Ah, the power of trickle-down. The splendid mechanism by which funky new clever stuff filters down from scarily expensive bits to more affordable bits is what powers the 2007 SRAM transmission range. The all-new stuff is X-9, which is essentially a detuned X.0. The shifters are the same shape and share X.0’s zero-loss takeup system for rapid shifts along with the adjustable bar clamp. What you don’t get is the adjustable-reach downshift lever or the carbon fibre bits, but that’s a small price to pay for a big saving on, well, price.

Similarly, the rear mech is the same shape as an X.0 unit but made from cheaper materials – no carbon fibre cage plates, for example. It’ll also be available in three lengths from short to long to suit whatever gear range you fancy.

There’s also a new X-7 setup which is an even more potent example of trickle-down in action – the 2007 X-7 parts are exactly the same as 2006 X-9 but with X-7 logos on. Meanwhile the X-7 bits also head down the range with a new name.

So essentially everything gets better for the same money. Can’t be bad…