The Direct Mount system for SRAM cranksets represents another innovative development for the company. Of course, this is not a new practice for SRAM, nor is the essential design new either. However, SRAM has been the industry leader for driving 1x groupsets into the cycling world, and to great success. While the early focus was more on the development of 11 speed, the true technical challenge wasn't in making spacing closer, or components thinner, it was how to effectively maintain proper chain retention at all times, over the range and angles created by a single chainring with the XD driver 11 speed cassette. Engineers answered this challenge with the development of the X-Sync™ chain ring design, a CNC-machined, wide tooth, narrow tooth pattern which perfectly mates with the 11 speed chain for a perfect fit at all times. This profile also features slight taller, squared-off teeth that makes chain drop a virtual non-issue.

With XX1 systems now being ridden heavily in XC environments, the goal was to make an even more durable, stiffer chainring system. No doubt inspired by BMX cranksets, SRAM developed the amazing stiff, yet still light Direct Mount system, which delivers that essential stiffness and durability. 1x11 came off the race course and with XO1 now becomes the favored drivetrain of riders from XC to Enduro and All-mountain use. The simple three bolt system mounts the thicker, sculpted X-Sync powered ring directly to the crankarm at the spindle to deliver incredible power transfer and strength for the loads carried by the 1x11 drivetrain, even on long-travel full-suspension bikes. XO1 brings the 1x11 to more riders, at a more affordable price point than XX1.

Available here in GXP or BB30 designs, the carbon SRAM XO1 Direct Mount Crankset comes with a 32t Direct Mount X-Sync chainring, with a 175mm crank length. The q-factor is 168mm. As SRAM continues to inspire and drive the development of components, cyclists benefit, and the Direct Mount system is just another fine example. Return to Top