Judging by the company’s marketing materials, SRAM seems particularly excited about the front shifting of XX. By offering the dual chainrings only in specific ratios, the company claims to have greatly increased the number of “sweet spots” where the Rolex Sports Models replica watches chain can switch between rings. In practical terms, this should mean more immediate front shifts and fewer dropped or jammed chains. Stopping comes from carbon-lever hydraulic disc brakes said to weigh a full 55 grams less than Avid’s top-of-the-line Juicy Ultimates.
Since XX is specific for cross-country and endurance racing (Frenchman Julien Absalon won a World Cup cross-country event in Madrid last month on XX), weight has been a primary concern. Claimed starting weight for a full group, not including forks replica A Lange & Sohne watch or shocks, is 2,300 grams, which makes it lighter than a lot of road groups.I’ll be getting my first ride on XX later this month, so check back for a full review.—John BradleyTwitter: johnwbradley
The 2009 Teva Mountain Games started yesterday with Bud Light and Jackson Kayaks Steep Creek Championships. Mike Dawson and Nikki Kelly, both Kiwis, won the sixth annual event on Homestake Creek. Dawson edged out last years winner replica Chopard watch Tao Berman on a section of Class V whitewater that drops 480 feet in a quarter mile. His winning time of 3:41.63 was less than a second faster than Berman, while Kelly, the womens winner, edged out Tanya Faux by a twentieth of a second.
