Ever find yourself struggling on the climbs with an XX1 cassette? Looking for an even lower bottom gear? One Up Components' X-Cog could be the solution to your problems.
Clearly hoping to prove that bigger is always better, One Up Components International has launched a 44-tooth sprocket to replace the 42-tooth on a SRAM X-Dome cassette.
The X-Cog fitted on a cassette
The X-Cog costs $90 (£61) and gives a 4.8 per cent wider range of gearing to make climbing easier. One Up also claims the product is suited for riders who wear out their 42T ring, but it does not offer a straight 42T chainring replacement.
To fit the ring you have to prise apart the 42T ring from the 36T chainring on your cassette using a flat-head screwdriver, then use a hammer and the screwdriver to gently tap the X-Cog ring into place. Considering the cassette retails at £340 we would recommend being careful when fitting the new ring, the process is pretty crude and you wouldn’t want to mess it up.
This makes us cringe just looking at it, be careful!
It is also worth knowing that SRAM do not approve of the One Up upgrade. Duncan Riffle, SRAM’s pr and media coordinator, said: “Suggesting or endorsing a modification to our parts without proper testing isn’t a good idea. Furthermore, it voids any warranty we may provide.”
One Up is a Canadian company formed by three former Race Face engineers. It sells drivetrain modifications for SRAM and Shimano products. The X-Cog is compatible with XX1 and X01 but not with X1 or GX cassettes.