SRAM XX / CASTELLI

Extensive test rides and tech sessions, 21 journalists from all over the globe have enjoyed the new XX group set under the beautiful Italian sun at Massa Maritta, Tuscany.

It’s the brand’s first ever complete top-line off-road group, featuring the first 10-speed mountain bike cassette and the first double-ring crankset. SRAM has brought its four off-road brands — Avid, RockShox, SRAM and Truvativ — together to create a high-innovative system of top-of-the-line parts meant to work together at the highest level of racing and just as useful to the weekend warrior who does a lot of pedaling.

It’s been a while since mountain bike tech sightings have generated as much buzz as these new components. With Julian Absalon’s World Cup victory on XX last weekend, everything looks promising for the XX bike group.

When talking with the SRAM people at the beginning of the year, they simply said that the new parts were going to be very light, very cool and very innovative. And, what would be a better match than having Castelli to provide the technical clothing for the bike experienced journalists.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqGcyK_pr1w[/youtube]

The SRAM XX race kit is based on the same product models as supplied to the Cervélo Test Team. There’s nothing spared in terms of comfort and performance. The bibshorts are constructed of a durable and breathable Lycra® Power fabric, the Kiss+ seat pad with dual layer, dual density padding, flat lock stitching, anatomic fit and the famous FREE bibs to keep the chest free and cool.

The cut of the jersey is extremely anatomic for on-the-bike comfort. It’s the attention to little details that counts too. The YKK Vislon® zipper slides easily with one hand. And it’s full zip for easy on/off and temperature regulation. The side panels are in a lighter mesh to help stretch and cooling. And the silicone gripper elastic at the bottom helps keep things in place.

Speaking of riding, how do they feel?
Before going to production, we had to make sure that the jersey and bibshort were 100% trail tested. After two months and about 45 hours of mountain biking, the shorts themselves have survived a couple of crashes and been hip-checked into trees at speed without any visible damage. In fact, the shorts did a fantastic job playing second skin while moving moisture and heat very well. The anatomic and antibacterial KISS+ seatd had plenty of well-placed padding where it needs to be, and it quickly dries the sweat away.

The jersey was feeling good when riding and the textured fabric with Prosecco treatment quickly wicked the moisture to the outside of the fabric while keeping the rider drier. It all sits very unnoticed against the skin and the full length zip makes it easy for temperature regulation.

May 28, “just rode with the complete kit for 3 hours – it Is AWESOME, the shorts are Killler,
thax thanx thanx!!!” Sram mechanic.

“Molto bello il completo, e comodissimo!” Ciclismo magazine (Italy)

Technical information on the Sram XX bike group, Cyclingnews: http://bit.ly/j86l0
Photos: Dirk Belling / Sram