New SRAM 1x11

Now this looks like the ultimate solution for XC racing?

10-42 Cassette and easily interchangeable chain rings!

http://reviews.mtbr.com/sram-xx1

I will await the Shimano version!

Shimano are bringing out a 1 x 14 version

remember when the 9 speed cassette came along like a big bag of sh1t and the bags just keep getting bigger and sh1ttier !!

You mean there used to be cassettes with less than 9 speeds? Next thing you'll be telling me there used to be bikes that weren't made of carbon!

thats nothing, you used to have to put tubes in your tyres and cables for your brakes that rubbed up on the rim....straight outta the flintstones I tell ya!

yes thats right gearing on bikes is ancient technology, the last major innovation was the front derailleur , everything else since has just been sticking an extra cog in somewhere,9 speed chains are too narrow and weak for mtb so anything narrower is even weaker.

You can ride a single speed with a massive bmx chain on it Jackson, what's stopping you?

This 1x11 is probably nice though, but having to have a special rear wheel for it sounds like a pain. Not to mention the cost....
The only thing I would welcome on my 1x10 set up would be clutch rear mech, but I think the 2013 XT will have that so happy days.

the 2013 SLX has it.

Deadly, I love Shimano! Can't wait to replace this SRAM muck that I have on the trance!

Well I've never broken a chain just by standing on it and I'm not exactly sylphlike! Clean and oil before every spin!
1x11 just seems to make sense to me for XC racing. I did a few calculations and with a 34 front/10-42 rear you would have a really good spread of gears for XCO and an easy change to 32 for longer courses such as the ROC!
Designed to work like that so no need for a chain guide, front derailleur or left shifter!