CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM on Tuesday released details of its Force CX1 group, a single-chainring cyclocross racing parts kit that borrows technology from its single-chainring mountain bike groups. Several SRAM-sponsored racers were spotted using the group during the 2013-2014 cyclocross season.
Force CX1 uses SRAM's X-Sync chainring technology, which uses alternating wide- and narrow-teeth to improve chain retention. The chainring design is combined with a rear derailleur with a roller bearing clutch, X-Sync pulleys and other technologies to improve chain retention.
The parts will be available July 1.
The Force CX1 group includes a left-side dropbar brake lever ($113 MSRP), a carbon crankset available in GXP or BB30 configurations ($207 or $249, respectively, without chainring), X-Sync chainrings sized from 38 to 46 in two-tooth increments ($126 to $152), a medium-cage rear derailleur ($235) and three 11-speed cassette options, 11-26, 11-28 and 11-32 ($107-$118). Finally, the group is designed for the PC-1170 chain ($54).
The Force CX1 groupset contains only the left brake control and does not include a rear shift/ brake control. CX1 is designed to be combined with a user's existing SRAM Force right lever or a new Force 22 SB lever. The included lever is designed for cable-pull brakes; SRAM said it would unveil CX1 braking systems this spring that would include cantilever as well as mechanical and hydraulic disc brake options.
The CX1 cassettes have a semi-spidered design for improved mud clearance. SRAM said the gear combinations were chosen specifically for 'cross racing, and include a 16-tooth cog that racers requested.
SRAM said the parts shave 205 grams from a two-chainring Force 22 group.
