SRAM GET ONE UP ON SHIMANO
Top-tier 12-speed Eagle transmissions get a wider gear range
Thanks to a new 10-52t cassette, SRAM’s GX, X01 and XX1 Eagle 12-speed transmissions now offer riders an even wider gear range, which equates to 520 per cent. While the previous 10-50t cassette will remain an option (and will still likely be the choice of many pro crosscountry racers), SRAM are hoping that by broadening the range a little further, there’s less chance of riders having to get off their bike and push when the climbs get really steep. We also can’t help thinking that they wanted to get one up on Shimano and their 10-51t cassette!
With the jumps between the 10t and 42t cogs remaining the same as on the 10-50t cassette, the only real difference is that there’s now a bigger gap (10t) from the 42t to the 52t cog. That’s a 23.8 per cent jump, compared to 19 per cent on the older cassette. Both designs fit onto SRAM’s XD Driver body. The new GX Eagle cassette seen here is made up of 11 stamped steel sprockets that are pinned together with the largest cog, which is alloy, and weighs a respectable 453g.
In order to accommodate the 52t sprocket, SRAM have had to update their GX, X01 and XX1 Eagle rear mechs (the AXS Eagle derailleur was designed to be compatible from the outset) with a new pulley-wheel offset, a shorter cage, and new spring and pivot hardware. This should all help create more chain wrap, boosting cassette life and improving shifting accuracy. Unfortunately, firstgeneration Eagle rear mechs won’t work with the new wider-range cassette. Aside from a new carbon GX Eagle crankset option, the other components haven’t really changed, although SRAM have rolled out new colour options across all three drivetrains (including a cool copper option on XX1 Eagle). The full GX Eagle transmission seen here weighs 1,906g and will set you back £495.