“Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Ok, SRAM haven’t quite pulled off something as cool as landing on the moon, but the new Eagle 1×12 (yes, twelve) drivetrain is some pretty exciting stuff!
You can read all the details below, but in a nutshell, the new SRAM Eagle drivetrain is a single-ring specific, 12-speed system, with a MASSIVE 10-50 tooth cassette range.
A 500% gear range with a single ring is new ground – SRAM’s stated aim is to kill the front derailleur for mountain bikes, it’s their clear point of difference with Shimano, and this is their biggest weapon in that battle to date. Put simply, this spread is the kind of gear range that was previously the domain of double (or even triple) chain ring drivetrains.
If this stuff lives up to expectations in the real world, it’s certainly going to silence a lot of critics who’ve maintained that current 1×11 drivetrains don’t offer a big enough range for the masses.
To cover such a huge gear range without unworkably large jumps in the gear ratios, SRAM decided 11-gears wasn’t enough. Fitting another gear into the mix (using the same freehub, thank god) was the answer. This cancels out any interchangeability between equipment, you can’t just bung a new 10-50 cassette onto your existing SRAM GX, X1, X01 or XX1 drivetrain. You’ve got to go all in with Eagle, baby.
While the gear range offered by Eagle should be broad enough for any rider, in just about any situation, the pricing is certainly not in the realms of the average punter. There are two levels of Eagle available (XX1 and X01) but still, the thought of handing over $629 for a cassette makes us feel like we’ve licked a 9-Volt battery. But that’s the reality of having equipment that’s on the cutting edge – R&D doesn’t happen for free, folks! Of course people will pay it, because that’s the price of having the equipment that’s on the cutting edge – And of course pricing will drop over time as the technology trickles down to lower levels in the SRAM range, but in the short term, you’ll need to open your wallet a fair way to experience what Eagle is all bout.
The gear range wars are entering a new phase now. Along with Eagle, we’ve also recently seen the announcement from Shimano that they’ve got a new 11-46 tooth XT cassette on the way, plus there’s a proliferation of products from smaller companies making accessories to extend the range of existing 1×10 and 1×11 systems (like these).
That’s enough from us for now, we’ll bring you more once we’ve actually got this stuff in our hands to ride. Below you’ll find all the details from SRAM, along with Australian pricing.
SRAM introduced the first ever, purpose built 1x drivetrain, and is the absolute leader in 1x technology and innovation. We have manufactured, tested and ridden hundreds of thousands of SRAM 1x™ drivetrains, and have capitalised on the lessons learned from our experience to create all new drivetrains with Eagle™ Technology. Eagle™ drivetrains provide unparalleled performance, enhanced toughness and durability, and the freedom of a 500 percent gear range.
In 2012, we introduced the world’s first purpose built 1x drivetrain — and it forever changed the way we ride. SRAM 1x™ changed the way we look at mountain bikes. Gone was the front derailleur, which immediately improved shifting simplicity and performance. It dropped a significant chunk of weight from the bike. It made shifting easier and consistently better for racers hitting the redline and new riders alike. It made mountain biking better for everyone. And it still does. We invented it, we build more 1x drivetrains than anyone else, and we are unrelenting in our commitment to furthering 1x technology.
Introducing SRAM Eagle™ Technology, our most advanced and highest-performing drivetrains to date. The new XX1 and X01 drivetrains, featuring Eagle™ Technology, are collections of components that have been engineered for a whole new level of ride quality and integration. These drivetrains have not only been refined, we have torn them apart, built them up, tested, tweaked, engineered and tested again. Eagle™ Technology delivers a drivetrain that is smoother, simpler, more durable and quieter than anything you’ve ever ridden. Add to that Eagle’s massive gear range, and you have greater freedom to ride how you want, where you want. Performance, durability, simplicity, range, freedom: Introducing Eagle™, only from SRAM.
