Today, after months of speculation and photos of pro cyclocross bikes on the secret 1.×11 setup, SRAM has officially launched their new Force CX1 1×11 drivetrain. The drivetrain is meant to be super durable, but also 205 grams lighter than the 2×11 Force group. The group is not at the very top of the line for SRAM and instead they chose to launch it within the Force group versus Red. This is not usually the case for many component companies as they launch high and then have trickle down to the lower groups over a number of years.

I applaud SRAM for taking the kit to the Force level and for most racers, myself included, it can be cost prohibitive to have the latest gear. While Force is still probably too high end for my needs, I can’t wait to try out this new group. When I was racing cyclocross very competitively in the mid-2000s, I always ran a 1×9 or 1×10 drivetrain. The 42 tooth front chainring is great for many of the Colorado races that have long straightaways and with the added 11th gear, this should be a fine drivetrain with all the gear ratio one could need on a cross course. Photos below and details of the drivetrain:

Official from SRAM:
SRAM Force CX1 simplifies cyclocross to its essence – rider and machine working smoothly and seamlessly on any course against the competition:

• A complete high-performance cyclocross drivetrain
• Based on our 1X philosophy of a purpose built system utilizing SRAM’s
X-SYNC™, X-HORIZON™, Type-2™ and Exact Actuation™ technologies
• Perfect gear ratios for CX racing with improved shifting
• Extremely light weight, 205g savings over Force22  2X
• Better overall system durability

– Bred from the DNA of our best-in-class SRAM RED levers with the added feature of 1X11.
– ErgoFit textured body improves grip and finger wrap with reduced diameter, providing  better control, and a better transition to the bar.
– Reach Adjust™ allows you to perfectly set lever reach to your personal specifications.
Weight: 119 grams left lever (vs. 158 grams right lever)

– SRAM X-SYNC™ wide-tooth, narrow-tooth chainring technology

provides maximum chain control, crucial in cyclocross.
– Unidirectional carbon in crank arm matched to a forged alloy spider for lightweight and durability.
– Chainrings available in 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46 teeth to conquer every course from sand dunes to gravel-road assaults.
– Single-ring drivetrain simplifies functionality.
Weight (42T – 172.5mm): 542 grams (BB30), 710g (GXP)

– SRAM X-SYNC™ 1X chainrings provide the highest level of performance and durability.
– SRAM X-SYNC™ wide-tooth, narrow-tooth chainring technology provides maximum chain control, crucial in ‘cross.
– The sharp and narrow tooth profile as well as rounded chamfer edges help manage a deflected chain.
– Mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers.
– Designed by SRAM in Germany, X-SYNC™ rings are an integral part of the SRAM 1X.
– CX1 X-SYNC ™ chainrings are compatible with Quarq brand power meters
Weight: 75g (42T)

– A dedicated 1x rear derailleur.
– Exact Actuation™ for fast and accurate shifts using SRAM’s 1:1 actuation ratio (shifter cable travel: derailleur movement). 10 and 11 speed compatible.
– X-SYNC™ pulley features a 12-tooth design that helps control the chain’s lateral movement.
– X-HORIZON™ “straight parallelogram” design limits all movement to the horizontal axis, which makes ghost shifting impossible while also reducing shift force.
– ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™’s one-way roller clutch controls chain tension for
consistent shifting.
– CAGE LOCK™ technology makes for fast wheel changes or chain installation.
Weight: 261g

Cassette’s semi-spidered design maintains smooth and positive shifting performance with a matched cassette/chain combination that runs near silent and maintains great mud clearing capabilities.
Weights: 247g (11-26), 257g (11-28), 300g (11-32)

The narrow SRAM PC-1170 chain features more heavily chamfered outer plates for  improved shifting and quieter running. The chrome hardened pin construction provides longer chain life.
Weight: 242g