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SRAM XX1 (1x11)

By MrMez - Posted on 13 August 2012

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

When I got into real CC/AM MTB about a 18 months, I needed every gear on my 3x9 (on the short end anyway). Then my dual suspension came with 3x10, and as my fitness has improved i've found I really don't need the small chainring, and doing research for next years build, I decided on XTR 2x10. Now I see SRAM have a 1x11, with a massive range of cogs, and im thinking it may be the way to go.

Below is a table that may help:

Current (Giant Trance)
24x32x42 x 11-36
Lowest ratio: 1.29m
Highest ratio: 7.41m
(M travel / pedal revolution)

SRAM XX1
32 x 10-42
(available: 28,30,32,34,36,38)
Lowest ratio: 1.48m
Highest: 6.21m

Now i know on my 3x10 I never use anything CLOSE to my tallest gearing. Lest face it, I mostly never get over 40km/hr on the trails, and i figure my 6m 'junior gearing' is still good for up to ~60km/hr.
Just as important is the ultra close gearing the 3x10 offers. While I love the 'endless gearing' on occasions which can help stay on the power/efficiency RPM when you need it, it mostly just gets in the way. Without rapid fire (2 down, 3 up at a time), id get too annoyed having to change too many gears at the slightest incline change. With a little bit of fitness, you can operate at a pretty wide RPM range, and just don't need that ultra close gearing.

Guess what i'm trying to say is, I hope Shimano come out with a 1x11 for 2013, because thats what I'll be buying.

Has anyone else used something like this for CC/AM? I know Saint have a 1x10, but thats more DH stuff.

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Or you could get a Rohloff

Submitted by cambowambo on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 13:40.

I have a Rohloff Hub set up as a single speed with 34T chainring and 15T sprocket which gives me 14 equally spaced gears between 1.3m and 6.9m plus gear changes without pedalling, no missed gears or chain crossing and significant mechanical reliability for a half kg weight gain.

Something different

1x9

Submitted by nh on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 13:59.

I tried out 1x9 on my XC bike a couple of years ago and have not looked back. All you need is a chain guide not a new drive train.

11-34 cassette and 32t front ring work well. You can give it a go on your 3x9 by just staying in the middle ring and seeing how it feels.

Nup

Submitted by hawkeye on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 15:44.

I had 1x10 on a 29er FS. Hated it. Great on Terrey Hills fire trails, but anything that involved a decent incline like bits of Manly Dam and Cascades... 34T front cog and 11-36 on the back with a clown wheel.

Probably OK on a 29er HT that you can lock out the fork on and grind out of the saddle.

Might have been OK as a 2-by with a 36T main ring with 24T granny option.

The 2013 S-works Epic 29er

Submitted by Brian on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 16:33.

The 2013 S-works Epic 29er will have 1x11

A little sceptical of the hub

Submitted by MrMez on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 16:54.

A little sceptical of the hub gears. I'll wait till a world champ tells me i need to buy one

Tested the "only use the middle ring" option, and it works ok (32x 11-36), but i would like a little more on each end, which is why I thought 1x11 may be perfect. 1x10 also seems like a close alternative, but its not so much the extra gear on the 1x11, but the extra range of gears. 11-36 vs 10-42, especially since i like a fairly high cadence.

LOL @ clown wheel.

I've been running 1 x 9 for a

Submitted by Discodan on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 18:19.

I've been running 1 x 9 for a few years and love it, simple and with 34t front and 11-34 rear you very rarely need lower but can sometimes need higher.

I had a very close look at the XX1 as I can get it at a good price but at the end of the day they have made it too much of a closed system for my likes. You need RD, cluster, chain and chainring ( all fair enough) but then they use a custom BCD on the chain ring so you need XX1 cranks and the cassette requires a special hub to you're up for a new wheel as well. RRP is $1,600 excluding the hub which is crazy as its more than a XX 2 x 10 group set including brakes.

I'm also hoping shimano does something that's a bit more interchangeable, just a wide range 1 x 10 say 11-38 or ideally 11-40. The real driver is being able to use a shadow plus RD so i can ditch the chain guide, the extra gear is just a bonus. In the meantime 1 x 9 will do just fine

I agree, if I could have any

Submitted by nh on Mon, 13/08/2012 - 20:01.

I agree, if I could have any setup up would be X11. But if I have to pay for it I will wait until eleven speed trickles down to X9.

Tried 1*10, 2*10 and 3*10 on

Submitted by Oldernslower on Tue, 14/08/2012 - 11:28.

Tried 1*10, 2*10 and 3*10 on 29r. For all round riding given my abilities (or lack of them) 3*10 on a 29r is the most flexible and fits my needs. 2*10 is good if I just do single track and short downhills but I dont like the jump between the two front rings, equivalent to 3 cogs on the rear. Find that I'm undergeared on 2*10 for long downhills. 1*10, with 11/36, just doesn't have the range for me and the trails I ride normally. 1*11, with a 10/42, may have the range and would be worth considering, but will wait for some feedback from users before deciding - lol so give us feedback plz. So like most things it's horses for courses. Given that I am older and getting slower, a 1*11 for younger stronger faster buggers may be fine

Currently building a Stumpjumper SS 29r into a 1*14 with a Rohloff hub and Rotor front ring, for the more open trails and latte rides . Gives a similar range of gears to a 2*10. Hoping the stumpy comes out the same weight as my S-works.