Brand's 1x groupset is dominating the cyclocross scene at the moment with many
by companies supplying its off-road racing machines with the 1x set up.
But what is it exactly that works for cyclocross riders? Well let's take a look at
what SRAM 1x actually is. The 1x technology actually came from the
mountain bike world. This works so well for SRAM that they decided to move it
into their cyclocross and road ranges. It is actually made up of three main
components which all work together to give you a slick operation even during
the bumpiest of rides and races. Up front the X-Sync chainring and chain have
specific tooth that's a tall narrow and square edged for faster engagement
and better chain retention. The X-Sync chain ring has mud clearing recesses too
for the inner chain links and rollers to carry on working effectively during a
ride or race. This should not only help maintain a change motion but it's
durability too. There are two really clever things about the rear derailleur they
have a clutch that keeps the chain taut and they have a straight parallelogram
which is basically a guide pulley that only moves side to side. This essentially
means that the pumps will not cause a chain slap or derailment. Paired with a
specific tooth profiling of the X-Sync chainring that clutch mechanism and the
parallelogram design should eliminate chain derailment totally.
All these features are necessary because the front mech has been removed. SRAM
state there are three basic advantages to the system: it's quieter, simpler and
the drivetrain is actually more secure than a double ring setup. Simplicity is
eliminating parts that might fail but also parts that you might need to clean
it is also really handy to be able to get to your lowest gear without having
to sync or to prepare that big front shift. In a cyclocross race you can be
racing six to seven minutes per lap and often find up to twenty different
features along the way as long as you have the range in your cassette having
that all in one hand means you can go into the right gear whatever the course
throws at you. The American brand also say they've done lots of backed back testing.
Testing the 1x directly against the 2x systems and they found that the
1x drops fewer chains than the 2x. It is quieter, with no chain slap
and no front mech for the chain to rub against. Plus precise gear changes all
add up for happier riding and according to SRAM this is the reason why rider
they're investing in cyclocross bikes. It not only makes cross a better experience
but means you can ride bike all year round too. But what about gearing? Will the
system leave you groveling up climbs or spinning out on descents? For the basic
answer is no because you've got a range of gears at the back but what you need
to do is do a little bit research and find out what gearing works for your
type of riding. Typically for cyclocross racing you'll
only ever need a 38 tooth or a 42 front chainring. But luckily SRAM does offer
everything from 38 right up to a 48 tooth chainring in the 110 BCD size. Anything
bigger you'll need to get a 130 BCD chainset. Looking at the pro bike
you'll generally find a 42 tooth chainring, even a 44 on the faster
courses, but for us mere mortals and to keep the gear ratios closer together a
smaller front chain ring is genuinely better and works across a range of
courses especially the ones in the UK. At the rear you get a choice to
typically 11/28 or an 11/32 like you see here will be your options for racing in
the UK. Of course the 11/28 will give you a closer ratio but the 11/32 or even
the 11/36 will give you a rein to tackle most if not all obstacles your face away
from the racing scene. Also using that smaller front chainring will enable you
to use smaller cogs at our back which is typically closer in jumps between gears too.
SRAM suggests that a local rider on a typical cyclocross racing course will be
happy on a 38 tooth chainring and 11/28 or 11:32 at the back. However if you do want
to go and explore and maybe ride on some faster roads SRAM suggests 42 tooth chainring
at the front would be better. SRAM with its 1x drivetrain and it's HRD
brakes have one simple goal and that's to create a happier and more
joyful experience by simplifying.