Time for a brief update on the Upgrades so far.
In total now over 150 km testing of the new SRAM XX1/XO1 Eagle 1×12 group.
The group itself performs excellent and the wide gear range is superb when running in mixed terrain.
There are some things to think about when going down the 1×12 path.
What Gear ratio will suit me best and do I mix trail types using the same Bike. I do, so first think about what you use today an if you think that is optimal. If so select a chain ring that come close to your current set up. If not obviously select a larger if you have rather high average speed, are strong and also run quite flat trails with not to long steep climbs. If You run a lot of tricky and steep climbs with low to moderate speed, try the original set-up with 32T or in some case 30T.
My day to day trails are more of the flat-medium type so I chose to add a 36T as default while keeping the original 32T for the tricky and snowy days. So far I think maybe a 34T should have been my default since I actually like to explore new paths during the weekends. The 36T works superb for the day to day rides but since changing requires some work (time) a 34T could have been better. I might invest in a 34T quite soon.
/Thomas