technology
Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
Chainring options: 38-24, 36-22
Chainring guard option
Crank lengths: 175, 170
Color: Black
24 and 30mm options
Boost™ 148 compatible
Technologies: X-GLIDE™
Weight: 799g (GXP, 175mm, 36/22)

GX 10-SPEED FRONT DERAILLEUR
The low-profile GX 10-speed front derailleur was designed specifically for SRAM X-GLIDE™ shifting. Flawless shifting means you’ll never again compromise your speed and power in unpredictable off-road terrain. No more missed shifts, ever. X-GLIDE™ puts you in the right gear, right now.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
2×10 systems with X-GLIDE™ front shifting technology
High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount, Mid Direct Mount
Dedicated top and bottom pull
Technologies: X-GLIDE™, EXACT ACTUATION™
Weight: 134-161g

GX 2×10 REAR DERAILLEUR
Leveraging the legendary history of SRAM shifting, the GX 2×10 rear derailleur provides incredible shifting speed and precision. EXACT ACTUATION™ technology eliminates slop and shifting variation. ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology delivers maximum drivetrain stability—even through the most punishing terrain. And with CAGE LOCK™ technology, wheel removal and installation are easier than ever.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
EXACT ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
Cage lengths: Short, Medium and Long
Color: Black
Technologies: EXACT ACTUATION™, DIRECT ROUTE, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
Weight: 302g (long cage with ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™)

GX 2×10 TRIGGER SHIFTERS
The GX 2×10 trigger shifters feature an aluminum lever, resulting in minimal weight with maximum durability. Pair the GX 2×10 trigger shifters with the MatchMaker™ clamp to streamline your handlebar setup. The GX trigger shifters maintain the legacy of X0 shifting with features and technologies optimized for 2×10 and EXACT ACTUATION™.
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FEATURES / BENEFITS
Dedicated 2-speed and 10-speed trigger shifters
SRAM’s 2×10 EXACT ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
Multi-position mounting
MatchMaker™ compatible
Aluminum pull lever
Color: Black
Technologies: EXACT ACTUATION™, MatchMaker™ Compatible
Weight: 246g (per pair)

2×10 CASSETTES
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PG-1050
The PG-1050 cassette benefits from SRAM’s long history and expertise in developing cassettes. With its simple and reliable construction, it is the perfect cassette for the SRAM GX rider.
Gear Ratios: 11-32, 12-32, 11-36, 12-36
Technologies: PowerGlide II
Weight: 299g (11-32T)
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PG-1030
PowerGlide technology provides super-smooth shifting between gears
Gear Ratios: 11-32, 11-36
Durable nickel chrome finish
Technologies: PowerGlide
Weight: 395g

TECHNOLOGIES

ALL FOR ONE
SRAM 1x™ is the only one you need: less weight, better chain control and the ability to sync up with any riding style. Our 1x drivetrain philosophy focuses on optimizing how components work together—crank to ring, tooth to chain, shifter to derailleur, derailleur to cassette, and cassette to wheel. No matter where you ride, no matter what you’re up against, SRAM 1x™ takes you further.

X-SYNC™
SRAM X-SYNC™ 1x chainrings provide the highest level of performance and durability. The SRAM X-SYNC™ tall square teeth edges engage the chain earlier than traditional triangle shaped teeth. The sharp and narrow tooth profile, as well as rounded chamfer edges, help manage a deflected chain. To provide the best possible performance in muddy conditions, the X-SYNC™ chainrings have been designed with mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers. Engineered in Germany, X-SYNC™ chainrings are an integral part of the SRAM 1x™ drivetrain. Accept no imitation.

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.

ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™
ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology eliminates derailleur bounce and chain slap without sacrificing precision.

CAGE LOCK™
With CAGE LOCK™ technology in the rear derailleur, wheel removal and installation— as well as chain installation—becomes faster and simpler. Just push the cage forward to create slack and lock it into place.

X-DOME™
The revolutionary machined design of the X-DOME™ cassette uses the same gruelling manufacturing techniques that produced the PowerDome road cassette. With X-DOME™, ten of the cogs are CNC machined together out of a single block of billet steel, creating an incredibly lightweight, precise and strong cassette.

FULL PIN™
FULL PIN™ technology uses eleven lightweight, stamped steel cogs held together with 123 high-strength stainless steel pins. The result: a cassette that’s extremely light, durable and equipped with SRAM’s super wide 10-42 gear range that’s a perfect fit for any ride. The open design similar to our X-DOME™ cassette aids in mud clearance, giving you cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.