XX1 Eagle
We built the incredible new XX1 Eagle™ drivetrain to work quietly, intuitively, precisely and perfectly. Whether you’re an hour and twelve minutes into a World Cup XC or, just about to hit the top of Pearl Pass—XX1 Eagle™ is ready for that and every place in between. This cross-country-optimised drivetrain combines our newest generation of SRAM 1x™ drivetrain technological advancements with lightweight materials. With a greater gear range of 500-percent, XX1 Eagle™ gives you smoother, more precise shifts with greater durability for long lasting performance so you can spend more time in the gear you want. XX1 Eagle™ just rewrote the rules of freedom.
XX1 Eagle™ Chain – $169.95
It might look normal from the outside, but the engineering inside this incredible new chain design that makes possible a gear range previously found only in 2-chainring drivetrains. And it’s also the biggest contributor to the Eagle™ drivetrain’s ultra-smooth, precise, durable and quiet performance. The Eagle™ chain’s links have a smooth radius, with no sharp edges or chamfers, which yield a significant reduction in noise, friction and wear on chainrings and cassette cogs. This design also allows for a flatter plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and greater overall strength. HARD CHROME™ technology extends the chain’s optimal performance life, and a Titanium Nitride coating on the Gold and Black models decreases corrosion and further reduces friction.
Groundbreaking new chain design and technology
The Eagle™ chain has been completely re-engineered, and is produced with new manufacturing technology.
All-new Eagle™ Power Lock chain connector with FLOWLINK™ technology provides better chain-guiding and increased longevity
The XX1 Eagle™ chain is the quietest, strongest and most wear-resistant chain in the world
Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle™ cassettes and rings
XG-1299 Eagle™ Cassette – $699.95
SRAM’s cassette manufacturing technology provides the greatest durability and lightest weight
All-new shifting features create a smoother, quieter system with enhanced inboard and outboard shift performance
XD™ driver body compatible
10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 50
XX1 Eagle™ Crankset – $699.95
True competitors are always looking for a performance advantage—a relentless pursuit of equipment that is lighter, stiffer and stronger. To create the best drivetrain possible, we started with a completely reengineered crankset design. Our all-new XX1 Eagle™ crankset is the lightest, stiffest and strongest on the market. A special hollow internal architecture, combined with our proprietary CARBON TUNED™ lay-up, allows us to build a lightweight and ultra-energy-efficient crankset perfectly suited for the high-wattage output and smooth style of cross country riding and racing. Teamed up with a new Eagle™ direct mount chainring, and as an integral part of the Eagle™ drivetrain, the new XX1 Eagle™ crankset puts more focused power into every ride.
The lightest, stiffest, strongest crankset available
All-new SRAM CARBON TUNED™ crank technology provides extreme stiffness and light weight
All-new chainring technology is designed specifically for Eagle™ chains and drivetrains
The X-SYNC™ 2 chainring provides significantly quieter performance, with better mud clearing and extraordinary durability
XX1 Eagle™ Derailleur – $479.95
This new derailleur not only answers the Eagle™ drivetrain’s need for greater capacity, but is also the next evolution of our proven, 1x-specific X-HORIZON™ design. The larger, 14-tooth X-SYNC™ lower pulley, allows 10- to 50-tooth cassette capacity in this compact design, and also adds to Eagle’s overall smooth-pedaling feel. Our new, Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ features a smoother torque curve for a quieter, more consistent operation and feel. CAGE LOCK™ has been moved back and out of the way, protecting it from trail debris. A redesigned, robust mounting system further improves the Eagle™ derailleur’s performance and overall durability.
Completely redesigned rear derailleur incorporating our proven X-HORIZON™ design and new Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology
Re-engineered mounting system and repositioned CAGE LOCK™ add robustness
Eagle™ pulley technology provides greater efficiency, crisper shifting and quieter operation
Carbon cage and lightweight hardware make it light and tough
XX1 Eagle™ Trigger Shifter – $279.95
Tucked neatly beneath your handlebars, the XX1 Eagle™ X-ACTUATION™ trigger shifter is the nerve center of the Eagle™ drivetrain. Its internal works have been updated to include a 12th gear, and improved to enhance trigger feel, precision and durability. Whether you’re 3 laps into your race or 150 days into your season, the XX1 Eagle™ trigger shifter is your faithful 1x touch point.
