Test: farewell to front derailleurs! With the EAGLE drives, SRAM finally said goodbye to the 2-speed drive and now, in addition to the high-end versions XX1 Eagle and X0 Eagle, also supplies a version for the small purse, the SRAM GX Eagle.
[blog style=”def” cols=”2″ display=”specific” specific=”71367″ posts_per_page=”0″ offset=”0″ pagination=”no” ad_id=”0″ ad_count=”3″ ad_repeat=”yes”]When a relatively inconspicuous package arrived at the Velomotion editorial office, the excitement was quite high – the contents: the brand-new SRAM GX Eagle. After a joint unboxing and some technical discussions, the question was: How does it perform in terms of weight, workmanship, and, above all, function – also in comparison to the almost 1.000 The higher-end version, the XX1 Eagle, is a bit more expensive. Due to its weight, the GX Eagle appeals more to enduro riders than cross-country racers. So, we headed for our enduro test bike, an Orange Alpine 160.
The assembly starts. For the sake of convenience, we used the cable routing that we had already laid, threaded it in, mounted the rear derailleur, cassette and crank and after adjustment everything was done. The heraldic animal, the eagle, was prominently enthroned on all components as a sign of the freedom that the high bandwidth brings with it. 500%, 10-50, the cassette hangs heavily on the wheel. The size ratio to the brake disc is unusual, because the GX Eagle cassette is significantly larger than the 180mm disc and completely covers it when viewed from the side. There is undoubtedly climbing potential here.
SRAM GX Eagle: Strong performance in all conditions
The first test ride was in the Bavarian Forest, a route peppered with long but also technical climbing passages over blocked downhills to fast and flowing descents. This is where the potential of the 500% bandwidth becomes apparent. The individual gears can be easily shifted up and down, even under load. The chain also glides remarkably smoothly onto the 50 gauge ring. Paired with a 32 chainring at the front, the first 1000 meters in altitude can also be mastered without much effort. Arriving at the summit, the first small check is due, everything is in the right place and no readjustment is necessary. Not even mud, sand and forest soil had an impact on the shifting performance.
According to SRAM, the chain on all EAGLE drives is slightly narrower than on conventional 11-speed drives, which can lead to a more vulnerable drive. But we didn't notice that during all the test kilometers and test altitude meters and speaks for the robustness of the SRAM GX Eagle.
It's downhill again, the initial very technical S4 passages also require one or the other stone contact on the rear derailleur, crank and chain ring, which, apart from a few small scratches, have not suffered any damage. The faster and flowier it gets, the more relevant the wide-ranged cassette in combination with the 32-tooth chainring becomes. The last bit of speed is noticeable here in the form of a broad grin.
| Weight in g | XX1 Eagle (manufacturer) | X0 Eagle (manufacturer) | GX Eagle (manufacturer) | GX Eagle (Reweighed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crank | 465 | 495 | 662 | 636 |
| Cassette | 355 | 355 | 450 | 456 |
| Chain | 250 | 250 | 258 | 277 |
| Derailleur | 267 | 276 | 290 | 295 |
| trigger | 122 | 126 | 122 | 132 |
| Total | 1456 | 1502 | 1782 | 1796 |
SRAM GX Eagle: Convincing workmanship and stability
After about 200 kilometers, 6.000 meters of altitude and 10.000 meters of descent, the test was over and passed. During the entire test period, the SRAM GX Eagle was exposed to all weather conditions (except snow), water and mud, washing and oil. Everything that constitutes intensive use. The GX Eagle has proven its stability in various falls and environmental influences, and it was not necessary to adjust the cable tension afterwards.
SRAM GX Eagle: The next step in development
The X-SYNC 2 technology introduced with the Eagle series promises significantly less chain noise and less wear. The FULL-PIN technology on the cassette creates a stable and dirt-resistant steel cage similar to the X-DOME technology of the X0 Eagle and XX1 Eagle with the help of stamped steel rings which are connected to each other by stainless steel pins. The cage lock has also changed a bit and has moved a little to the rear.
Measured by the price-performance ratio, the SRAM GX Eagle can be recommended at any time with a clear conscience. Only the trigger was saved on the setting options. Unlike the X0 and XX1 models, this cannot be adjusted on the thumb lever. With the GX trigger, the distances between the two levers are set at the factory and cannot be changed.