XD™ DRIVER BODY
XD™ is a cassette driver body design that allows the use of a 10-tooth small cog and provides an improved interface with the cassette.

X-ACTUATION™
Developed specifically for SRAM 1x™, X-ACTUATION™ keeps shifting sharp and consistent across the entire 10- to 42-tooth cassette.

SPEED METAL™
Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift.

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 with Grip Shift.

JAWS™
Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar.

JET™
With durable JET™ black finish, the cassette looks as tough as it performs—ride after ride. JET™ finish provides a higher level of corrosion resistance.

GXP
GXP’s Gutter Seal design cuts friction, durability and weight—improving both feel and performance.

BB30
Besides serious weight savings, this bottom bracket means narrow Q-factor, more ankle clearance, greater bearing durability and stronger crank construction.

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SRAM X-SYNC™

A DEVELOPING STORY

MODERN MOUNTAIN BIKERS RIDE HARD, OVER UNPREDICTABLE TERRAIN, IN ALL KINDS OF CONDITIONS. SO EVERY DETAIL MATTERS.
When SRAM’s engineers first turned their attention to X-SYNC™, they began by examining the multi-speed, single-ring systems that were already on the market. From inside and outside derailment to mud-clogged gear recesses, the rings presented clear opportunities for improvement. So the engineers started to design—and redesign. Each iteration of the new chainring went to the field for trial runs. And from all of this came X-SYNC™, MTB’s first wide tooth, narrow tooth chainring.

But wide tooth, narrow tooth alone didn’t cut it. The SRAM team plowed ahead with a single goal in mind: to create a ring that contributed to the SRAM 1x™ drivetrain built around simplicity and durability. Every detail was scrutinized, leading to optimized square tooth geometry. To asymmetric tooth-tip offset. To sharp-tipped teeth that catch the chain at extreme offsets. Chamfers and radii designed for optimized guiding. Enhancements engineered to limit roller movement. And mud recesses that keep the chain clean and moving. All focused on the dynamic bike platform for XC, Trail, Enduro, and Gravity riding. And all part of an integrated SRAM 1x™ system precision-designed so that every aspect of X-SYNC™ works perfectly with the rest of the drivetrain.

The original wide tooth, narrow tooth chainring is the optimized ring for riders who never compromise. X-SYNC™—ONLY BY SRAM.

X-SYNC™
SRAM X-SYNC™ 1x chainrings provide the highest level of performance and durability. The SRAM X-SYNC™ tall square teeth edges engage the chain earlier than traditional triangle shaped teeth. The sharp and narrow tooth profile, as well as rounded chamfer edges, help manage a deflected chain. To provide the best possible performance in muddy conditions, the X-SYNC™ chainrings have been designed with mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers. Engineered in Germany, X-SYNC™ chainrings are an integral part of the SRAM 1x™ drivetrain. Accept no imitation.

X-GLIDE™
Imagine being able to shift smoothly at any time, no matter what. We’re talking full-power shifts. Up, down, whatever the trail demands. Flawless shifting means you’ll never again compromise your speed and power in unpredictable off-road terrain.
Here’s how we did it: our crank engineers threw away the old standards and developed a chainring geometry from the ground up. They precisely paired the different-sized chainrings and redesigned where and how the chain engages with the rings. By aligning the chainring pick-up rivets to the chain pivot pin—rather than the middle of the chain link—you get double the shift opportunities, providing the fastest-shifting drivetrain.
No more missed shifts, ever. X-GLIDE™ puts you in THE RIGHT GEAR.

EXACT ACTUATION™
EXACT ACTUATION™ helps to simplify/stabilize the uneasy act of balancing rear derailleur hanger design, tight cog spacing and exact cable tension. The result: the easiest index shifting system to set up and it stays that way.

Barney Marsh takes the word ‘career’ literally, veering wildly across the road of his life, as thoroughly in control as a goldfish on the dashboard of a motorhome. He’s been, with varying degrees of success, a scientist, teacher, shop assistant, binman and, for one memorable day, a hospital laundry worker. These days, he’s a dad, husband, guitarist, and writer, also with varying degrees of success. He sometimes takes photographs. Some of them are acceptable. Occasionally he rides bikes to cast the rest of his life into sharp relief. Or just to ride through puddles. Sometimes he writes about them. Bikes, not puddles. He is a writer of rongs, a stealer of souls and a polisher of turds. He isn’t nearly as clever or as funny as he thinks he is.

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