TESTED: SRAM GX 1x11

There were skeptics in 2012, but the popularity of 1×11 drivetrains, and 1×10 conversions, should have softened the voices of most naysayers by late 2015. The simplicity of a single chain ring, with a wide range cassette, is a great advancement for many mountain bikers. There’s little need for most mountain bikers to have a wide enough gear range to roll turns in a road bunch at 45km/h and climb up 30% grades.

A single chain ring setup has lower maintenance, and usually lower weight. We know this. But it’s also a lot easier to get your head around for new riders, and typically has less financial upkeep. As single ring setups started at the top level, this wasn’t immediately within reach of everyone. But the introduction of X01, X1 and now GX has changed that, bringing the prices down to levels recreational riders will appreciate. Even better, dedicated 1×11 groups with wide range cassettes will be on 2016 models from a much lower price point.

It’s worth noting that GX comes in 1×11, 2×11 and 2×10 options, replacing the X7 and X9 range. We have tested the 1×11 group, but the 2×11 option will provide a wider gear range than you thought possible, if your needs demand it.

THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

One of the most expensive items with XX1 is the 10-42 cassette, and even X01 and X1 cassettes aren’t cheap. The XG-1150 10-42 cassette still has the range, but is pinned together instead. Each cog is stamped, and there are 123 pins that hold all the sprockets in place. This is done with extreme precision, and each sprocket runs true, for perfect shifting. It’s got a skeletal look, which worked really well in mud as it just pushed through easily. This probably wasn’t a key point on design – but it was appreciated. The cassette still uses an XD driver, but these are becoming more and more common, even on lower end wheel sets.

The SRAM GX cassette is pinned together.

Shifting comes in two options, with a trigger option or Gripshift. We tested the trigger, and as it is compatible with a match maker clamp and has the multi-position option, it ran really neatly with the Guide Ultimate brake lever. Being able to setup your controls for ideal ergonomics isn’t a given when you’re not getting the top tier group, so this is a great design move by SRAM. The main lever is aluminium, so the actuation feels stiff and crisp.

The SRAM GX shifter has a really good feel that’s very close to X1 and the range above.

The shifter drives the GX-Horizon rear mech, and the mid-cage model is specific for 1×11. It’s pretty similar to an X1 mech with the offset pulley design that’s designed to reduce shifting effort and reduce chain slap. There’s aluminium cage for durability, big 12 tooth jockey wheels and sealed cartridge bearings. The cage lock button is there too, to keep that strong spring out of the way for wheel changes. With lots of loose trails ridden blind while testing the group, the mech didn’t miss a shift, or drop a chain. What’s not to like?

With the same design as the options above it, the shifting of the GX mech is spot on. (c) Tim Bardsley-Smith

The GX group has a couple of crank set options, and the higher end GX-1400 units we used have hollow crank arms and are GXP specific. But BB30, PF30 and press fit GXP models are also available, as well as Boost 148 models. The spider is a standard 104 BCD, with an X-Sync 30t chain ring fitted. SRAM have lovely carbon cranks, but I couldn’t be happier with alloy units like this. They’re stiff, durable, and at 680g a really good weight too. The GX-1400 cranks will take a direct mount chain ring too if you wanted to upgrade down the track.

(c) Tim Bardsley-Smith

The GX group runs the brilliant PC-X1 chain, and it ran faultlessly. Coming with a quick-link for easy fitting is a big bonus.

It’s hard to find fault with the GX group set. It ran smoothly, required very little upkeep, and did everything it needed to. The shift is a tiny bit clunkier than XX1 or X01, but it’s very negligible. In all, SRAM have done a brilliant job bringing the ease of use that a 1x group allows to a much lower price range, while not skimping on reliability, features or ergonomics.

Hits: Reliable performance, ease of use, easy setup

Misses: Still need an XD Driver

From: Monza Imports