How To Convert Your 10-Speed Transmission To 11

If you're like many riders out there, you love the idea of wide-range, 1x11-speed drivetrain simplicity, but you're less in love with the idea of having to replace every single part of your existing transmission to get there. Well, thanks to South African company Rapide, there's a hack: their 11-speed SRAM Shifter Converter replaces the indexed gear selector inside your existing 10-speed shifter, in a procedure that the company claims takes no more than 15 to 20 minutes. All you then need to replace is the cassette, the chain, and probably your chainring, and you have a fully functional 11-speed drivetrain. In theory, depending on which derailleur you start out with, there should be enough range in the derailleur to cover at least a 10-42 cassette (XD driver-equipped hub required for that of course). You would forego one of the major advantages of SRAM's 11-speed derailleurs, the X-Actuation movement, but if you're looking for budget bodges you can't be too fussy.



The company says it has options available that will work with the following shifters:

SRAM X7 or X9 10-speed shifter pre 2014
XO pre 2014
2014 or later X7/X9/XO

Here's a look at the installation procedure, not for the complete novice but nothing the accomplished home mechanic should be worried about either:



The most interesting part about this hack is the cost: the Rapide gear selector part is listed for 199 Rand, which is about $12 USD. More information on Rapide's website.

What do you think? Would you give it a go?