Many riders were stoked when SRAM launched their 12-speed
GX Eagle drivetrain last year. It offered a high level of performance at a more affordable price than its XX1 and X01 Eagle siblings. Now, that technology is available at the NX level with an even lower price tag.
SRAM also moves away from the XD driver body for NX, with the 12-speed cassette mating with a standard 8, 9, 10 speed splined SRAM or Shimano driver body - which will further increase compatibility and allow upgrades to a 1x12 system without having to switch drivers.
SRAM NX Eagle Details• 1x, 12-speed drivetrain
• 11-50 tooth cassette
• 8, 9, 10 speed splined driver body compatible
• DUB BB compatible
• Weight: 2049 grams
• Price: $375 USD
• Available: September 2018
•
www.sram.com GX Eagle was half the price of the XX1 Eagle and had similar performance. Priced at only $375 USD, (shifter, derailleur, cassette, cranks, chainring, and chain), the new NX Eagle system is even easier on the wallet and it still performs incredibly well. It does come with a weight increase 202 grams, but the functionality of the group will be difficult to tell apart. The big story with NX is the cassette. Rather than requiring an XD driver body, it mounts on the tried and true splined drivers common to SRAM and Shimano 10-speed freehubs, which are a lot more common and also less expensive. That's good news for companies trying to pack even more value into their entry- to mid-level bikes - this gruppo will likely be a common sight on bikes in that price bracket for 2019.
NX Eagle is compatible with all SRAM 12-speed Eagle drivetrains (meaning you can mix and match parts). More compatibility is always better in my mind, especially when you've already emptied your piggy bank on gas and ramen to get to your summer riding destination, then inevitably crash and damage part of your drivetrain on your first day there.
There are a lot of similarities in the NX Eagle drivetrain with GX Eagle but, the cassette is a different story.
All New Cassette The big change for NX Eagle is the splined-driver-style cassette. The XD driver that SRAM has been using for the last several years works well and is great in terms of making a lightweight system with a wide range of gears. However, when it comes to compatibility across wheelsets, for those looking to switch from a lower end drivetrain, or anyone already using a splined driver body, the associated costs to switch to the XD driver can add up quickly. If you are lucky, you'll just need to buy a new driver body, but a lot of hubs don't have that option, so you would be looking at a new wheel or wheel-set in addition to the drivetrain, making what was at first a somewhat affordable GX Eagle upgrade quickly double in price.
The new NX Eagle cassette mates right up to an 8/9/10 speed splined freehub, so you can't have that ten tooth cassette cog. NX cassettes begin with an 11-tooth, sacrificing a tiny amount of gear range. Some people may want to pick this apart as a negative, but really, most aren't going to notice a difference and if you do, you can always use a larger chainring.
The 11 by 50 tooth cassette mounts on a standard splined driver body.
The cassette is made out of 12 stamped steel cogs. The largest four gears are bound together with stainless steel pins and then the rest of the cogs slide onto the freehub body individually. There's a normal lock-ring holding everything together, and as a side note, the NX cassette is also the only Eagle cassette designed to be strong enough to use on E-Bikes. The 50-tooth bail-out gear, as some call it, could actually bail you out if you run out of power on a big e-xcursion. The NX Eagle cassette weighs 615 grams and retails for $100 USD - yes, it's heftier than GX by 167 grams, but it's also $95 less.
Cranks
The NX Eagle crankarms are 6000 series forged aluminum. They are designed to be used with SRAM's X-SYNC 2 chainrings and interface with SRAM's DUB bottom bracket system. They're available in 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm lengths and come with a 32 tooth steel chainring for $105 USD.
Shifter, Derailleur, and Chain
The NX Eagle shifter, derailleur, and chain are very similar to the GX versions. There are no major changes between the two groups, and NX shares all
of the same features, benefits, and technologies as GX. The biggest difference is NX components are manufactured from more affordable materials and weigh a bit more. The shifter sells for $42, the derailleur for $107, and the chain for $26 USD.
The shifter is no frills, but still it's still Matchmaker compatible and it functioned flawlessly.
Performance I have been riding the NX Eagle group for almost two months at this point. A lot of that time has been in rain and mud, optimal conditions for accelerating wear on a drivetrain, and I have zero complaints with the NX group. Comparing it to the GX group that I had been running on the same bike for a few months prior, the shifting and overall performance are nearly impossible to tell apart.
| I really can't find anything to pick apart in this drivetrain. It simply works and works well. |
The shifter is smooth and firm in its action. The large paddle tends to be the first piece to loosen up on any shifter as it wears, especially on more budget oriented models, but the NX has stayed firm and there's no play in it to date. Although it lacks the adjustability of the higher end XX1 and X01 models, it's comfortable and by no means feels "cheap" as some other more affordable shifters do.
