Few gears for little money - Sram presents the GX

Sram's 1x11 drivetrains used to be rather expensive, as they had even less material. Now Sram is launching the GX, which is also available as a 1x11 as well as a 2x11 and costs far less than the next higher X1. The X7 and X9 models will also be replaced by the new 2x10 GX groupset.

Sram's 1x11 is finding its way into many bikes, even if the range of gears is smaller and the gradation is larger. However, the advantages of simplicity and lower weight outweigh the disadvantages for most users. The fact that you still had to pay a lot for fewer gears deterred many from switching to the 1x11. With the GX groupset, Sram is now providing a remedy - and going even further.

Compared to the next highest gear group "X1", which currently costs 947 euros (currently no comparative values in Swiss francs), the GX group costs just 588 euros - with trigger shifters. A massive price difference, although the weight difference between the two groupsets is just 20 grams. The price differences are mainly to be found in the choice of materials. Functionally, the groupset offers the same as the top-of-the-range XX1 package, with a weight difference of a good 200 grams. However, the GX is also available with a Grip-Shift shifter at a price of 597 euros.

It's better to ride twice
There are still many mountain bikers for whom 1x11 gears are not enough. To cater for this, Sram also offers the GX in a double version. Apart from the chainrings and the necessary shifter and front derailleur, the double and single groupsets are identical. Instead of X-Sync, the X-Glide™ chainrings are used on the double crankset.

The cranks, as a hollow-forged GX-1400 or GX-1000 version made from 6000-AL, are also compatible with the new "Boost™ 148" axle standard. These come with chainring sizes of 24 and 36 teeth and are available in the bottom bracket versions PressFit 30, BB30, GXP and PressFit GXP, as well as in 170 and 175 millimeter lengths. A different changer is also used for the 2x11-GX. This has a wide ratio range, can be controlled via top and bottom cables and is available in the High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Mid Direct Mount and Low Direct Mount mounting versions. The GX groupset costs €689.00 with trigger shifters and €705.00 with grip shift shifters.

Sram still has the tried and tested 2×10 drivetrain in its range, but with a new version. This is intended to replace the existing X7 and X9 drivetrains. The crank is also "Boost™ 148" compatible.

www.sram.com