Designed for Sram's 2x10 and 3x10 drivetrains, the component manufacturer from Chicago is bringing the twist shifter to the latest state of the art in shifting technology in high-quality versions. The twist shifter mechanism remains simple and reliable, but has been given an additional gear on the right-hand shift lever and is designed for double or triple cranks on the left. As part of the XX system, Sram is building a 2x10 Grip Shift ensemble, which includes Lock-On fixed grips and Gore Ride-On shifter cables. The XO shifters, which are available in silver and black/red as well as in 2x10 or 3x10 versions, rely on aluminum components instead of carbon as in the XX - lock-on grips are also included here. The shifters should be available from April 2012.

With the revival of the twist shifter, Sram is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Grip Shift. In 1987, the US company launched a twist shifter for the first time with the DB1 shifter. The shifter is particularly popular among racing cyclists due to its low weight, high shifting precision and unbeatable shifting speed. Jaroslav Kulhavy, equipped with a 10-speed Grip Shift prototype, won the gold medal at the 2011 Mountain Bike World Championships in Champéry and had a significant influence on the rotary shifters going back into series production. (Ride reported)

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