SRAM XO1 Drivetrain – First Look
While new brands peek around the corner, and gearboxes threaten to make it into this hemisphere, there are still really only two choices for drivetrain, and the both begin with S. I’m lucky enough to have the new SRAM XO1 drivetrain for my long term trail bike.
XO1 sits near the top of SRAM’s hierarchy, with a 7 and 10 speed DH options, and the 11 speed all mountain set up shown here. There’s a pleasing lack of front mechs in these groupsets, as all of them are set totally for 1x set-ups. Unwrapping these components, they ooze quality and like all of the finest things they come at a price.
XO1 X-Actuation 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
The shifter integrates neatly with the SRAM Level brake clamps, keeping the cockpit clean. Shifting is crisp and precise even across the massive cassette. Weight: 125g RRP £110.00
XO1 X-Horizon Mech
- Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
- X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force and ghost shifting
- 12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
- Sealed cartridge bearings
The mech uses the a linkage that keeps the upper jockey wheel the same distance from the cassette through the whole range, and these big jockeys with sealed cartridge bearings should keep shifting feeling the same all the way up and down the gears. Weight: 250g RRP £209.99
X-Dome Cassette
- XD™ Driver Body creates more stable hub connection
- Super wide 10-42t gear range—a perfect fit for any ride
- Optimized gear steps across entire range
- Open design aids in mud clearance
- Unique finish for high durability
The cassette with its huge 10-42 range is a thing of beauty, the biggest sprocket is aluminium and bonded to the remaining ten which look to be machined from a single lump of 4130 steel. These all mount easily using the XD Driver freehub system keeping things secure and reducing the chewing into freehubs than can happen.Weight: 268g RRP £300
XX1 Hard Chrome Chain
- SRAM 1x™ specific chain
- HARD CHROME™ technology for maximum strength and wear resistance for improved chain life
- PowerLock® connecting link
Hollow links, quick fix power-links and seamless integration with SRAM’s chainrings. Not much more to say bout this chain! Weight: 252g RRP £48.00
The groupset is getting bolted onto my long-term test bike, and will be getting a suitable hammering through winter, to see if the exceptional performance can stand up to all that a winter in Wales offers.
