With revolutionary advancements in bicycle componentry, like SRAM’s XX1, X01 and X1 drivetrains, mountain bike designers have been given almost limitless freedom to focus solely on the performance of the bike. Each advancement demands that the entire package works flawlessly. Aggressive trail and enduro riders have been increasingly enjoying the benefits of larger wheels, but many still view 27.5″ and 29″ wheels as a possible weak link. Which is why SRAM has developed an open standard with Boost compatible components for SRAM drivetrain, hubs and RockShox forks.
For a long time now, SRAM had been looking for a way to open up more room around the crankset for frame designers to further optimise their bikes. SRAM 1x™ was the first step in this direction by eliminating the need for a front derailleur. However, SRAM also had hopes to move the chainline outboard as well. It wasn’t until an OE came to us with a similar goal that we were able to realise this hope.
Boost is a new wheel and drivetrain specification that provides:
- Increased wheel stiffness and durability
- Better riding efficiency and bike handling precision
- Improved frame geometry with shorter chain stays
- Wider and stiffer suspension pivots
- Wider range of chainring options
- More clearance for bigger tires
Boost is designed to be a complete system so it does not affect drivetrain performance.
Drivetrain
The Boost system’s crankset utilizes front chainrings that sit a corresponding 3mm outward to ensure the required chainline, but Q-factor is completely unaffected. A major benefit to the repositioned chainring is increased clearance, which allows more options for tire choice and rear-end designs.
Boost technology can be available at the following premium and performance levels (24mm spindle only).
Boost cranks can only be used when paired with a 148mm hub. Available cranks (24mm spindle): XX1 & X1 1400.
Wheels
Much more than a new, wider axle standard, the Boost system uses a rear hub that is 6mm wider than a 142mm design—each flange is 3mm farther from centre. The greater flange offset allows a stronger spoke-bracing angle resulting in a stiffer wheel. Given the same rim and spoke spec, a 29″ Boost wheel will have the same stiffness as a 27.5″ wheel built on a 142mm hub.
The Boost system uses a front hub that is 10mm wider than a 100mm design—each flange is 5mm farther from center. The greater flange offset allows a stronger spoke-bracing angle resulting in a stiffer wheel. Given the same rim and spoke spec, a 29” wheel built with a 15×110 Boost hub becomes as stiff as a 26″ wheel built with a standard 15×100 hub.
Boost technology with be available internationally with SRAM Roam 40 wheelsets.
Boost Hubs
X0 Hub
Finally, a hub worthy of the X0 name. Built to roll over the toughest mountain terrain, the SRAM X0 Hub proves that being solid doesn’t mean being sluggish. DOUBLE TIME™ ratchet design gives you smooth 6.9-degree engagement—all while keeping everything light and steady. Super-precise SPEEDBALL™ bearings mean lower resistance, faster revolutions and no more time spent readjusting play. From pawl tooth to side cap, we went the extra mile on the X0 Hub—so you have less to worry about on the trail.
Specification:
- Tapered aluminium axle is stronger without added weight
- All axles types
- 32 spoke holes
- BOOST 12×148 and 15×110 options
- Sand-blasted black with red label
- Glossy black with silver accents
- 11-speed XD™ Driver Body
- 10-, 9- and 8-speed driver body
- Weight: 130g (front), 250g (rear)
700 Series Hub
Our MTH 700 hubs aim to making through axle bikes more affordable. The internal mechanism is exactly the same used in our X9 hubs. The MTH 700 series hubs are part of our non-series line, offering a brand name that riders can trust.
Specification:
- 32 spoke holes
- BOOST 12×148 and 15×110 options
- Black
- 11-speed XD™ Driver Body
- 10-, 9- and 8-speed driver body
- Weight: 170-410
Forks
RockShox will offer boost 110 compatible models of its most popular forks: available option for 2016 SID, Reba, Pike.
All 29″ forks with Boost 110 compatibility also fit 27.5″ plus (27.5″ x 3.0 tires)
2016 models of RockShox’s SID XX World Cup, Reba RLT, Pike RCT3 (from left to right).
