Sport And Biking Talk: SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain first ride review

Sunday, June 11, 2017

SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain first ride review

Mtbr’s been testing the new SRAM GX Eagle group on this Santa Cruz Hightower.

SRAM Eagle 1×12 was introduced last year amidst much anticipation (and some skepticism). But the near unanimous feedback from everyone who’s tried it has been a resounding thumbs up, aside from some complaints about the price. That issue has now been addressed with the release of the lower price point GX group.

A decade ago, nobody would have ever thought they needed a rear cassette with a 10-50t range. But use the drivetrain and the mountain bike experience is absolutely improved in so many aspects. The only issue holding back riders was that price ($ 1417 for the XX1 Eagle group or $ 1193 for the more enduro-oriented X01 Eagle group). And more significantly, the cassette which is a wear item that needs to be replaced semi-regularly and costs $ 420 for XX1 and $ 360 for X01.

Read the Mtbr review of SRAM’s original Eagle group.

The new SRAM GX Eagle group is here.

What’s the price difference

As already mentioned, XX1 Eagle runs $ 1417, while X01 comes in at $ 1193. This includes shifter, derailleur, cassette, crank and chain. The new SRAM GX Eagle comes in at a much more wallet friendly $ 495. Here’s the full price breakdown:

Cassette: $ 195
Derailleur: $ 110
Shifter: $ 40
Crank: $ 120
Chain: $ 30
Total: $ 495

Actual weight is 447 grams for the GX Eagle 10-50t cassette.

What’s the weight difference

One of the great benefits of 1×12 systems is they’re about 300 grams lighter than the 2×10 systems they replaced. SRAM Eagle XX1 weighs in at 1456 grams and X01 is 1502 grams, it’s only natural that the lower priced GX will be heavier. Here’s the breakdown:

Cassette: 455g
Derailleur: 290g
Shifter: 122g
Crank: 610g
Chain: 270g
Total: 1717grams

So it is 215 grams (or 0.47 pounds) heavier than X01. Quite significant is the cassette at 455 grams which may seem heavy but it is very respectable for a cassette with 12 cogs with the largest at 50t. For comparison, the 11-speed Shimano XT 11-46 weighs 439 grams.

The new cassette and its companion PowerLink-equipped chain.

On the trail

Mtbr took delivery of the new SRAM GX Eagle group three weeks prior to release, so we’ve had a few rides on it already. Craftsmanship is first rate and it installed without any quirks or difficulties. There is no detectable play in the shifter or cassette.

Shifting performance is the key, and to our delight, GX Eagle performs just like X01 (and even XX1). Shifting fires consistently and predictably. Getting on to the 50t ring is no problem at all and feels no different than moving around the rest of the gears. Even when shifting quickly under load, we never got the chain to hang up.

The prediction here is that this group will perform just like the GX 1×11 group since construction is very similar. And most users of that system report that its performance and durability is on par with X01.

The SRAM GX Eagle crank.

Cranks Details

Durable 7000 series forged aluminum crank arms. X-SYNC tooth profiles engineered to match with SRAM Eagle chains
Light weight and durable direct mount ring construction
Weight: 610-662 grams
Price: $ 120-$ 170

The rear derailleur weighs 291 grams.

Rear Derailleur

Features X-HORIZON design and Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH technology
Simplified installation and added robustness with repositioned CAGE LOCK
1x efficiency and quiet operation with Eagle pulley technology
Weight: 290 grams
Price: $ 110

The front shifter weighs 122 grams.

Shifter

Smooth and reliable 1x shifting
Optimized shifting via X-ACTUATION cable pull paired with Eagle rear derailleurs
Durable forged aluminum trigger is designed to take a beating
Weight: 122 grams
Price: $ 40

The 10-50t cassette is bigger than the rotor.

Cassette

Durable and lightweight cassette that incorporates FULL PIN technology using 11 lightweight, stamped steel cogs and one 50-tooth aluminum cog held together with high- strength stainless steel pins
Smooth, consistent gear steps across range of cassette
Massive 500-percent gear range for lower low gears and higher high gears. Also ability for advanced level riders to ride larger chainrings for a smoother overall pedaling feel
Weight: 450 grams
Price: $ 195

Chain weight is 261 grams.

Chain

Increased longevity and better chain guiding with new Eagle PowerLock chain connector with FLOW LINK technology
Unique features and design provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle cassettes and rings
Weight: 270 grams
Price: $ 30

For more information visit www.sram.com.

http://ift.tt/2s0bK9b