New mechanism creates a smoother and more precise shifting system with exceptional reliability
Carbon trigger and cover reduce weight
Customisable setup via the adjustable pull-lever and MatchMaker™ X
XX1 Eagle™ Grip Shift – No pricing yet.
Three decades ago, SRAM was founded on a product called Grip Shift and an idea that shifting a bike should be easier, better and more intuitive. It’s more advanced than the original, but the all-new XX1 Eagle™ Grip Shift follows in the same tradition of making shifting easier, better and more intuitive. The new XX1 Eagle™ Grip Shift system includes new, robust internals that make it more durable and its’ shifting performance more precise. But just like the original, it is total control in the palm of your hand.
New Grip Shift mechanism takes SRAM’s original invention to an increased level of precision and durability.
Better feel and added toughness
Lightweight carbon cover
Eagle™ Chainring
The radical new look and feel of our X-SYNC™ 2 Eagle™ chainring is a direct result of SRAM drivetrain engineers studying the performance and wear characteristics of thousands of X-SYNC™ chainrings. We subjected every size of chainring to untold environmental and mechanical tortures, abuse and neglect, in both lab and real-world settings, to come up with a chainring that would augment the Eagle™ drivetrain’s performance in all conditions. The longer, positive-rake tooth shape has been designed to work perfectly with the new Eagle™ chain to increase chain retention and overall pedalling efficiency, while decreasing friction, noise and wear.
X-SYNC™ 2 chainring design increases chain retention, wear life, and reduces friction and noise.
Designed to be used with Eagle™ chain.
X01 Eagle™
The X01 Eagle™ drivetrain signals an exciting new era of freedom and the next level of uncompromising performance for enduro racers and aggressive trail riders. Watching the world’s best racers use our parts to battle against nature, physics and time itself, has inspired us to supply them with the most advanced tools we can develop. X01 Eagle™ takes everything you love about our pioneering 1x drivetrains and increases its wear life, toughness, precision, smooth and silent operation. Add to that the 10- to 50-tooth, 12-speed, Eagle™ cassette, and you have a range of gears that gives you the freedom to enjoy the benefit of 1x in any terrain, any location and at any speed. X01 Eagle™ is drivetrain freedom—how you exploit it is up to you.
X01 Eagle™ Chain – $119.95
It might look normal from the outside, but the engineering inside this incredible new chain design that makes possible a gear range previously found only in 2-chainring drivetrains. And it’s also the biggest contributor to the Eagle™ drivetrain’s ultra-smooth, precise, durable and quiet performance. The Eagle™ chain’s links have a smooth radius, with no sharp edges or chamfers, which yield a significant reduction in noise, friction and wear on chainrings and cassette cogs. This design also allows for a flatter plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and greater overall strength. HARD CHROME™ technology extends the chain’s optimal performance life, and a Titanium Nitride coating on the Gold and Black models decreases corrosion and further reduces friction.
Groundbreaking new chain design and technology
The Eagle™ chain has been completely re-engineered, and is produced with new manufacturing technology.
All-new Eagle™ PowerLock® chain connector with FLOW LINK™ technology provides better chain-guiding and increased longevity
The PC-1290 Eagle™ chain is the quietest, strongest and most wear-resistant chain in the world
Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle™ cassettes and rings
XG-1295 Eagle™ Cassette – $629.95
Take a quick look at the new X-DOME™ Eagle™ cassette. The last dangling shred of an argument in favour of a mountain bike front derailleur is now officially dead. Designed for use with our proven, reliable XD™ driver body, this 12-speed, 10- to 50-tooth cassette offers an optimal 500-percent gear range at a considerably lighter weight than 2x systems. It carries with it the X-DOME™ architecture, which, independent tests have concluded, yields the strongest cassettes on the market. New shifting characteristics improve both, inboard and outboard shifting, as well as chain retention.