I have not dropped or broken a chain, and despite the poor conditions I've ridden in, the drivetrain is as quiet as any other Eagle group in those same elements. From the small cog to the 50-tooth bail-out gear, everything is smooth, quiet, and crisp both up and down. I am starting to notice some wear on the finish of the cassette in my more commonly used gears, as to be expected, but performance has not degraded in any way.
I really can't find anything to pick apart in this drivetrain. It simply works and works well, at that. Yes, it's heavier, and maybe a little clunkier than XX1 or X01 Eagle, but you can also buy the entire drivetrain for less than what a XX1 cassette costs. As far as practicality and ease of use, it's exactly what it should be.
Pinkbike's Take: | SRAM offering a 12 speed 1x drivetrain that doesn't necessitate an upgrade to an XD driver from your existing splined freehub may not be a step forward in technology, but it will be a huge move in terms of practicality for a lot of riders. The NX Eagle drivetrain is going to be the "go-to" for a lot of riders looking for an affordable and reliable 1x set up. —Daniel Sapp |
You really do not need 12 speed if you are getting a cog spread such as this one: 11-13-15-17-19-22-25-28-32-36-42-50. In increments that is a rather ridiculous 2-2-2-2-3-3-3-4-4-6-8: completely redundant first 5 gears AND a huge gap on top ...
11-13t = 18% difference
42-50t = 19% difference
So the first gap of 2t is almost equal to the last gap of 8t.
This may be the first time I expect to hear SRAM moaning about changing standards...
Just because the old “I’m fine with what I’ve got” thing gets said every time doesn’t mean we can keep going forever. And I know there are options but a 615g cassette has me thinking maybe it’s time to put the kool aid down for realz this time.
He told me he does ride mountainbikes though. Not sure what type. If he's just ripping a steel hardtail with an XT group, I'm going to laugh at all you prejudiced PBers .
That gives us 18-15-13-12-16-14-12-14-13-17-19
Which makes a lot of sense...
Now that I finally get to talk to a dentist mountainbiker on Pinkbike. Do you think the teeth on your chainrings and cassette last longer than that of others? If so, tell me how it's done!
@Caiokv: Wasn't that what he had already?
Preach it, Reverend!!!!
I ran 11 sp XT for a bit and it functioned great, had enough range, and was affordable.
On GX 11 sp now and it also functions great w/ enough range.
The next bike i purchase will have 12 sp by default, but it's a senseless upgrade for me at this time.
But please stop at 12...... just please..... enough is enough.
So do you have a recommended change to the spread so the SRAM engineers can be learned?
Just makes you want to say 'fk it' and go gearbox!
Please report back, Vinny. That's what you get for speaking up.
My guess is Yeti or Pivot (no hate, just sayin').
Or "I dunno... i think it's an S-Works".
You do not need 12 speed with a 11-50, i.e. 454% range ... all you are getting with this cassette is 5 redundant low gears, the corresponding need for extra shifts, and an overdrive. Not to mention that at 615 grams this is heavier than any conceivable dual set up (and offers much worse gearing) ... it is ridiculous.
I bet We can tell a lot about your dentist by his bike...
@wasatchenduro - I’d put money on a yeti or a Santa Cruz... maybe I say that because I’m eyeing a Mach 5.5...
www.sram.com/sram/mountain/products/xg-899-e-block-cassette
And sadly, the XD parts to swap those hubs quickly turn THAT conversion into a $500-$600 process with a new cassette. FML!
Why can't we have affordable option of steel cogs riveted to aluminum carriers like the old days of 8 and 9spd Deore XT?
On the subject of teeth changes: they could make every gap the same over an 11-50 spread if they did 11 12.6 14.5 16.6 19.1 21.9 25.1 28.8 33.1 37.9 43.5 50 but you can't do a fractional tooth so tough cookies. If you're going to gripe, do the math right and complain about 2 through 5 being a little off. And even then, SRAM has decades of R&D plus real-world testing and feedback which has likely led them to some very compelling reasons to lengthen the gap between the lower gears.
If you dont like it dont buy it. No reason to shit on everything. Also I've used eagle and the gear spacing feels pretty good on the trail. Numbers on paper are not always equal to real world functionality. No go run along and and get back to yelling at clouds and praising the miracle of the front derailleur
But you know what? Come back in two years and try to prove me wrong. Good luck!
8 speed for $35.
After so many years of mountain biking, I've realized that the new stuff looks nice, but the trickle down is really where it's at.
Yeah, sure.
