Sram's XO DH groupset (available in 10- and 7-speed versions) is getting some in-house competition: with the GX DH combo, the US component specialists are launching a 7-speed groupset for rough terrain that shouldn't tear too deep a hole in the budget - and is compatible with the more expensive XO DH parts.

There are basically three new components on board. At the front is the derailleur, which has a parallelogram structure so that the cage and thus the chain cannot hit downwards, or at least to a much lesser extent; all shifting movements take place exclusively in a horizontal plane. This feature is supported by a strong return spring on the shifting arm to keep the chain in check. The rear derailleur is available in medium length, the short version as on the XO DH is not included.

The PG-720 cassette, which brings 7 gears in 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 22 and 25 gradations to the rear wheel, is still at the start. This is compatible with conventional freewheels, so an - often expensive - XD driver body is not necessary. The largest sprocket is finished off with a ring to prevent the chain from jumping off in the direction of the spokes.

The groupset is completed by a shift lever, which activates the gear shift with a crisp click typical of Sram. Sram is also sending its in-house Descendant DH crank from the Truvativ range, which was recently presented, and a PC-1130 chain into the race.

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