SRAM presents NX: a new affordable 1x11 group

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Nowadays, 1×11 drivetrain systems are becoming even more accessible thanks to the new NX group, the latest from SRAM, which will be available in stores starting in April 2016. SRAM has worked to offer the same technology of the high end 11 speed groups but at an even lower price than the GX group, using simple construction and lower cost materials. These features should not affect the performance negatively. After giving the GX group a serious thrashing, we can say that it does not differ too much from the of high-end groups in actual performance, it just weighs more, but costs less.

The crankset is made of 6000 series aluminum alloy, with 4 different options for crank length: 155mm, 165mm, 170mm and 175mm. The bolt pattern is 94BCD and the available chainrings, all of course X-Sync, range from 28 to 40 teeth. The weight of the crank ranges from 680 grams to 780 grams, based on the versions. The compatibility with the different bottom brackets is extensive and includes both the options for 30mm PressFit systems, and 24mm for the various GXP systems, from 68 / 73mm, 100mm and 121mm.

For the rear derailleur, SRAM uses the proven X-Horizon system designed specifically for their 11 speed groups, as well as the Roller Bearing Clutch to help manage chain retention. Part of that is the Cage Lock feature,locking system to make maintenance or simply removing the rear wheel easier. The pulleys are 12 teeth, also X-Sync. The NX1 derailleur is compatible with all SRAM 11 speed systems. The cage is made of steel and the weight is 322 grams.

To control the shifting you can rely on dedicated controls, both in classic trigger & Grip Shift versions. The Grip Shift commands are as simple as possible but are based on reliable SRAM technologies: Speed Metal (sturdy metal indexer), Rolling Thunder (3 in series bearings for the rotation command) and Jaws (locking system between the Grip Shift and the knob).

The shifter commands are extremely simplified in order to reduce the final price, while still retaining the most important technologies. Therefore the construction is on two main shells and the collar on the upper one is integrated, which therefore does not allow the use with MatchMaker or its position adjustment. The weight is 142 grams.

Obviously heavier than the top range versions, the chain doesn’t have anything special like hollow pins, and uses a different grade steel; the NX PC-1110 chain ranges from 232 grams to 273 grams, for a very low cost. It is designed to work best on X-Sync chainrings and is obviously compatible with all 11-speed transmissions.

An interesting novelty is the PG-1130 cassette, which represents the perfect transition from a 10 speed system to towards 11 speeds. In addition to the affordable price, the NX cassettes are entirely made of steel and have no need for dedicated XD driver bodies. That’s right – it’s compatible with standard 9/10 speed HG driver bodies. This was made possible by forgoing the 10 tooth lower cog and instead using the classic 11 tooth. That also results in a smooth and progressive spacing: 11-13-15-17-19-22-25-28-32-36-42. The weight is 538 grams.