Imagery provided by SRAM
A few weeks after overhauling its popular Force AXS groupset for road and gravel, SRAM has returned to the well and pulled the curtains back on a complete overhaul of its SRAM Eagle AXS groupset family. Comprised of 3 different groupsets that are wholly modular, the new release is a case of evolution and revolution as the interface between frame, wheel, and drivetrain has been rethought. From e-MTB-specific cranks, integrated power meters and increased durability to a hangerless rear derailleur design, there’s a lot to chew through. Read on below to find out all you need to know about the SRAM XX SL, XX and XO Eagle AXS transmissions.
Derailleur Hangers are on Notice.
Derailleur hangers have always been a pain point for riders. Responsible for attaching the rear derailleur to a bike's frame, the hanger is designed to bend and bear in case of a rock strike or accident and be replaceable. They’re also prone to bending slightly over time, leading to misaligned chains and poor shifting. With its latest release, SRAM is seemingly looking to kill off the derailleur hanger altogether by mounting the derailleur directly to the frame.
The new derailleur style is the heart of the evolved system and occupies the spot where a universal derailleur hanger (UDH) previously sat. Instead, the derailleur now hugs both sides of the rear dropout and, once aligned during installation, is designed to be set and forget. Yep, no indexing screws or tweaking is required. To assist with the new process, SRAM has provided a simple-to-follow installation process, while the AXS app itself gives set-up information around chain length based on your crank and cassette size.
The direct-mount derailleur boasts quite impressive performance and durability claims to boot. Arguably the main concern end users will have is the lack of a rear derailleur hanger to take the brunt of an impact. Won’t the frame be at risk of damage? SRAM accounts for this with impact-compensating motors that absorb an impact and then shift the derailleur back to its last known position and the ability to rotate in the event of a frontal impact. Further aiding in durability is that side impacts are designed to be transferred into the thru-axle that ties the system together rather than the frame itself.
In addition to overall derailleur durability, SRAM has increased the clutch force, resulting in higher chain tension. This, combined with an all-new robust lower pulley wheel dubbed “Magic Pulley”, and the claims are more than just marketing speak; they hold up on the trail. While the pulley itself sadly does not possess magical abilities, it can keep spinning the drivetrain if a stick or similar debris is lodged in the pulley wheel spokes.
Slick Shifting
One of the key goals of the updated transmission system was to improve the shifting quality while under load. There are a few bits of tech to make this happen, but ultimately it comes down to the flattop chain, enlarged jockey wheels and an updated tooth profile on the rear cassette. As seen with direct mount derailleur hangers, having a strong and stiff derailleur mounting point, in this case, directly to the frame, results in much more direct and sharper shifting characteristics. Combine this with an upgraded X-Sync tooth design whereby all cassette teeth have a narrow-wide configuration and some smarts in the derailleur itself, and SRAM says that over shifts, or mis-shifts, are a thing of the past. The derailleur ensures the chain is seated on each cog and knows where the shift gates are to ensure the crispest shifts up and down the cassette. While likely not as fast as its main competition in Shimano, this precision looks like a welcome addition out on the trail.
In news that should appease e-mtb fans, the new Eagle groups are designed to be shifted under load, so the same refinements mentioned above are carried over to those who prefer to ride with assistance.
Finally, the AXS controllers have been upgraded for all groups, having a much smaller form factor than their predecessor. The updated pods offer a significant amount of adjustability. They can be shifted both side to side, fore, and aft once mounted to the bar, allowing riders to dial in their ideal position. The shift buttons on the pods have also seen an update, with an updated textured surface available in a concave or flat profile allowing riders to mix and match to suit their preferences.
Pricing and Availability
The all-new SRAM Eagle XX SL, XX, and X0 transmissions are now hitting bike store workshops and online stores. Contact your nearest bike store for local availability.
On pricing and somewhat unsurprisingly, all this smart tech does come at a cost:
Top tier XX SL groupsets start at AU$3,780, rising to $4,639 for those who opt for an integrated power meter.
The mid-tier XX is slightly more palatable at $3,522 for a complete groupset, while a power meter adds a further $429.
X0 transmissions are available in a few different configurations, starting at $2,748 for a regular groupset.
Pricing correct at time of publishing
Want to learn about the fundamentals of your mountain bike drive train? Check out our comprehensive Guide to Mountain Bike Groupsets for all you need to know.
