Sram's new XX mtb kit

[skiierx]

Interesting read on the new 20 speed Sram build kit

http://www.velonews.com/article/92426/sram-launches-20-speed-mountain-bike-group

[tozovr]

Was talking to our OE SRAM rep and he said, "Not for you!" LOL. If you're the heart rate monitor wearing, Powertap hub type racer greyhound, this is for you. The Brake are going to transcend many types of riding.

[Slappy]

Picturing chains snapping like licorice whips and any semblance of accurate shifting going south at the first muddy puddle...even worser then that damn newfangled 9speed stuff I'll bet.

:devil

[Jisch]

9spd works fine, why mess with it? The drivetrain is one place I don't need things to be weaker (regardless of weight savings).

John

[woodsguy]

Then why 9? Go back to 8, 7, or even 5! :)

[Gimpy00Wang]

You guys are just silly. One speed is plenty (sometimes). :D

- Chris

[noahm]

You guys are just silly. One speed is plenty (sometimes). :D


Why stop with one speed? What's so special about that? Why not go straight for zero? http://www.thewidelens.com/extreme-sports/gravity-only-a-chainless-downhill-mtb-contest/

noah

[ridefaster]

The idea is that more speeds keep the racer's cadence more consistent and more efficient. Keep in mind, this is not an all mountain type of group. Strictly high level XC racing oriented.

[bikdav]

It was the two chainring config that caught my attention. It seems as though the traditional three chainring cranks have some legit competition now. But, we'll see what happens down the trail.

[xxxcore]

Enormous price for little benefit for a small niche.

[tozovr]

Enormous price for little benefit for a small niche.


Same idea as XTR. If consumers were truly honest with themselves they'd forgo XTR (R is for race... :) )

[noahm]

Enormous price for little benefit for a small niche.

That's one way to look at it. But from the other perspective, they're targetting competitive cyclists who are willing to pay top dollar for components that give them a perceived advantage. Additionally, it doesn't hurt that there's a relatively large population of people with "more dollars than sense" who will always buy the top of the line stuff, even if their ability and riding style doesn't justify it.

noah

[xxxcore]

That's one way to look at it. But from the other perspective, they're targetting competitive cyclists who are willing to pay top dollar for components that give them a perceived advantage. Additionally, it doesn't hurt that there's a relatively large population of people with "more dollars than sense" who will always buy the top of the line stuff, even if their ability and riding style doesn't justify it.

noah

No doubt! Justification is truth. The woods are full of posers!

[SteveC]

Having gone through the 1,3,5,6,7,8, and now 9-speed revolutions, pun intended of course, the one thing that stands out is that every progression came with it a shorter product life.
I love the bike industry, but I love to eat, too.

[tozovr]

Having gone through the 1,3,5,6,7,8, and now 9-speed revolutions, pun intended of course, the one thing that stands out is that every progression came with it a shorter product life.
I love the bike industry, but I love to eat, too.


Well there is certainly a point of diminishing returns, but with several of the above mentioned revolutions, the products because much more efficient. The old chains and cassettes were replaced with those that worked with more gears, but at the same time they were replaced by more efficient units.

[SteveC]

Well there is certainly a point of diminishing returns, but with several of the above mentioned revolutions, the products because much more efficient. The old chains and cassettes were replaced with those that worked with more gears, but at the same time they were replaced by more efficient units.
I can't argue with that either. I'm happy with my twenty-seven options. I need 'em all..
just makin' conversation...

[simian23]

No doubt! Justification is truth. The woods are full of posers!

We should all be thankful for the poseurs. Without them, there wouldn't be enough money from early adopters to continue fueling R&D. The used bike market would also be far less robust. If people want to buy bling, who am I to judge? It doesn't affect me in the slightest. Looking down on people for buying expensive gear is just a mask for jealousy and injured pride.

That said, this XX stuff is whack. $300 for a cassette? $80 for a chain? These are wear parts! 300 for a crank...or a wheel...or even brakes I can see. A cassette?!

[DAVID J]

I'd love to have it but not for those $$$.I bet cost is around $1600,still not cheap.My road bike will see super 11 long before the mtb gets xx.

[Mongoose]

A pro rider is probably going to wear through at least one of those a year? I was disappointed when my $30 road cassette and chain wore out after 1 year.