SRAM has announced a stealthy version of its XX1 groupset for 2016, as well as a couple of practical and retrofittable accessories for current SRAM 1x users.
XX1 Black groupset
Apart from being fitted with SRAM's latest generation X-SYNC direct mount chainring, the XX1 Black groupset is mechanically identical to the version that is currently on sale. Cosmetically speaking, the red highlights you'd normally find are replaced with a much more subtle grey.
High direct mount frame cover
With so many riders switching out to 1x setups, many frames are being left with ugly and redundant front derailleur mounts – particularly those with a high direct-mount standard. If you're lucky enough to be upgrading to a 1x drivetrain, the nice people at SRAM has produced a branded blanking plate that will hide your frame's former life as a double- or triple-ringer.
Carbon crank boots
If you're spending closer to £350 / US$460 for a set of cranks, you'll probably want to look after them.
SRAM is now making it easier to do just that, by selling a pair of moulded plastic crank protectors (or 'boots'), very similar to the ones we've seen from Race Face for a few years, for a reasonable cost.
