New 1x11 SRAM Group

[Carbon_Dude]

Looks like 1x11 (or now 2x11) is filtering down into the lower price range.  SRAM has released a new GX component group.

http://dirtragmag.com/inside-line-new-sram-gx-group-offers-1x11-2x11-or-2x10-versions/

[bdub]

Surprised they made a 1x11 group set at a lower price point. With Shimano seeming to not care about putting out any competition on that front, they really had no pressure to do this.

[Izzy]

So I could just use the rear mech and cassette and pair it with any brand of 1x cranks/cog, correct?

[JohnnyNT]

Probably shifter too other than that, yes.

[RS VR6]

The biggest turnoff and where Shimano comes up is the cassette. SRAM still need the use of the XD driver and a XD compatible hub. There are still lots of wheels out there that are not XD compatible.

I think SRAM had to make this move sooner than later. All the parts already exist within their lineups. Only thing that looks different is the rear derailleur.

Shimano's 11sp will trickle down to XT and SLX soon enough. Hopefully XTR Di2 will trickle down to XT. That might be when I go electronic.

[Carbon_Dude]

SRAM created the XD driver to allow their cassette have a 9T cog for better top end and a wider ratio than Shimano offers.  Yes, it's an extra $90 for the XD hub if you are not buying a new wheelset, but if you are, you can generally specify the XD hub at no extra cost.  I look at it as a favorable compromise to get about 10% better top end for a given chainring.  SRAM even tested a 9T cog but for various reasons chose to only drop down one tooth to 10T.

Most of the medium to large wheel/hub manufacturers support the XD hub in any of their newer wheelsets, these days you can order most wheelsets with either the Shimano or the XD free hub.  Just like the newish 12x142 thru axle standard, the industry is continuously changing and improving.

When I read about professional X-country bikers, they are all using SRAM 1x11 setups because it's a very good system.

[RS VR6]

Of course if I was getting a new set of wheels...I'd make sure that the hub would be XD compatible. The problem is that there are still more existing rear wheels out there that are not XD compatible...including mine.  Not all bikes sold have XD compatible wheels. Friend of mine recently bought a Camber Evo. Cost him over 3000usd. His rear wheel is not XD compatible. He wanted to go 1x and went X01. He had to buy a new rear wheel.

The price of the new GX group is very attractive...but if you don't happen to have a XD compatible hub at the moment...you'll have to add the cost of a new rear hub/wheel on top of the price.

I actually just picked up a X1 rear derailleur and shifter from a friend. I can't use it because my second gen Crank Brothers Cobalt wheel is not XD compatible. I have to buy a new rear hub and relace that the wheel. Thats something I don't plan on doing. I just might end up picking up a 11sp XTR cassette. I don't really need the 10T on the SRAM...since I don't spend that much time pedaling over 48kph. 

[Carbon_Dude]

With a 32T chainring and in the 9T rear cog, my 1x11 bike tops out at around 24 mph (about 38 kph), if I only had a 10T cog in the back, my top speed would be lower and I'd probably want to change the chainring to a 34T.

I totally understand, if you don't have an XD compatible wheel, SRAM's 1x11 looks less appealing.  However, don't knock SRAM for coming out with a new free hub design, the need was not arbitrary, it was necessary for the added gear range.

[RS VR6]

I'm not hating on the XD. I'm just saying that its not a universal solution. If you have an older bike...there is a good chance that your rear hub is not XD compatible. Where I see the big benefit of the GX group is as OEM equipment on stock bikes. You can now have price point bikes with 1x11 drivetrains.

You top out at 24 mph with a 32x9? On my gear calculator, I get 36mph with a 32x9 with a cadence of 120 rpm and 30 mph @ 100rpm. I top out at 27...almost 28mph with my 30x11. At least thats what my 510 tells me.

[Molothi]

Hi
thanks for sharing this info
that sounds good to be able to have a 1x11 set for a reasonable price - I've built a bike with 1x11 and really like it (I'm going to share my built with you soon), but i hope that it lasts a long time, because the K7 is quite expensive
with this Gx group.... I see a solution to lower down the cost :-)
(the K7 is a little more than 100gr heavier.... but it's not a big deal.. I'll lose 100gr on my body  )