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Modern advancements have led to the prevalence of 10-speed, 11-speed, and 12-speed cassettes in single-chainring setups, simplifying the drivetrain and improving reliability. Many professional mountain bikers now prefer using a narrower 10-speed road chain with a 9-speed setup to reduce bike weight.
A significant milestone in mountain bike gearing was the release of SRAM's XX groupset in 2009. This system featured a 2-speed front derailleur and a 10-speed rear derailleur and cassette, optimized for mountain biking through extensive CNC machining to enhance mud-shedding capabilities. Although initially targeted at top-end cross-country racers due to its high cost and complexity, the 10-speed setup quickly became the standard by 2011. Shimano, a market leader, even offered its budget groupset "Alivio" in a 10-speed version.
In July 2012, SRAM introduced the groundbreaking 1×11 drivetrain, known as XX1, which eliminated the need for a front derailleur, resulting in lighter weight and increased simplicity. This innovation was widely adopted by leading riders at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Continuing this trend, SRAM unveiled the 1×12 gearing system, dubbed SRAM Eagle, in 2016. This system provides a single-chainring bike with enhanced climbing capabilities, solidifying the 1×12 drivetrain as a preferred choice for modern mountain biking.
These advancements in gearing technology have significantly improved the efficiency, weight, and performance of mountain bikes, catering to the demands of both professional athletes and recreational riders. Modern mountain bikes are now more versatile and capable than ever, offering superior performance across a wide range of terrains and riding conditions.