SRAM Eagle Transmission Evaluation – BIKEPACKING.com

My, how shortly issues change. It was solely 11 years in the past when SRAM was the primary to ditch the entrance derailleur with the introduction of XX1, the primary mainstream 1×11 mountain bike drivetrain. Then, in mid-2016, SRAM launched Eagle, the primary 1×12 MTB group, which was a full-on try to make the entrance derailleur a factor of the previous. And with a 10-50T cassette that matched the vary of most 2x drivetrains, the business took the bait.

SRAM went for cables subsequent with the discharge of AXS in 2019, the primary wi-fi mountain bike drivetrain. In the present day, SRAM is placing successful out on the derailleur hanger with the appearance of the SRAM Eagle Transmission, a brand new drivetrain that connects on to the body through a hanger-free axle connection. Is it progress for progress’s sake or worthy innovation that improves efficiency? We had the prospect to check out the brand new Eagle Transmission—or E.T. as we’ve been calling it—to seek out out on this first trip report.

The T-type Derailleur

Earlier than we dig into the heart of it, let’s have a look at the beating coronary heart of the SRAM Eagle Transmission: the derailleur. After wrapping my head round it, I see this newfangled rear mech as a continuation of what SRAM began seven years in the past. When AXS was initially launched, it was fairly clear SRAM wished to strengthen this a part of the drivetrain. We in the end realized that it was constructed to a extremely sturdy and hardwearing commonplace; a number of of us right here have examined AXS derailleurs, and so they’ve withstood tens of hundreds of miles of laborious driving. A part of that effort was what SRAM created with the built-in “Overload Clutch,” an inner mechanism within the AXS derailleur that permits it to maneuver inboard when it experiences an affect; then seamlessly reset into place, defending the derailleur and probably retaining a derailleur hanger from bending or breaking.

Nonetheless, one of many the explanation why derailleur hangers exist—or not less than why they’re normally fabricated from softer aluminum—is to guard the derailleur. So, with the Overload Clutch, why do you want a derailleur hanger? The brand new Eagle Transmission or T-Sort derailleur is the subsequent transfer because it does away with the hanger utterly and as a substitute connects on to the dropout through a Hangerless Interface. Briefly, it clamps round either side of the body with the axle securing it in place. This can be a dramatic shift and one which’s fairly attention-grabbing in my view. I’ve been by way of so much to aluminum hangers over time and even purchased a derailleur hanger alignment device to keep away from having to order extra.

Simplicity was the second a part of SRAM’s technique with the appearance of AXS. We might debate the dichotomy of electronics and bicycles to no finish, however there’s no denying that the wi-fi Eagle AXS derailleur made set up simpler for broad-market mountain bikes. The SRAM Eagle Transmission takes this even additional by eliminating adjustment screws altogether. I’ll first let Neil dig extra into all of this within the video evaluation under, then choose again up on particulars in regards to the XX SL, XX, and X0 teams (together with a pricing grid and weights) additional down the web page.

UDH Solely

First issues first, the SRAM Eagle Transmission is just accessible for bikes constructed round SRAM’s personal Common Derailleur Hanger (UDH). Their UDH is now accessible on fairly a couple of bikes, however solely bikes which have been launched after UDH’s rollout in 2019. Manufacturers utilizing UDH embody Revel, Transition, and Ibis. You will discover a full record of others right here.

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As Neil hinted at within the video, UDH was a noble thought. The purpose was to simplify this odd little half and scale back the variety of hangers on the market to at least one. It is smart to simplify an element that’s intricately specialised and constantly causes confusion. The fantastic thing about the UDH is that it really works with any rear derailleur, be it SRAM, Shimano, TRP, or Microshift. Nonetheless, it might have been a preemptive transfer on SRAM’s half, with the final word checkmate being the T-type derailleur.

SRAM Eagle Transmission Teams

The SRAM Eagle Transmission is available in three teams: the high-end XX SL, mid-range XX, and X0, every with a wide range of e-bike choices, energy meters, bash guards, and add-ons. For the sake of readability, we’re going to give attention to the three predominant teams and the core elements of every.

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SRAM Eagle Transmission Pricing

Earlier than going any additional, listed here are all the costs and weights for every group. For comparability, I included GX AXS within the combine so you will get a really feel for pricing.

SRAM Eagle Transmission Weights

The one weights on this desk which might be precise are of the X0 group and the GX AXS group, proven for comparability. Additionally word that SRAM didn’t embody the crankset weights for the opposite two teams, so the totals aren’t correct. As a substitute, they’re primarily based on the identical 623-gram precise weight we pulled for the X0 crankset with a 32-tooth chainring. We’ll regulate this as soon as we get particulars on weights for every of the cranks. The cranksets have the most important value variations, so I’m guessing the weights are considerably totally different, in flip dropping the totals by 100+ grams.

