SRAM GX 1×11 Drivetrain

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Comparisons:

SRAM GX vs. SRAM X1, X01, XX1

The GX cassette is heavier, but otherwise seems just as good. The derailleur is definitely not quite as nice, while the shifter is pretty comparable.

I’d probably buy an X1 derailleur for my personal bikes, but for someone who rides less than 6 days a week and hasn’t experienced 1×11 before, GX will still provide a step up from 2×10 or 3×10.

SRAM GX vs. Shimano XTR and XT 10-Speed

The shifting is clunkier on the SRAM GX, but it doesn’t have the hard downshift resistance of a Shimano derailleur with the clutch turned on.

The range on GX is great. It covers everything I could need for most rides.

The shifting performance is a hair better than my XTR 10-speed conversion with Wolftooth GC42 cog.

SRAM GX vs. Shimano XT 11-Speed

The release of Shimano’s XT 11-speed keeps getting delayed, but I’m very curious to try it out. It should come in at about the same price point, but I expect it will have a higher finish quality due to Shimano’s typical placement of XT as just a tic behind XTR.

Tom Collier reviews the SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain for Blister Gear Review.
Tom Collier on the SRAM GX drivetrain

Additionally, you can use a standard hub (as opposed to XD), so this might end up being the most economical 11-speed upgrade.

You do, however, lose the 10-speed high gear. For some folks that is critical, for others, it isn’t.

If you spend much time pedaling to and from trailheads on the road, for instance, it might be essential to have that higher gear. We hope to get on this in the near future and I will update this review then.

Crank Comparisons

GX vs. X1: These are (as far as I can tell) the same cranks with a different logo.

GX vs. X01: The GX isn’t quite as stiff, but likely more durable and only a bit heavier (688g vs. 645g) but much less expensive

GX vs. XT: GX is very comparable to the 10-speed M785 cranks in terms of stiffness, but with the option of mounting direct mount chainrings.

Their weights are very comparable. With 28/40t rings, the XT crankset weighs 740g, so a sub 700g weight with a single ring conversion is plausible.

Bottom Line

For anyone looking to make their first foray into 1×11—either as part of a complete build or as an upgrade—you are unlikely to be disappointed. The performance of GX is strong enough to allow the advantages of ditching your front derailleur to shine through, even though it does give up a step of performance relative to X1.

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14 comments on “SRAM GX 1×11 Drivetrain”

  1. Awesome review! I’m still on a 3×9 =( this may finally be cheap enough for me to switch. (On a serious note should probably save for a new bike now)

  2. The rear derailleur is still $110. Considering I go through around 2-3 rear derailleurs per season, the $35 Deore M615 derailleur is fine by me. $330 vs $105 is a no-brainer.

    Manual 2×10 with a 30/36 chainrings and 11-40 OneUp seems to be working just fine for me – even when hitting the double-blacks at the bike park (no chain guide needed yet).

    • Lindahl,

      It is great to hear of unique setups. I went through a long period where I tore apart rear derailleurs with some frequency. I also ran $35 Deore rear derailleurs during that time. They offer a great value for the price.

  3. Hi Tom,

    Thank you for the first proper review of the GX drive train.

    It was sad to read that it’s the first 11 group that trickled down performance from the Sram lineup since I had big hopes for it to make me change my 2×10 setup.

    Therefore I can’t wait no longer so I want to make the jump for 1x system so what do you think, if I’m gonna take all the package from Gx except the rear derailleur (I would get the X1) will it perform mostly like the upper in Sram’s lineup with no flaws?

    By the way, have anyone noticed if you flip ” X9″ 180 degrees you get a GX? It could make sense in some ways.

    • Hi Bogdan,

      I’d still take GX over any 2×10 setup and I’m still happily using the setup I reviewed. I do think that upgrading to an X1 rear derailleur will likely improve performance and it will definitely improve durability. It should perform mostly like the upper SRAM lineup and will definitely be a step up from 2×10. Make sure that you get an XD hub driver too.

      Interesting observation. I hadn’t noticed that.

      -Tom

  6. Hi tom. Excellent review. Thank you!
    I’m currently running XT 2×10. Drive train is shot so time to replace/upgrade.
    I’m very interested in the GX. How would you say it compares to shimanos new 1×11 xt?

    • Mike,

      It comes down to ergonomics for me. You will likely either prefer the dual-direction, dual downshift Shimano levers or the SRAM levers.

      The XT system also might be more durable, but the difference isn’t significant.

      I prefer the GX system, but I’m sure many people prefer the XT system.

  8. Hi Tom!!
    That’s one of the best 1×11 drivetrain reviews I’ve read!
    Recently bought a Sram Gx 1×11 system with an XX1 crankset.Firtsly everything was smooth and quite but after a short period,shifting performance yield fell and chain start bouncing a lot but hopefully dont get of the chainring.
    I will sent it back for inspection and propably I will buy a new X1 or X01 fore better performance.Maybe I’ll change and the shifter too if bad shifting continuous.My previous 1×10 x9 with 42 cassette cog set up was perfect.

    • Hi Nick,

      Thanks for the kind words. Your problem sounds like it was probably caused by of one of the following: bent component, worn cassette/chainring, or misadjustment. Recognize I’m just hearing your problem from the other side of the internet so there are almost certainly details I’m missing. I hope the inspection solves your problems.

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