Box One group set – Finally, no SRAM or Shimano!

The competition for the best MTB groupset has been dominated by Shimano and SRAM for years. But that time seems over now. With BOX Components a new player has entered the game, and they are not to be overlooked with the Box One groupset. Kees has been testing this groupset for a month now, and gladly shares his experiences with us.

Box Components is a well-known producer of components in the BMX world. In recent years the ambitious Americans grew to become a contractor of world champions and our own national champions.

Surprising drive train

Box Components have been looking at Shimano and Sram intently, and despite the fact that there was nothing lacking, they still managed to bring a surprising and innovative drive train to the market. After a month of riding on quick Dutch tracks and muddy Belgian trails I can tell you: I’m impressed.

The groupset consists of: The One PushPush shifter, One rear derailleur and the Two cassette.

Box One PushPush shifter

Box Components stand out from the crowd with this shifter. It has only one lever that is operated with the thumb. Theoretically it is possible to shift down four gears at once, but practically this is two at once.

Shifting feels like a Shimano XT shifter. But, shifting up works differently; you have to press the shifter lever inwards. Seems odd, but I never missed a gear from the start with this set.

Shift down one gear at once. Shifting down is also smooth and accurate. The attachment of the shifter is an aluminium clip and there are two possible positions.

Easy adjustment and maintenance

During the first ride I noticed that I placed the shifter too close to my hand, but with a 4mm Allen key you adjust it to the right position in moments. Something only a few riders will use, but I really like: it is easy to maintain the shifter.

It has six screws, and after you have stripped it down you can clean it and grease it with wd40, or a thin chain oil for example, and then it feels like new again.

Box One rear derailleur

Apart from its great looks the rear derailleur has other unique features which make it a tough rival.

Three things that stood out:

• The derailleur jockey wheels have sealed ball bearings. They run lightly and shift accurately.
• The “CamClutch” has the chain move along, but never too much. Tension is built up progressively. The cage moves along with the rocking of the chain, but if it gets too heavy the clutch interferes so the chain doesn’t run off the front chain rings. The clutch makes sure that shifting is smooth, as you don’t have to shift against the derailleur tension. You feel this immediately.

  

• The connection of the outer cable is provided with an innovative piece of technology: Pivot Tech. During a crash it can move freely, which prevents it from breaking off.

The Box Two 11-46 cassette

The cassette is an 11-speed and has a black coating. You can mount it to Shimano bodies and with a range of 11-46 you conquer every climb. After a month the black paint is chipped in places, but less than expected.

The shift performances are more than good. I used it with my Shimano XT derailleur and that worked out great. The number of shifting aids is less than Shimano, which will help towards preventing wear. After a month of using the groupset (387km) there are no signs of wear at all.

Box One group set doesn’t have a chain

Box Components One doesn’t have a chain (yet). I chose to use a KMC X11SL Gold. Looks great and works well.

The cassette also worked well with a Shimano HG701, so probably also with Sram 11-speed chains. Plenty of options!

Box One Group set conclusion

As you can read, the groupset is a sturdy group set that won’t disappoint. It is a group set for the rider who wants something different. There was no demand for an alternative, but it’s fantastic that there are more options!

video!

Our friends at GMBN also have tested the Box One, and they are as enthusiastic as we are: