SRAM XX Groupset Review
SRAM’s flagship off-road groupset the XX is a remarkable set of components. Combining SRAM’s four original groups SRAM, RockShox, Truvativ and Avid, the XX is a pioneering mountain bike groupset.
The first integrated off-road package, SRAM’s four groups have combined their off-road biking knowledge to create a lightweight, strong, performance enhancing set of components. Designed specifically for cross-country and trail riders, SRAM have ensured that each feature meets every riders needs.
The cassette is undeniably the best feature of the new XX model. The pioneering 10-speed X-Dome cassette is 208 grams lighter than Shimano’s XTR, despite possessing an additional cog. The construction of the XX is very similar to SRAM’s renowned Red cassette, with a nickel-plated CNC-machined 4130 chromoly ‘dome’ created out a single piece of steel, which is effectively attached to a 7075-T6 aluminium back plate. This unique creation process ensures a lightweight, strong and accurate cassette. Moreover, this aggressive machining creates a sparse design so that debris and mud can simply seep through the cassette, making the XX cassette a fantastic option for cyclo-cross riders.
The introduction of the X-Glide tooth technology guarantees no clog flex for impressively smooth and precise chain movement, even when under pressure. Gearing options for the XX cassette is available in the conventional 11-32T as well as an 11-36T, offering riders the same low- range gearing offered on a triple. A number of our testers worried about the durability of the aluminium cog, however, it has been proven to last longer than conventional middle chainrings.
The new Truvativ XX crank possesses an unidirectional outer shell surrounding a strong aluminium spine and foam core. This pioneering SRAM construction creates a strong and durable crank that is able to withstand excessive use. SRAM offer two bottom bracket options, the standard GXP and BB30, with hybrid ceramic bearings included in both options and the choice to include press-fit variants on both bottom brackets. Each of these bottom bracket options ensure a smooth and low maintenance crankset and at an extremely low weight of 694 grams for the BB30 version and 754 grams for the GXP option.
The chainring of the XX is impressive; with SRAM focussing on ensuring that the XX shifts perfectly. The careful optimum design of the chainring guarantees more efficient, quiet and smooth shifts. Impressively, SRAM internationally matched in 1:1.5 ratios which SRAM reveals offers the greatest number of points where the chain is fully engaged, this careful calculation enhances the smoothness of the XX shifting performance. SRAM claim that the XX possesses the best front shifting performance and our testers happily concur.
The shifters of the XX possess similar features to those found on the XO model, in particular the aluminium and carbon fibre clamshell design, two-lever layout and two-position clamp. Although the XX trigger is significantly more compact reducing the overall weight of the shifters. Perfectly designed for cross-country and touring they offer precise and relatively quick shifts.
The rear derailleur has been updated with a full carbon fibre pulley cage, forged magnesium inner parallelogram link and forged aluminium B-knuck and outer link. These redesigns on the new XX lower the overall weight by 20 grams, while also delivering incredible speed and precision. Sealed ceramic pulleys are also included on the new XX to ensure higher levels of durability. The front derailleur is truly magnificent, built using forged 6061-T6 aluminium with a steel cage; it arguably guarantees the fastest front shift to date.
SRAM explain that the XX’s hydraulic disc brake is the most advanced available for cross-country riders and our testers agreed. It is extremely light, while the forged magnesium calliper and carbon fibre blade ensures an efficient braking system.
The XX offers riders a fantastic shift performance unavailable from other groupsets of a similar price and with additional extras including suspension forks; it is easy to understand why SRAM’s XX is considered to be a fantastic groupset.
SRAM XX Groupset
Rating by Adam Samuel: stars ££££
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Written by: Adam Samuel