SRAM Eagle Transmission Cassettes

The SRAM Eagle Transmission cassettes nonetheless have 520% vary however are in any other case utterly totally different. Maybe the 2 largest distinctions are the ramp mapping and the cog development. The gear development is upgraded to step down from the 52-tooth cog to 44 and 38 tooth cogs versus leaping from 52 to 44 then 36. As I see it, this can be a large enchancment for driving in steeper terrain and comes nearer to Shimano’s 39-45-51T development.

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SRAM additionally claims that Eagle Transmission gives the most effective shifting beneath load but due to their new cassette ramp mapping. As Neil talked about, their declare that the more durable you pedal the higher it shifts is certainly what he skilled. Hopefully, their further claims that the cassettes will last more maintain true too. I suppose the opposite vital structural distinction is that the cassette was additionally moved outboard 2.5mm towards the dropout. This can be a results of the body changes carried out with the direct mount sans the UDH. This ends in a 55mm chainline for the drivetrain. As Neil provides, “My understanding is that the crank is now optimized for each Enhance and Superboost with out having to go together with a wider Q-factor for Superboost cranks.” On the flip aspect, this additionally implies that Eagle Transmission cassettes and components aren’t cross-compatible with older Eagle components, whether or not AXS or mechanical.

SRAM states that the XX SL cassette (CS-XS-1299) is their lightest 10-52 cassette but. It has a completely machined 4-12 metal cluster and an ultralight aluminum spider for gears 1-3. The XX cassette (CS-XS-1297) has a machined device metal X-Dome cluster for cogs 4-12 and stamped metal 38T and 44-tooth cogs are pinned to the lighter weight aluminum first gear. The X0 cassette (CS-XS-1295) has what seems to be the very same design because the XX model however incorporates a Darkish Polar nickel-plated end.

Flat high E.T. Chains

Whereas the T-type chains appears much like the SRAM flat high 12-speed highway chains, they’re fairly totally different and designed to work with SRAM Eagle Transmission programs solely. As with all the opposite components, the chains come XX SL, XX, and XO variations. SRAM claims that the flat high chain is their strongest chain but and that it maximizes shifting efficiency. It additionally appears fairly good, for what that’s price.

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As you noticed within the weights above, there isn’t an excessive amount of of a distinction within the three chains, other than the truth that the XX SL variation has cutaways within the hyperlink plates. The XX variations are available in silver whereas the X0 is available in “Darkish Polar.” There’s a vital distinction in value, although, with a $25 improve from chain to chain beginning at $100. That’s not pocket change, and we hope they final so long as the drivetrain does. As Neil identified, SRAM AXS Street chainrings are suitable with T-type chains, so you should use a SRAM AXS highway crankset for a mullet configuration with Eagle Transmission.

AXS Pod Shifter(s)

Visually, the brand new AXS Pod controller appears utterly not like its predecessor, however it’s additionally the one part within the Eagle Transmission group that’s backward suitable with the previous AXS ecosystem. At 48 grams, the Pod is lighter weight than Eagle Ecosystem AXS Controllers. It’s additionally been up to date with a very new ergonomic design and extra choices for adjustability.

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One of many extra attention-grabbing factors of adjustment is the truth that it may be used on the suitable or left aspect for individuals who wish to shift with their left hand. The controller comes with a bridge clamp to interchange the matchmaker, or you should use the included clamp. The tangible clicks are a pleasant contact too. There’s additionally a Deluxe model that comes with interchangeable concave and convex buttons. In accordance with SRAM, drop-bar AXS blips can be utilized with the Eagle Transmission, though we’re unsure about Drive/Rival AXS levers. We’ll amend this part as soon as we discover out.

Cranksets and Chainrings

This was additionally an enormous overhaul within the SRAM Eagle Transmission crankset lineup. XX SL and XX cranks each are available in carbon and look very muck just like the AXS counterparts at first look. Nonetheless, the aluminum XO crank appears drastically totally different. SRAM claims it’s probably the most superior aluminum crankset they’ve ever made, and it appears the half with a really technical cutaway and molded curves on the again.

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The XX SL cranks get a carbon hole core design, and the XX cranks get a foam core and the choice to run a detachable and replaceable bash guard, which is fairly neat. All three cranksets can be found with 165, 170, or 175mm arms.

The most important diversion from SRAM’s AXS cranks is beneath the hood, or behind it, relatively. The chainrings have a very new mounting system, making it 3 times tougher to take away a chainring—or 2.6666 occasions, to be precise; there are 8 bolts holding it on as a substitute of three. SRAM did this so that every new crank could be upgraded with the Quarq AXS energy meter. As said within the press supplies, SRAM presently gives 32, 34, 36, and 38-tooth chainrings for the brand new Eagle Transmission cranksets. As talked about above and within the video, weights weren’t supplied, however the XO crankset with chainring is available in at 623g on our scale.

To be continued. We’ve solely scratched the floor testing the brand new SRAM Eagle Transmission. There are execs and cons talked about all through this writeup and within the video, however we’ll be again with our traditional in-depth, long-term evaluation as soon as we’ve racked up the miles on this technique. When you have any ideas or questions on SRAM Eagle Transmission, make sure to drop us a line within the dialog under.

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