Sram’s new mtb 2×10 drivetrain – XX – is in stock and ready to test ride. Unbelievably responsive front shifting is one of the many highlights of Sram’s newest, lightest mtb group to date. Two chainrings means lighter weight, better Q-factor, better chain line, faster shifting, and no chain suck. Claimed weight of the SRAM XX 42/28 crankset with the GXP bottom bracket is 754g, and the 39/26 version at 730g.
Another obvious highlight of the XX group is the X-Dome Cassette. SRAM borrowed an idea from their Red road group when they started designing this cassette. The Red PowerDome is a cassette machined out of a single piece of steel for strength and precision. Despite the use of steel, it’s still lighter than just about every road cassette out there. The only problem with this design is that it can easily get jammed with dirt, a fact not lost on SRAM-equipped cyclocrossers, who often run Shimano cassettes to avoid the issue. So SRAM began with the concept that machined steel will be stronger, more durable, and lighter, and re-conceived the idea as X-Dome. X-Dome has eight of the ten cogs in a single body — acheived by nine hours of CNC machining per cassette! The aluminum large cog in back is press-fit onto the block of eight and is replaceable. The tenth cog is the smallest one, and is made of steel as well.
Sram’s XX group features myriad other technological advancements – all of which amount to one of the most exciting mtb groups we’ve ridden. Come on down and experience it for yourself!