SRAM’s cassette manufacturing technology provides the greatest durability and lightest weight
All-new shifting features create a smoother, quieter system with enhanced inboard and outboard shift performance
XD™ driver body compatible
10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 50
X01 Eagle™ Crankset – $649.95
We know you have a lot of choices when choosing a crankset, and that choice says a lot about your personal style. We designed the new X01 Eagle™ crankset for riders who feel most stylish when they stand on top of the podium. This is a completely reengineered design, employing our proprietary CARBON TUNED™ lay-up technology. Built tough, to handle aggressive lines through rock gardens and big hits wherever you find them, the new X01 Eagle™ is the strongest, stiffest, lightest crankset available. Combined with the new Eagle™ direct mount chainrings, and as an integral part of the Eagle™ drivetrain, this is a crankset that gives your ride a winning style—assuming you’re into that sort of thing.
The strongest, stiffest, lightest crankset available
All-new SRAM CARBON TUNED™ crank technology provides extreme stiffness and light weight
All-new chainring technology is designed specifically for Eagle™ chains and drivetrains
The X-SYNC™ 2 chainring provides significantly quieter performance, with better mud clearing and extraordinary durability
X01 Eagle™ Rear Derailleur – $379.95
This new derailleur not only answers the Eagle™ drivetrain’s need for greater capacity, but it’s also the next evolution of our proven, 1x-specific X-HORIZON™ design. The larger, 14-tooth X-SYNC™ lower pulley allows 10- to 50-tooth cassette capacity in this relatively compact design, and also adds to Eagle’s overall smooth-pedalling feel. Our new, Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ features a smoother torque curve for a quieter, more consistent operation and feel. CAGE LOCK™ has been moved back and out of the way, protecting it from trail debris. And a redesigned, robust mounting system further improves the Eagle™ derailleur’s performance and overall durability.
Completely redesigned rear derailleur incorporating our proven X-HORIZON™ design and new Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology
Re-engineered mounting system and repositioned CAGE LOCK™ add robustness
Eagle™ pulley technology provides greater efficiency, crisper shifting and quieter operation
Aluminium cage and lightweight hardware make it light and tough
X01 Eagle™ Trigger Shifter – $219.95
Tucked neatly beneath your handlebars, the X01 Eagle™ X-ACTUATION™ trigger shifter is the nerve centre of the Eagle™ drivetrain. Its internal works have been updated to include a 12th gear, and improved to enhance trigger feel, precision and durability. Whether you’re 4 stages into the race or days away from civilisation, the X01 Eagle™ trigger shifter is your faithful 1x touch point.
New mechanism creates a smoother and more precise shifting system with exceptional reliability
Forged aluminium trigger designed to take a beating
Customisable setup via the adjustable pull-lever and MatchMaker™ X
X01 Eagle™ Grip Shift – No pricing yet.
Three decades ago, SRAM was founded on a product called Grip Shift, and an idea that shifting a bike should be easier, better and more intuitive. It’s more advanced than the original, but the all-new X01 Eagle™ Grip Shift follows in the same tradition of making shifting easier, better and more intuitive. The new X01 Eagle™ Grip Shift system includes new, robust internals that make it more durable and its shifting performance more precise. But just like the original, it is total control in the palm of your hand.
Eagle™ Chainring
The radical new look and feel of our X-SYNC™ 2 Eagle™ chainring is a direct result of SRAM drivetrain engineers studying the performance and wear characteristics of thousands of X-SYNC™ chainrings. We subjected every size of chainring to untold environmental and mechanical tortures, abuse and neglect, in both lab and real-world settings, to come up with a chainring that would augment the Eagle™ drivetrain’s performance in all conditions. The longer, positive-rake tooth shape has been designed to work perfectly with the new Eagle™ chain to increase chain retention and overall pedalling efficiency, while decreasing friction, noise and wear.
X-SYNC™ 2 chainring design increases chain retention, wear life, and reduces friction and noise.
Designed to be used with Eagle™ chain.