News: SRAM X01 Drivetrain Announced

By Greg Heil
August 1, 2013 Last Updated: August 9, 2024

13 comments

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When SRAM released its unique XX1 drivetrain last year, we all knew this day was coming: the new 1×11 drivetrain technology is trickling down to more affordable component groups. (For more information on XX1, check out Jeff’s short review.) While X0-level tech still isn’t affordable by some people’s standards, compared to the premium cost of the XX1 drivetrain, it’s a definite improvement! Also, if the past is any indication, watch for 1×11 technology to continue to trickle down to X9-level groups and below.

The driving concepts behind the 1×11 drivetrain are more simplicity and more chain security (not to mention lighter weight), all while not compromising gearing range too drastically. 1×11 provides chain security and simplicity by eliminating front shifts, adding a clutch-style rear derailleur (now common on many 2×10 drivetrains as well), and using a unique asymmetrical chain design.

As for the new X01 version of the 1×11 concept, check out these details from SRAM:

X01 Crankset

New patented X-SYNC™ tooth profile provides maximum chain control
Carbon arms with forged aluminum spider
Chainring guard option
New spider design allows for easier ring changes
CNC- X-SYNC™ machined rings (30-32-34-36-38)
Colors: Red and Black
Weight: 655g (with BB)
Technologies: BB30, GXP, X-SYNC™
MSRPs: $279-319 for crank, $98-127 for chainring

X01 X-Horizon Rear Derailleur

Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force and ghost shifting
12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
TYPE 2 technologies: ROLLING BEARING CLUTCH™ and CAGE LOCK™
Carbon cage
Sealed cartridge bearings
Colors: Red and Black
Weight: 252g
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, X-HORIZON™, X-SYNC™, ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™, CAGE LOCK™
MSRP: $269

X01 Trigger Shifter

SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
Zero Loss Engagement for fastest shifting
Multi-adjustable trigger shifter
MatchMaker X compatible
Aluminum cover and adjustable forged aluminum pull lever
Includes discrete clamp
Colors: Red and Black
Weight: 91g
Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, ZERO LOSS, MatchMaker X Integrated
MSRP: $139

X01 Grip Shifter

SRAM 1X™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable 11-speed performance
SPEED METAL™ shift indexing
ROLLING THUNDER™ ball bearing technology
JAWS™ lock-on grip technology
Aluminum cover
Includes lock-on grips
Colors: Red and Black
Weight: 143g (clamps, cable and JAWS™ lock-on grip
Technologies: JAWS™, ROLLING THUNDER™, SPEED METAL™, XACTUATION™
MSRP: $129

XG-1195 Cassette

Unique finish for high durability
11-speeds (10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-36-42)
XD™ Driver Body creates more stable hub connection
Optimized Gear steps across entire range
Weight: 275g
Technologies: X-DOME™, XD™ DRIVER BODY
MSRP: $399

PC-XX1 Chain

New 1X™ specific chain
HARD CHROME™ technology for maximum strength and wear resistance
Proprietary link finish provides improved life span
11-speed power lock
Technologies: X-SYNC™, HARD CHROME™
MSRP: $63

Watch for SRAM X01 to drop in Mid-September, 2013.

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13 Comments

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Gdb49 Colorado // 2012
Aug 2, 2013

Do I have this right, $1,400 for the upgrade?

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Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Aug 3, 2013

Of course, you only need to buy 1 shifter ;)

Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Aug 2, 2013

Did you just add up the numbers above? If so, there are a few smaller bottom bracket bits that I didn't list. That'll add more $$ ;)

Heh, I bet they like the expensive cassette, because there is no way you can substitute a different cassette in, and unless you are anal about chain replacement (which costs $$), you'll probably wear out the cassette every so often, which is a big recurring cost at $399 a pop.

Dustin Gaddis South Carolina // 2007
Aug 3, 2013

And either a new freehub or all new near wheel, depending on your hubs.

It is less expensive than the regular 2x10 X0 system. Actually, XX1 is less expensive than the 2x10 X0 system. So it's not that this stuff is silly expensive relative to other drivetrains...it's that all high end MTB drivetrains are expensive lol.

I really don't get the point of having it though if the price is so close to XX1. A reasonably priced cassette will do wonders to bring the price down.

Holy .... Batman!

vandamage New York // 2011
Aug 2, 2013

I agree with syd I've been riding a 1x10 set up for 2 years now and love the way it works as a system. Trust the engineers that's there job. When the xx1 group came out I knew my days of pining for a little lower gear ratio were over. With the xx1 system you have choices and simplicity.

MaxwellD California // 2015
Feb 22, 2017

I love this X01 setup. I got it on my specialized stumpjumper, is an awesome crank and derailleur etc.

Dustin Gaddis South Carolina // 2007
Aug 1, 2013

I read elsewhere that the new X01 is only about $139 less than the XX1 group. What's the point in that? Hopefully X09 will be lower priced, with a cassette that doesn't cost more than an entry level bike.

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Aug 2, 2013

I'm prepping a review of my SRAM X0 2x10 drivetrain to 1x10 conversion for those who aren't willing or able to swap everything out for 11spd. I spent $65 on the swap, though that doesn't include the original cost of the 2x10 X0 group. :)

jkey6 2010
Aug 1, 2013

Is there a reason for an XX1 or X01 specific crank, chainring, and chain? Seems like you could set it up as a single-ring drivetrain of lower cost components and only buy the XX1 or X01 rear derailleur and cassette.

Syd Patricio Ontario // 2008
Aug 2, 2013

The whole thing here is that everything is integrated to work together, to maximize the whole set up..

We received a much larger press release which went in depth on the reason behind the whole group approach. The significant difference between "Ghetto" 1X systems and the XX1/X01system is the path that the rear derailleur takes as it goes though all 11 gears. There is a constant gap between the upper pulley and the cogs. This is accomplished by the re-design on the derailleur it self.

Also the neat thing between Ghetto 1X and the Sram is the wide range on the cassette. That is something I appreciate.

Dustin Gaddis South Carolina // 2007
Aug 2, 2013

Yes, and no. Spiderless cranks make it easy to change rings. The rings have a wide/narrow teeth profile to reduce chain drop, and the chain line is probably a bit different than a 2x or 3x crank.

BUT, several companies are making chainrings with the wide/narrow teeth to fit other style cranks for 1x use, so you could probably just get the rear derailleur/shifter/cassette/chain and be good to go, as long as the chainline works in all 11 gears.

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