If you like to put 615 g (!) of poorly engineered 11-50s unsprung rotational weight to your rear wheel, it's up to you...
For that same price you can get a very well engineered and durable XT 11-46 11s cassette which is 120g less...
And if you really think the 4 t difference on the larger cog worth the 120g difference at this precise location (unsprung rotational weight), you make a big mistake...
Because how the fook can you even pedal on an 11-42?
#sarcasm
#slowdayatwork
Concerning myself I run a 11-42 shim XT cassette (445g) with one up shark 10 teeth cluster and a 30 teeth chainring.
Never did the math on how extended is the range, but it works perfectly for me, all the more that the 30 teeth ring contribute to increase a little the AS value of my Knolly Warden, which is quite low.
That being said, I'm glad to see this as I'm looking to upgrade my wifes 2x 9 speed to a single. I'll be keeping her threaded bottom bracket though.
Money saved by specing NX is going to be straight profit for the bike companies and will not be passed along to the end user.
Aeffect stem on all models up to and including the Xo1 level. DT 350 hubs on Xo1 level bikes. They cheaped the builds out big time.
SRAM: hold my beer
The splined freehub body that we’ve used for 3 decades is long due for replacement. I’m past exhaustion on gouged splines from cassettes. I’m stoked for a new/better design.
the freehub on my tandem is made from Titanium. The hub is made by Hadley. No gouges, even though it is asked to carry 500 lbs. when fully loaded, with 2 people pedaling.
Also, Hope sells a steel Shimano / SRAM freehub. Take your pick, weight or cost. Can't have both.
This doesn't exclude NX eagle being nice - hyperglide stuff is literally everywhere and not going anywhere except for high end mtb. think of all the bikes out there with blown out drivetrains that will get NX on there, plus lower-end oem.
for beginner riders / budget where "more gears = better" (and more range actually maybe is better for them) they'll get 1x 12sp. and they can buy XD freehub or wheelset later if they want. this will be shwoing up on $1200 hardtails soon.
Sick! I think White Industries does the same. So cool. Almost bought one but opted for the Project321 stealth version but also shiny silver like White does.
bikerumor.com/2011/07/11/kirk-pacenti-offers-open-source-freehub-design-suggests-industry-moves-forward
it was rad and came out in 2011.
Nothing holy about it other than most people whine incessantly about changing standards around here...
Practically speaking, I can't recall when I last needed the 11t or even 13t on my bike, so having the 10t is definitely a luxury more than a necessity.
Besides the 1051 Shimano introduced two 1045 (450%) cassettes for 2019 with the option of either 12 speeds (for cross-country racing) OR 11 speed. 12 speed 1150 for general use is just silly ...
Once again practically speaking comparing the SRAM 10-50 with Shimano 10-51, the extra 10% range (huge or not) works out to 1 tooth at the extreme low end, basically inperceivable.
I really wonder why SRAM didn't offer a 10-46 11spd cassette.. That would give most riders ask they really need IMO
12 spd 11-50 NX cassette - 615g - $100
Not throwing dirt on SRAM though. They have their way to do their cassettes, and I'm actually using a mix of X1/GX 11sp drivetrain on my bike, just paired to a Sunrace 11-46 cassette because it has a splined interface as my rear hub, greater total range than the SRAM available options, and better gear spacing than the Shimano ones. It doesn't have to be your cup of tea.
To everyone saying Shimano is way behind what about SLX 11speed 11-46t, it's been out for ages, is just as good value (if not better) has a shadow mech that wont get wiped out by every rock, is just as compatible and the cassette is 150g lighter (which is a big deal for un-sprung mass)
Once you forget about the 12 speed hype the marketing teams tell you you need its the smart option (XTR still has an 11 speed option because the pros didn't want 12) if you really need those extra 4 teeth at the top then go Eagle but in the real world i doubt many will care between 46 and 50t.
But how many bikes does SLX come on? And Shimano is so cheap aftermarket there is not reason not to run XT.
An SLX build 11spd, with an 11-46t rear cluster will set you back less money than this, but paired with a 30t front chainring, will deliver similar gearing inches.
Weightwise, the Shimano group comes in at about 150 grams less weight.
Honestly, what is the advantage of 12 over 11 speeds, apart from the one gear?
Is it worth 150 grams?
You can build up the SLX for $265 USD or about $310 CAD at CRC, so.....
Am I missing something here?
Thats why i run a 30t... i will coast down over walk up any day.
You think SRAM stuff is expensive now, wait until Shimano truly gives up on the low volume mountain bike market.
