SRAM is adding emphasis to its downhill components ranges with updates to the top-end X01 DH groupset and the affordable GX DH groupset. Meanwhile, a new collaboration with Troy Lee Designs brings extra bling to SRAM's Descendant cranks and handlebars.
Revised X01 DH and GX DH
SRAM likes to be considered at the forefront of product innovation and, while its latest gravity-focused X01 DH and GX DH groupsets feature few major revisions over their predecessors, they promise improved longevity and compatibility thanks to the incorporation of the brand’s DUB (Durable Unified Bottom Bracket) bottom-bracket setup.
In SRAM’s words, DUB “seals better, lasts longer, reduces weight and offers flawless performance.” If you are a top-tier racer looking for no-expenses-spared performance or a bike park rat on a budget, X01 DH and GX DH seem to have your back covered that little bit better.
New graphics on the X01 DH range keep it looking fresh, with the updated DUB crankset (including a new abrasion guard) priced at £373 / €418 / $383.
The aluminium Descendant DH DUB crankset, priced at £158 / €176 / $164, rounds off a solid and relatively inexpensive groupset when added to the GX DH range. These updated components are available to buy in May 2019.
Troy Lee Designs collaboration
Cool Californian kit and protection company Troy Lee Designs (TLD) has teamed up with SRAM’s Truvativ brand to make a unique collection of Descendant handlebars and cranks.
Troy Lee Designs is well versed in collaboration projects — from grips to footwear it has made its mark across the sport — so the brand aligning itself with SRAM isn’t totally groundbreaking. However, TLD’s massive appeal to core riders is undeniable, and there is no doubt that we’ll be seeing “high-tech camo” (as SRAM puts it) on gravity sleds across the world as soon as this range is put on sale in June 2019.
The carbon Descendant TLD Colab crankset will be available in three lengths and two colours. There will also be a Descendant TLD DH, also with carbon cranks, which will be available in two lengths and colours.
Crankset and handlebar specs and pricing
Truvativ Descendant TLD Colab DH crankset
- Length: 165, 170mm
- Material: Carbon crank arms
- Bottom bracket compatibility: Most BBs
- Bottom bracket spindle interface: SRAM DUB
- Colours: Black, Red
- Chainring size: 32, 34, 36, 38 (34 and 38 OEM only)
- Price: £449 / €499 / $449.99
Truvativ Descendant TLD Colab crankset
- Length: 165, 170, 175mm
- Material: Carbon crank arms
- Bottom bracket compatibility: Most BBs
- Bottom bracket spindle interface: SRAM DUB
- Colours: Black, Red
- Chainring size: 32, 34, 36 (34 and 36 OEM only)
- Price: £449 / €499 / $449.99
Truvativ Descendant TLD Colab handlebars feature new-age camo artistry similar to that of the crankset and are available for both 31.8 and 35mm stem clamping, with two colour options and the choice of aluminium or carbon.
Truvativ Descendant TLD Colab handlebars
- Material: Aluminium or carbon
- Rise: 20, 25mm
- Width: 750/800mm (31.8mm clamp), 760/800mm (35mm clamp)
- Sweep: 5 degrees upsweep, 7/9 degrees backsweep
- Clamp: 31.8, 35mm
- Colours: Black, Red
- Price, carbon: £199 / €225 / $199.99
- Price, aluminium: £99 / €115 / $99.99
