The chainrings on most double and triple cranks have to be designed for chain movement which can lead to the dreaded dropped chain (which always seems to happen at the worst time). Since CX1 is a single front chainring system, the chainring can be designed around chain retention. This design is called SRAM X-SYNC and manifests itself in a beefy, wide-tooth, narrow-tooth chainring with taller, squared-off teeth to provide maximum chain control, crucial in cyclocross.

Clever details include sharp and narrow tooth profile as well as rounded chamfer edges that help manage a deflected chain. The CX1 ring employs mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers. CX1 X-Sync chainrings are compatible with Quarq brand power meters.

SRAM's Force CX1 is the only true dedicated single chainring cyclocross system. It is the common sense result of SRAM's mega successful XX1 mountain bike group. Everything good about XX1 is transferred to Force CX1. The single ring, 11-speed drive train is lighter thanks largely to no left shifter and shift cable, front derailleur and only one chainring. CX1 is simpler and tougher. It has a clean look an optimal gear selection. Shifting is very fast and smoother but perhaps best of all, the possibility of chain drop has been virtually eliminated.