Don't mistake "being first to market" with "being best". Of course, "best" doesn't equal "best selling" either.
the fact that not only can sram field amazing xx1 1200 dollar tech but also have a sub 400 dollar groupset that functions within 85% of their top end is a testament to who is doing it better.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16C3Rz6qmzmurSNd-L3IeMSFukkBFV6D1DRbfS59EDrE
It's row 37 at the moment. The closest competitor is actually a ZTTO, though Sunrace's CSMZ90 is also very similar. All three have even progressions.
DAYUM
Speaking of SRAM/Rockshox together..... the problem is the OE experience.
I'm totally cool with bike co's speccing SRAM/RS all over the damn place until you get to the Reverb post. the one chink in the armor. But whatcha gonna do.
Indeed. My spesh command post is insanely reliable and nut-smackingly fast and I love it..... just needs another inch of drop.
Anyways, I really like sram stuff for the most part. And this makes total sense business-wise. But I´m not really excited about it. Rather get the xd driver and go GX, atleast for the cassette.
I sadly ripped the derailleur apart when a branch made contact with it but it has been replaced since (the gx eagle derailleurs are still hard to source in canada as far as availability goes). The new derailleur has a really crisp feel and just feels so smooth. My only gripe would be the quality of the pulley wheels. After a rough autumn and the occasional spring muddy ride, one of the pulleys almost seized even though I cleaned and regreased them. The derailleur has a bit of side-to-side play but you can't feel it on a trail.
www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-suisse-bike-mechanical-costs-christian-a-shot-at-stage-victory
Dropping the chain can happen on a traditional drivetrain with a front derailleur, and Christian's mechanical could be down to a number of factors - low clutch tension, a slightly too-long chain, the lack of a chain guide and a number of other reasons could all be to fault.
However, a rattling from the rear derailleur at the finish line suggests low clutch tension, or a failed clutch system, could have been the cause of the dropped chain and the reason Christian lost time.
Sram didn't invent 1x , they just labeled it their inventition .... ''1x technology''... People were running Shimano 1x 10+ years ago..
Why mention E bikes?
Are you new to PB?
This publication is primarily about Enduro DH and XC.
Why mention motor bikes?
Or crutch bikes as I like to call them.
But overall, Shimano’s lack of innovation and engineering excellence is ignored in favor of positive brand image from 8 years ago from when they were the best.
Lack of innovation and engineering excellence? LOL...when XT is more durable and more reliable than XX1 despite being cheaper than GX? I guess you'll see what you want to see...but you gotta be smoking some quality stuff to really believe this.
The sad thing is that there's no objective reason to say that Shimano isn't already fantastic. You can say you like SRAM better for personal reasons but to say Shimano could be "so much better"...i'd love to hear some objectivity as to how. They already make the best brakes in the business, and when they launch their drivetrains they are properly developed and tested...unlike the miscues and recalls that happen with every single SRAM launch. As you said both brands have their duds, but Shimano's "duds" are dumb ideas with excellent craftsmanship and quality (like dual-control, or 40t 1x cassettes, for instance) whereas SRAMs "duds" are poorly designed AND poorly executed (like the Reverb, or all Avid/Elixir brakes for instance).
Their respective mottos are painfully obvious: SRAM - get it out first and make it look good, Shimano - get it out right and make it last.
The new hub is interesting, but the engagement isn't anything special and the way they are rolling it out to the market may make it dead on arrival.
They need to do a better job of marketing the alloy cranks and telling me why they are better than carbon because it seems like a company stuck in their ways rather than innovating. Same with the bearings in the hubs.
And for being the "masters of metal" they still can't match the way SRAM machines their cassettes.
Want to believe the brakes are fixed, but they will have to prove it to me.
Shimano is big enough right now that they can push back against the future. Right now they are playing catch up by hitting infield singles.
what was the miscues that happened with the Eagle launch? It's hard to adjust and set up right?
Better job of marketing their alloy cranks? The ones that are just as light, while being cheaper and more durable than SRAMs carbon equivalents? You don't need marketing when the product speaks for itself.
SRAM's cassette machining? Huh? You mean their $400-500 cassettes? Show me a $400-500 Shimano cassette and we'll take a look at the machining.
Current Shimano brakes are the benchmark against which all others are judged. Go ahead, start a poll...Shimano wins with Hope in second. Hope makes great brakes and you could argue they are just as good as Shimano, but they are also double the price.
As for Eagle miscues- just Google "SRAM Eagle pulley issue".
Second bike in the article..
www.pinkbike.com/news/interbike-mike-day-4-2007.html
A little hefty on the cassette compared to Shimano's 11-46 11spd cassette....but otherwise well done.
Take that Shimano!
I'm not a Sram guy (32 yrs Mnt. Biking) but this News is bigger than Shimano 12 spd.