SRAM

X1 1000 GXP Crankset

Know those sections of rugged high-speed trail that make you cringe and offer up a mental apology to your bike? They're the same sections that can knock your chain right off the chainring. Switch to a single front ring, though, and dropped chains, front derailleurs, and second shifters can be a thing of the past.

SRAM's the undisputed master of the 1x11 game, which makes the X1 1000 GXP Crankset the gateway drug for soon-to-be 11-speed addicts. The crank arms are made of 6000-series aluminum, which is as tough as they come without the eye-watering price that accompanies carbon components, and the GXP bottom bracket is fully sealed to keep the bearings smooth, clean, and friction free. Most importantly, SRAM sells the X1 with a 32-tooth single chainring which, together with an 11-speed cassette, provides plenty of climbing power and descending chops without the need for a clunky front derailleur. The X1's teeth are alternatingly sharp and squared off, which boosts chain retention and sheds gunk, too, so you can really forget that dropped chains were ever a problem you had to deal with.