Component manufacturer SRAM today released a teaser to the media concerning its first full MTB group set titled XX. For years now SRAM has been steadily building its portfolio of products by buying up smaller companies such as Rockshox, Truvativ and Avid.  This has allowed them to catch not only the actual products but also some of the brightest designers in the industry and this group set is surely set to change the face of MTB componentry given the weath of talent at their disposal.  SRAM have already made a high impact in the road group set market with their Red, Force and Rival with Red appearing on many of the top Pro-Tour Teams such as Astana so they know what they are doing when it comes to a full group set.  Here is part of the press release.

Next summer, SRAM, RockShox, Avid and Truvativ will jointly launch an MTB group called XX™. The group will exceed the demands of the cross-country athlete through all-new technologies focused on precision, efficiency, and weight.  Further details will not be released until a global launch during Summer 2009.

SRAM BlackBox riders have already been spotted sporting carbon crowned Sids and speculation is rife concerning what innovations XX will feature.  The broad portfolio of SRAM products could see the suspension fork integrated into the group set for the first time as this is marketed as a racers group.  Could we see developments in how the fork and brake are linked?  The words new technologies are also intriguing with some wondering whether this simply means regular materials such as Carbon or are we going to see electronics appearing?  Speed damping in the fork maybe or something in the shifting area?  One thing for sure Carbon will feature strongly.

Another hot topic (i.e. guess) is a possible switch to a 10 speed rear cassette and a two ringed chainset similar to top road groups.  Pro riders are keen on the closer ratios and weight savings and Shimano are also rumoured to be developing a similar system.  Some manufacturers such as FSA have already developed a two ringed chainset and riders such as Specializeds World Champion Christoph Sauser regularly race with these kind of setups.

Full details are due in the Summer of 2009 with the group set set to appear on bikes in 2010.  We will be keeping you informed of all developments as soon as we have them.  Stay tuned…