SRAM XX Front Derailleur
The XX front derailleur is the crown in the XX groupset. This is where SRAM haven't just made improvements on what we believe the standard is they have blown it out of the water. While Shimano have long been the placeholder for the smoothest front shifting on a mountain bike, the latest 2x10 drivetrains from SRAM have taken things to an all new level. The ethos behind these new 10 speed groupsets is a wider gear range at the back, with 2 chainrings up front instead of the usual 3, in order to minimise weight and front shifting. In the case of the XX front derailleur however, we reckon this is actually a bit of a shame as the front shifting is damn good you'll want to use it as much as possible!

Designing the chain, cassette, derailleurs and chainrings as a whole system, the Truvativ & SRAM engineers created the X-Glide shifting technology to increase pickup speed when changing up gears. The challenge was to also create a system that could respond to shifting under load - something that is wholeheartedly not recommended with regular gears. By creating a perfect ratio between the big and small chainrings along with some impressive tooth profiling, pins and ramp placement, the XX cranks allow the chain to shift in 14 different "gates" through each revolution, resulting in a perfect shift 100% of the time. The short and stubby cage on the XX derailleur is precisely sculpted for a 10 speed chain and while it will work with Shimano, its ideally paired with a PC-1090 chain. 

The XX front derailleur comes in a variety of different sizes and styles to suit almost most mountain bike frame available.
- High Mount (Bottom Swing): 31.8mm & 34.9mm seat tube diameters
- Low Mount (Top Swing): 31.8mm & 34.9mm seat tube diameters
- Low Direct Mount; otherwise known as E-Type or S3 in SRAMs terminology
 

From SRAM:

"The low-profile XX Front Derailleur was designed from scratch specifically for 2X10. It’s a critical part of the XX shifting experience: the fastest front shift ever. Offered in a wide variety of clamp-mount and direct-mount options."
  

The SRAM XX Front Derailleur features:

• X-Glide Technology
• Forged AL-6061-T6 Alloy construction
• Wide pivot design
• Compatibility: 10 Speed Chains
• Designed to work with SRAM & Shimano 10 speed shifters
• Range: 26t minimum, 42t maximum
• Available in multiple models to suit most frames
• Weight: 118 grams (low mount)