A reply I made on another forum:
A solution for a problem that doesn't exist. Stupid.
I only run 1x set ups on all my bikes. I never have a problem with not having enough gears. I recently went from a 32 to a 35t chainring on my chumba because I was spinning out all the time. When will I ever use a 32x41 combination? And now there will be ANOTHER new hub standard. If you can't get up a hill with a 1:1 gear you're better off walking.
And these extra gears are stupid, the tollerances are getting tighter and tighter, this stuff will just wear out quicker. I'm still waiting for a 1x6 drivetrain to be released.
Also considering stocking up on xtr/xo quality 9spd stuff, I feel like an old man.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for change and moving forward. I love electronic shifting on road bikes, and 11 spd on road bikes. I like the new fox ctd stuff. But this looks like sram trying to recover from being caught on the back foot by the super high quality stuff shimano has been releasing of late (noting that they didn't make massive changes, just continued to refine what was good).
I'm always fascinated by this sort of response. SRAM believe that they have identified a market niche for a new product. They have gone through a process of engineering and manufacturing and voila; XX1. They believe that it will suit racers quite well.
I'm really not sure what is so threatening about this. Sure, it may mean that in the future other standards may become obsolete. This is inevitable. I can't imagine that you plan to hold onto your bike in its same configuration for the next 10 years. (maybe you do...Dunno). The point is that manufacturing has become much more flexible in the past few decades, and that there will inevitably be 'progress' whatever that means.
Also, I don't buy the argument that 11 speed will be less durable. Yes, perhaps by degrees, but certainly not noticeaby so. Maybe you might have to swap out your chain every 11 months rather than 12. Again, I don't know. I'm just speculating. Just as you are.
Or, maybe you could continue running your 1x9 or 1x10 or whatever. Probably be able to do that for at least another 5-10 years. Like I said, how long do you imagine you will hold onto your bike?
Funny that you mention 1x6. I had a 6 speed cassette on my road bike in 1984. Was pretty happy when they released 7 speed.
Roll with it I say.