What is the difference between the X and TritonUpdated 2 months ago
There are definite similarities between these two bikes, but the key differences lie in their stock setups and how you might want to tweak them to best suit your needs.
Groupset:
The Triton features a 2x MicroShift Sword drivetrain, offering a wider range of gears out of the box. The X, on the other hand, runs a 1x MicroShift Advent X setup with Sword shifters—simpler and lighter, with fewer moving parts to worry about.
Braking:
Both bikes are equipped with compressionless housing and Tektro MD-C550 dual-piston calipers, giving you solid stopping power and consistent performance in all conditions.
Gearing:
The Triton pairs a 50/34 chainring with an 11–38 cassette, making it ideal for riders who value higher top-end speed—great for flatter areas or avoiding that “spun out” feeling on descents.
The X uses a 38T chainring and 11–48 cassette, offering a much wider range on the low end, which is perfect for tackling steep or varied terrain. Both bikes are solid climbers—you won’t be left hanging when a hill shows up out of nowhere.
Road Riding:
The X comes with Continental Terra Trail tires—designed for gravel but with a smoother center tread that holds its own on pavement.
The Triton rolls on 700 x 32 Maxxis Pursuer slicks, giving you a plush, grippy ride with low rolling resistance and great cornering on the road. Despite being wider, they won’t slow you down.
Gravel Riding:
The X is built for gravel. As long as you're not hitting deep mud or super loose terrain, the stock tires will serve you well.
The Triton, with its slicks, is best kept to hard-packed or smooth trails unless you swap in a dedicated gravel tire. Thankfully, there’s plenty of clearance—up to 700 x 42 in the fork and 700 x 35 in the rear—so with the right tires, it can be just as capable as the X on mixed surfaces.
Tubeless Compatibility:
Both bikes come with tubeless-ready wheels and tires, so you’ll enjoy better puncture resistance, lower pressures, and smoother rides right out of the box.
Upgrade Paths:
The X: To improve top-end speed for road use or flatter areas, consider upgrading to a 40–42T chainring. This gives you more speed without sacrificing too much on climbs.
The Triton: Already road-ready. For gravel, just grab your preferred gravel tires and mount them to the stock tubeless wheels.
Overall:
It comes down to what you want to prioritize.
Choose the Triton if you value a broader gearing range and higher top-end speed.
Choose the X if you want a bike that’s trail-ready right from the start, especially for gravel adventures.