SRAM REPLACES X.9 GROUPSET
SRAM Corporation announces the discontinuation of its two-year-old X.9 groupset, in favor of a heretofore top-secret downhill/freeride groupset. X.9?s successor has been named, in the vein of SRAM?s X-generation series of componentry:
The brand new X.Plode groupset features the same range of components as the now-obsolete X.9, however all have been beefed up with more plastic to better withstand the rigors of competitive downhill racing and freeride jibbing. ?We found that downhill racers placed more emphasis on derailleur longevity than light weight,? said SRAM spokesman Alan Keyes, ?so we recycled thousands of post-operable derailleurs into our latest design.? The X.Plode components also feature slick new logos.
Shifters:
The new X.Plode shifters feature full thermoplastic internals, which SRAM say are over 25% more internal. SRAM says its first two-year batch of shifters had minor design issues which caused some amount of inconsistency with shifter life; according to the engineering department they ?... Were not all breaking. We have since sorted this issue, however.? They no longer use teflon coated cables, as according to Mr Keyes, ?Our developmental team of consumers found that the cables were outlasting the shifters, so in order to reverse that trend, we reduced the usable life of the cable by up to 70%.? Shifter throw has also been increased in order to provide a lighter action and even greater thumb-stretching movement.
Front Derailleur:
The X.Plode front derailleur is almost identical to the previous X.9 front derailleur, however SRAM promises that it?s better than competitors? offerings by up to a massive 60%.
Rear Derailleur:
SRAM?s design philosophy for the rear derailleur, according to Mr Keyes, was to ?Make it lighter and more immovable than ever before.? The design team has well and truly achieved this, and it shows. The derailleur retains its famous light-as-a-feather action and crisp return shifts, and has increased brittleness by a whopping 40%. SRAM Technical Director Joe King felt that ?The old X.9 was a bit ductile for downhill riding. We felt that it would be an improvement to decrease actual overall strength in favour of a more brittle setup. The X.Plode derailleur is a high-performance component, and it has to live up to its name as well as the X.9 did.?
Trail testing shows that the X.Plode groupset is, in true SRAM style, consistently able to live up to its name and position in SRAM?s lineup. Watch out for these exciting new SRAM products being ridden by SRAM-paid pros on a trail near you.
