SRAM X9 Groupset 3x10 Speed
Sharing many of the X0 technologies, SRAM X9 gets a more utilitarian alloy construction that keeps performance high without impacting on durability or strength - kinda like the Blundstone of the SRAM family. While it may not follow the marketing hype of the 2x10 drivetrain system, serious trail riders that frequent steep and rolling terrain will appreciate the full range of gearing that the 3x10 X9 Groupset provides, with its winch-like 22t granny ring and descent-destroying 44t big ring. If you don't think of yourself as a World Cup level XC pro and you don't fancy trying to climb the local ascents with a 26t or 28t small ring, the lower gearing provided by the triple crankset will be right up your alley.
While it may not be immediately apparent, the 3x10 X9 crank utilises the SRAM X-Glide technology born from the hyperlite XX cranks that takes front shifting to a whole new level. SRAM have been able to achieve the 1:1.5 ratio on the triple cranks by using a specific 22-33-44t combination that allows them to easily apply the X-Glide design with its incredible shifting response that will leave you feeling a little unenthusiastic about using anything else. The hollow forged AL crank arms provide a stiff interface while keeping weight in check, and the rigid platform provides maximum energy transfer from your pedals to the rear wheel. The distinctive X9 trigger shifters are updated with a new design that incorporates the 10 speed internals, as well as a refinement of the 1:1 cable pull ratio that is dubbed; "Exact Actuation". Combined with the newly engineered front & rear derailleurs, shifting is crisp, precise and impressively consistent through the entire cassette range, and you still get that classic SRAM chunky feedback through the shift levers. Sure it may not have the bling of its more expensive X0 and XX siblings, but for bomber durability and responsive shifting that gets you the usability of the 10 speed system, save some pennies with the excellent X9 drivetrain that well and truly punches above its weight.
X-Glide Technology
Designed as an integral part of the chainrings, cassette, chain and front derailleur, the X-Glide system incorporates very specific chainring ratios, shift gates, ramps and pins to create the fastest shifting drivetrain available. Traditional chainring geometry forces a compromise between up and down shift locations, none of which have ideal timing. In fact, half of the possible shift locations are skipped on each crank revolution. The more shift locations you try to incorporate, the worse the timing compromise will be: either your chain jams, causing chain suck, or the chain just fails to shift and runs across the top of the rings until it hits the next shift location. Those days are over with X-Glide.
X-Glide is the common denominator that gives XX and X0 their unmatched shifting performance. With X-Glide, all four upshift locations are identical and can be picked up by any outer link. The result? Up and down shift locations have perfect timing, for an almost instant shift—even under load!
From SRAM:
"Engineered to Endure. From steep, endless climbs to hair-raising, technical descents, X9 is engineered to handle whatever comes your way. Smooth, precise shifting helps you cover more ground, faster. The lightweight, stiff and always reliable crankset lets you maintain your momentum through the rough stuff. Whether you’re sprinting for the finish or tackling an all-day epic, your best ride starts with X9.".
The SRAM X9 Groupset includes:
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Technology: X-Glide, Exact Actuation
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SRAM X9 Crankset
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SRAM X9 Shifters
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Front X9 Derailleur
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Rear X9 Derailleur; Long cage for 3x10 setups
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SRAM PC-1091 10 speed Chain
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SRAM X9 10 speed Cassette PG-1070
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Optional: GXP Team/BlackBox Bottom Bracket
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Colours: Black, Red or Silver
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Total System Weight: 2097 grams (not including BB)
Choosing your X9 Drivetrain
With a number of different available options to suit different frames and different riding conditions, you will need to select the necessary components for your bike and riding style.
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Crank Length: Coming in both 170mm and 175mm lengths for different length legs, most riders will need the standard 175mm option. Riders under 5'6" should choose the shorter 170mm length.
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Bottom Bracket: The majority of frames on the market are designed around a standard threaded bottom bracket shell, though many modern bikes are now coming with a press-fit bearing system. The standard GXP axle (24mm) fits regular threaded bottom brackets with the addition of the GXP Team BB. It will also fit pressfit bottom brackets that use GXP bearings or Shimano bearings with a GXP adapter. BB30 relies on a larger diameter bottom bracket axle (30mm) that requires a BB30 specific frame. Unless you have a BB30 frame, choose the standard GXP crankset.
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Front Derailleur Clamp: The X9 front derailleur comes in 4 different mount options. Low (Top Swing) & High (Bottom Swing) mounts use a standard band-style clamp that wraps around the seat tube and come in both 31.8mm or 34.9mm diameters. E-Type Direct Mount (referred to as S3 in SRAM speak or as "lower direct mount) uses two lower mounting holes that bolt onto the frame instead of a clamp like a traditional high/low mount front derailleur. Direct Mount (sometimes referred to as "upper direct mount") uses a single bolt to attach to the seat tube of the frame above the crankset. Check with your frame manufacturer to determine which model you require.
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Front Derailleur Cable Pull: Bottom or Top pull refers to the direction that the front derailleur cable is routed. If the cable comes up from under the bottom bracket shell, it is a Bottom Pull. If the cable comes down from above the seat tube, it is a Top Pull.
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Cassette Ratio: While most riders will choose the wider 11-36t cassette ratio for maximum gear range, the X0 cassette is also available in a tighter 11-32t ratio for even faster and slicker shifting. However, you do lose some low end gears so this ratio would be recommended for smoother terrain with less elevation.
Get onto the latest SRAM X9 components for slick XX inspired performance and exceptional value