SRAM’s revolutionary high-end 11speed drivetrains now have an entry level price point version, and both 2 x 10 and 2 x 11 options to accommodate all preferences and styles of mountain bike.

The new SRAM budget GX 11 speed transmission may be a lot more affordable than the revolutionary XX1 and marginally cheaper X01 and X1 siblings – but certainly doesn’t look it. In the past, mid range SRAM components have always worked well, but durability in the long term hasn’t been quite up there with equivalent Shimano components – but the new GX groupset is all about quality.

Get cranking

Heading the groupset is the GX crankset that looks very similar to the higher priced options, and is made from 6000 series aluminium and has five available chainring options of 30-32-34-36 and 38 teeth. There are bottom bracket configurations to suit most frame set ups – including Pressfit 30; BB30; GXP and Pressfit GXP.

• GX 1400 option (Open Core Technology AL)
• GX 1000 option (6000 series AL)
• CNC-machined 7075, two-tone anodized X-SYNC™
  chainring (30-32-34-36-38) 2 x set up available with 38-24, 36-22
• Bottom bracket configurations: PressFit 30, BB30, GXP, and PressFit GXP
• Chainring guard option
• Crank lengths: 175, 170
• Colors: Black, Red
• 24 and 30mm options
• Boost 148™ compatible
• Technologies: X-SYNC™

GX may be a cheaper price point than X1, X01 and XX1 – but it looks high end

A double option is available to suit all preferences

Party out back

Like SRAM’s other 11 speed set-ups, the new GX drive train utilises the XD cassette driver assembly – though manages to hit a lower price point by using a stamped steel construction. The 10-42 gearing will suit many riders, although the 10 speed option will appeal to riders that could make the most from a dual chain ring set up. Should you want the widest range possible – 2 x 11 offers a gear low enough to ride up a wall, and high enough to crank silly speeds.

• FULL PIN™ technology
• 10-42T range
• XD™ driver compatible

The impressive steel cassette uses the same XD driver fitting as the more expensive cassettes

Shift it hard

Two different shifter options are available for the GX drivetrain – traditional Trigger shifters and the lesser known grip shift options. There are both 10 and 11 speed options to suit the chosen set up.

Trigger shifter

• SRAM 1x™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable
  11-speed performance
• Multi-position mounting
• MatchMaker™  compatible
• Aluminum pull lever
• Discrete clamp
• Colors: Black, Red
• Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, MatchMaker™  Integrated

Shifting performance rivals the high end shifters from SRAM

Grip shift

• SRAM 1x™ X-ACTUATION™ for precise and dependable
  11-speed performance
• Full metal, 11-speed indexing keeps shifting crisp and precise with Grip Shift.
• Three rows of ball bearings provide zero friction or play—reducing the force needed to shift and promoting long-term performance under all weather conditions with Grip Shift.
• Once the Grip Shift shifter and grip interlock securely, forged aluminum clamps on either end reinforce the assembly by locking tightly to handlebar.
• Colors: Black, Red
• Technologies: X-ACTUATION™, SPEED METAL™, ROLLING THUNDER™, JAWS™

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Gripshift option is a welcome one

Derailleur action

There are three different rear mechs to accommodate the options of 1 x 11, 2 x 11 and 2 x 10 – but they all have similar features including cage lock, the clutch mechanism and a high quality construction.

• X-HORIZON™ design reduces shift force, ghost shifting
  and chain slap
• 12-tooth X-SYNC™ pulley wheels
• Large upper pulley offset automatically adjusts chain gap
• Sealed cartridge bearings
• Aluminum cage
• Colors: Black, Red

Solid and reliable is the aim of the GX groupset. We reckon the rear mech will fly off the shelf for riders that tend to mangle mechs on a frequent basis

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