All-New SRAM Grip Shift XX and XO

Introduction by Mtbr: Ahh, remember the good old days when we had choices when it came to shifters. One of earliest poll/vs. sections of Mtbr was ‘Trigger shifter vs. Gripshift’. **It was fairly evenly split but most were just happy that there was choice and competition. **The old XRay shifters were, trick and light but they just didn’t work that well. They were finicky and they were a bit fragile. **Gripshifters improved from there but they were slowly relegated to commuter or low-end duty. Well, it looks like they’re back and that’s a great thing. Choice and competiton is always good. A ton of R&D has gone into it and it looks like a a very smooth and reliable system. **Of course it is quite a bit heavier now than the XRays of old. **But the big issue is the price of $225 to $295. **Quality isn’t cheap and we certainly hope it shows up at the lower price points so everybody can have their choice of shifting again. From SRAM:Rainbow Jerseys Don’t Lie The original SRAM Grip Shift burst onto the scene in 1990, when Greg Herbold used it to win the first-**-ever UCI World Downhill Championship. As XC and DH racing grew in global popularity, elite racers grew to embrace Grip Shift. XC legends John Tomac, Ned Overend and Thomas Frischknecht swore by it. Downhill stars like Anne-**Caroline Chausson joined Herbold in adding it to her arsenal. Today, athletes are riding farther and harder than ever before, pushing the limits of component technology. It’s time for the next chapter in Grip Shift history. Designed for SRAM 2X10, the all-new Grip Shift has been reengineered from the inside out. And, in true form, its inaugural race was Jaroslav Kulhavy’s 2011 XC World Championships win. Simply put, it’s one of the most advanced shifters ever created.

• 10 speed
• Full-metal shift indexing
• Three rows of ball bearings
• Integrated lock-on grip

XX Grip Shift Set 2X10

• XX Grip Shift (207g with cables and clamps)
• Ride-**On Sealed Low Friction Cable System
• Carbon Cover
• Ball Bearing Movement
• Lock-**On Stationary Grips (80g)

X0 Grip Shift Set 2X10 or 3X10

• X0 Grip Shift (207g with cables and clamps)
• Aluminum Cover
• Ball Bearing Movement
• Lock-**On Stationary Grips (80g)

Speed Metal Shift Indexing

• Full metal indexing
• First 10-**speed Grip Shift
• Crisp and precise shifting

Rolling Thunder Ball Bearing Technology

• Zero friction or play
• Less force needed to shift
• Three rows of ball bearings, 120 ball bearings
• Long-**term performance under all weather conditions

Jaws Lock-On Grip Technology

• Super secure
• Shifter and grip connect into single unit
• Easily assembled and removed
• Grips included with shifters
• Converts to work with any grip

2012 Grip Shift Athletes Annie Last Burry Stander Carl Decker Christoph Sauser Emily Baay Florian Vogel Heather Irmiger Irina Kalentieva Jaroslav Kulhavy Jeremy Horgan Kobelski Jérôme Clementz Jose Hermida Julien Absalon Kelli Emmett Lisi Osl Manuel Fumic Marco Aurelio Fontana Nino Schurter Ralph Näf Ross Schnell Rene Wildhaber Russell Finsterwald Sam Schultz Todd WellsMSRP Shifter XX Grip Shift Set 2X10 with Ride-**On Sealed Cable System and Lock-**On Stationary Grips: $295 Shifter X0 Grip Shift Set 2X10 Red with Lock-**On Stationary Grips: $225 Shifter X0 Grip Shift Set 3X10 Red with Lock-**On Stationary Grips: $225 Shifter X0 Grip Shift Set 2X10 Silver with Lock-**On Stationary Grips: $225 Shifter X0 Grip Shift Set 3X10 Silver with Lock-**On Stationary Grips: $225 Available April 30, 2012. Source: Tyler Morland Brought to you by MTBR Reviews