[frorider]

been running 2X9 with a short chain (one of the advantages of 2X systems is shorter chains vs 1X) and XT clutch with no dropped chains; I prefer the mrp XCG superlight taco since it's about the same weight as a worthwhile bashring, and it is positioned more in the center of the bike (rather than outboard) and therefore protects that lower VPP link/pivot better.

on a side note for santa cruz owners -- some bottle cages come with a thick rubber cap on the end of the cage mount screws (to stop the screws from falling out of the cage prior to purchase), and those caps fit the zerk fittings perfectly. work great to keep crud out of the zerks.

 

[wood booger]

Sounds like you haven't ridden XX1. The chain doesn't drop. Not anywhere you could ride a bike like this (not a DH bike).

Sounds like you haven't ridden it enough.

Been on SRAM version since they dropped protos almost 3 years ago. Dropped/lost chains about 10 times between three different bikes in that time. Usually just the wide open fast rough stuff that rattles the piss out of everything. Added a little e*13 top guide piece 9 months back and haven't lost one since.

XX1 works well, but isn't the holy grail it is made out to be. Starts working much less "well" after the ring gets worn a bit.

Even less the holy grail when you try and buy a new ring and it costs $100!

 

[wiscodh]

Sounds like you haven't ridden it enough.

Been on SRAM version since they dropped protos almost 3 years ago. Dropped/lost chains about 10 times between three different bikes in that time. Usually just the wide open fast rough stuff that rattles the piss out of everything. Added a little e*13 top guide piece 9 months back and haven't lost one since.

XX1 works well, but isn't the holy grail it is made out to be. Starts working much less "well" after the ring gets worn a bit.

Even less the holy grail when you try and buy a new ring and it costs $100!

raceface is like 35$.....

 

[SuboptimusPrime]

Can't speak to XX1, but I will say that replacing my CTD with a CCDB is the most shockingly excellent upgrade I can remember in terms of instant, extremely obvious performance gains. That bike deserves it.

You have a sweet, sweet rig, dude. Pretty much exactly what I'd have if I were starting from scratch right now (sans budget). Keep us posted on how it goes!

 

[-C-]

raceface is like 35$.....

The problem is the RF rings are a standard 104BCD, so won't work with the cranks unless you run a different adapter.

The rings are too expensive though, there are others now doing them in the right BCD (or direct mount) so I imagine SRAM will be forced to reduce costs if they plan on selling any at all.

I run mine with a top guide, for the sake of a few grams, it's not worth not running one. I think I will run one with a taco lower though - for protection of the ring.

 

[Mo(n)arch]

Is here someone with worn out rings?
I have read about a few guys who have problems with it.