The rumor mill has been working hard over the last few months and despite a couple of leaky sources, SRAM’s latest project has been shrouded in secrecy. But now the news is out! The SRAM Eagle has landed and the new drivetrain brings not only an extra speed, now 12, but also a huge 500% range with its 10 – 50 tooth cassette.
SRAM offers the new Technology in both X01 Eagle, now targeted at trail and enduro rider who focus on durability and performance; and XX1 Eagle for trail and XC riders looking for no-compromise performance and weight. To find out quickly if the new Eagle drivetrain is for you check out our article Should I upgrade to SRAM Eagle? 12 things you need to know, but if you want to dive into the weights and specifications, you will find them all below.
SRAM XX1 EAGLE Crankset
To keep the overall weight of the Eagle drivetrain similar to the 11-speed version, SRAM has looked at every component. The new XX1 cranks have been completely reengineered to create the lightest, stiffest and strongest crank that SRAM has ever produced. Using a new CARBON TUNED lay-up the hollow internal structure shaves considerable weight off the 2015 model while increasing the strength. SRAM have worked hard to strengthen the pedal interface from rock strikes from below. SRAM have now clarified their product lines, targeting XX1 at Trail and XC duties, and the tougher (but heavier) XO1 for Enduro and more aggressive duties. The crankset will be available in 170 and 175 mm versions and be compatible with both GXP and BB30 bottom brackets.
Price: € 463 ($ 425/£ 356)
Weight: 465 g with 32t Eagle Chainring
SRAM X01 Eagle Crankset
SRAM’s latest XO1 Eagle crankset borrows the same CARBON TUNED technology at the XX1 version but has been toughened, ready to do battle with the roughest rock garden and take the big hits. Combined with the new Eagle direct mount chainrings the XO1 will be a popular crankset on bikes aimed at enduro racing. The crankset will be available in 170 and 175 mm versions and be compatible with both GXP and BB30 bottom brackets.
Price: € 426 ($ 390/£ 328)
Weight: 495 g with 32t Eagle Chainring
SRAM Eagle Chainring
At the centre of the new Eagle drivetrain is the new X-SYNC 2 Eagle Chainring with a radically redesigned tooth profile. SRAM’s engineers have tirelessly examined how the chain interacts with the chainring, and after many years of research, X-SYNC 2 is the outcome. The tooth profile is now far more aggressive, with a positive rake to the leading edge to maximise chain retention. The trailing edge of the tooth has been scalloped out to provide a quieter release of the chain at the bottom of the ring and minimise hooking as the chainring wears. SRAM’s internal lab testing has shown that the new ring lasts up to 4x longer than the current X-SYNC chainring. The Eagle Chainring will be available in 30t, 32t, 34t, 36t and 38t in direct mount only.
Price: € 103 ($ 99/£ 79)
SRAM Eagle Rear Derailleur
To accommodate a 10-50 tooth cassette, SRAM needed to make some subtle revisions to the Eagle derailleur. The first change was to increase the lower pulley wheel tooth count to 14, increasing both the capacity, and smoothing the operation of the derailleur while still retaining a compact shape. The second change is that both the XX1 and XO1 Eagle derailleurs now feature the new Type-3 Roller Bearing Clutch, which is 20% stronger than the previous version and improves chain retention and shifting accuracy. The new XX1 rear derailleur features a carbon cage (the XO1 is alloy) saving 11g.
Price (XX1 Eagle): € 304 ($ 289/£ 243)
Weight (XX1 Eagle): 264 g
Price (X01 Eagle): € 240 ($ 220/£ 185)
Weight (X01 Eagle): 276 g
SRAM Eagle X-DOME Cassette
The new 12 speed 10-50t X-DOME Cassette hammers the last nail into the front derailleurs coffin, with a 500% range, 1x is really all you could ever need. The three-piece construction is a work of art, and though wider than the 11-speed version it still fits on a standard XD driver. The shifting ramps have been revised to provide lightning fast shifts up and down the block. The XX1 version features a gold titanium nitride coating which reduces friction and looks amazing, the X01 settles for a more subtle black finish. Both cassettes feature 10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,36,42 and 50 tooth sprockets.
Price (XX1 Eagle): € 458 ($ 420/£ 353)
Weight (XX1 Eagle): 355g
Price (X01 Eagle): € 392 ($ 360/£ 302)
Weight (X01 Eagle): 355g
SRAM Eagle Trigger Shifter
Not only have SRAM managed to squeeze another gear into their shifters, they have also revised the internals to give a smoother and more precise pull. The Zero Loss lever means exactly that, when you press the lever the cable engages instantly without any vague or lazy shifting. The shifter features full customization with an adjustable pull lever and position adjustment when used with the Matchmaker X clamp. The XO1 shifter features a forged aluminium trigger for durability while the XX1 uses a carbon fibre trigger and cover to save weight. A grip shift option is also available.
Price (XX1 Eagle): € 170 ($ 162/£ 131)
Weight (XX1 Eagle): 122g
Price (X01 Eagle): €145 ($ 127/£ 112)
Weight (X01 Eagle): 126g
SRAM Eagle Chain
Last but certainly not least is the new Eagle chain, the heart of the new drive train. Although it may look like any other chain, the Eagle is cutting edge. Featuring a smooth radius to the plates with no chamfer or edge, the new Eagle chain is significantly quieter, smoother and more precise. When it comes to drivetrain wear, the biggest contributor is always the chain, SRAM claim that the rounded inner plates of the new Eagle chain significantly improves drivetrain durability. With decreased spacing between the gears (3.8 mm to 3.65 mm), the Eagle Chain has grown narrower (5.6 mm to 5.25), but most of this slimming is due to the new flush pins. The chain is available in either a subtle Black model or a Gold Titanium Nitride coating for increased resistance to corrosion. A new Power Lock FLOWLINK has been developed to provide better chain guiding and durability.
Price: € 66-92 depending on finish ($ 60-85/£ 50-71)
Weight: 250 g
SRAM Eagle Video
More information
To find out more about the SRAM Eagle drivetrain you can check out the SRAM website, or even better read our article Should I upgrade to SRAM Eagle? 12 things you need to know.
Words: Trevor Worsey Photos: Trevor Worsey and Victor Lucas
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
