SRAM aim their new X0 at riders seeking XX levels of performance but without the XX price tag. Though slightly heavier, X0 offers nearly identical functionality and is actually better suited for harder-hitting applications than XXJames Huang
SRAM kicked off the crankarm graphics trend with their Red road group and continue to extend it with X0James Huang
The new X0 crank is built with carbon fibre arms and a separate, bolted-on alloy spider. According to SRAM, the two-piece driveside arm is lighter and stronger than an equivalent one-piece moulded part. In fact, sponsored downhill riders will be using this later this yearJames Huang
The new X0 cranks do away with full-length aluminium spines in favour of a hollow foam core constructionJames Huang
X9 crankarms feature SRAM’s latest hollow-forged aluminium technology with more refined internal cavity dimensions and more consistent wall thicknessesJames Huang
BB30 cranks still eventually fail at the spindle when overloaded but in a slightly different fashion than GXP versionsJames Huang
SRAM say their cranks are designed to yield at the spindle instead of the crankarm when overloaded to prevent catastrophic failureJames Huang
SRAM have integrated their trick X-Glide front shift technology into the new 10-speed compatible three-ring cranksets (which use 22/33/44T chainrings). We didn’t get a chance to ride them in Ashland but if it’s even remotely similar to the company’s two-ring shift performance, we expect the three-ring version to be a noticeable step up from current conventional cranksetsJames Huang
SRAM’s trick X-Glide front shift technology includes over a dozen points where the chain can mesh perfectly between both chainrings for far smoother upshifts and downshifts than most of us are used toJames Huang
The new 10-speed packages will use the same chains as SRAM’s road groupsJames Huang
We ran a semi-spidered SRAM PG-1070 cassette during our initial rides and found it to be quiet running and smooth shifting. But a far more trick XG-1080 cassette is coming later this year with XX-like featuresJames Huang
Our PG-1070 cassette has its biggest four cogs mounted on an alloy spiderJames Huang
The new X.0 ‘family’ finally includes a correspondingly high-end front derailleur, which is a close cousin to XX in design and features – not to mention much lighter and sleeker looking than older offeringsJames Huang
While XX front derailleurs are dedicated top- or bottom-pull to save weight, X0 front derailleurs are all dual-pull for convenienceJames Huang
SRAM’s iconic X0 rear derailleur receives a major update with 10-speed Exact Actuation geometry, improved pivot and hardware durability, and an updated lookJames Huang
Gone on the new X0 rear derailleur are the dual pin clips, which were sometimes susceptible to crash damage. Pins are now only used on the more protected upper ends while the other side is solid aluminiumJames Huang
Controls integrate neatly into a single clamp through SRAM’s latest Matchmaker X systemJames Huang
The X0 trigger shifter retains the previous generation’s sleek shape, plus the adjustable pull lever for a customised feelJames Huang
Last year’s carbon fibre clamshell cap has been replaced with a lighter and tighter-fitting aluminium version that is better at sealing out contaminants and less prone to binding if overtightenedJames Huang
The previous X0 shifter’s extruded aluminium pull lever is now a forged bit, making it stronger and less brittle, plus the edges are slightly softened to make it easier on your knees in the event of contactJames Huang
The Avid X.0 calliper is based on last year’s Elixir CR Mag. Forged aluminium now replaces magnesium yet the new brake weighs an identical 333g and is supposedly more reliableJames Huang
Truvativ have incorporated a new ‘Gutter’ seal design into nearly all of their bottom bracket designs. According to SRAM’s Bryan Bos, seal drag has dropped, water resistance has dramatically improved and bearing durability has increased twofoldJames Huang