I have been trying to digest the information on the lower gearing thread, especially regarding what I understand to be 'add-on' devices to enhance shifting.

I have been struggling with my own SRAM XX1 quandary, trying to make the 1 x 11 system work as a 2 x 11. And finding out why SRAM has said the 10-42 will only work as a 1 x.

But my bike mechanic just got back from a SRAM dealer show of some sort, and he said they showed a new long cage derailleur (forgot to note the model) that is supposed to work for a 2 x 11. I asked him to order one for me and it should be in later this week. Hopefully this will make the difference, and if so then Shimano will likely be not far behind.

I am currently using the XX1 cassette with a Rival RD, but as a 2x with a Shimano Sora road triple crank (9 speed, but with two 11 speed chain rings installed on it, 26T and 38T, since 26T is the smallest chain ring that will fit given the outside diameter of the BB). This gives me about a 17 gear inch low granny gear.