SRAM GX Eagle Groupset [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

SRAM's GX Eagle is one of the most versatile groupsets available, finding its way onto bikes of all kinds; everything from trail cruising hardtails to mountain smashing enduro machines. Our friend Anthony recently said goodbye to his front derailleur and upgraded to GX Eagle and hasn't looked back. Read on for more!

Overview

I’ve been riding the same bike for 7 years with upgrades/ mods going as far as changing the handlebar grips. Finally, after riding with some buddies I was convinced I needed some kind of upgrade. New bikes are WAY too expensive, so I set out to upgrade my bike for less than $1000. I put a dropper post in, new handlebars, tires, rotors, pads, and last but not least, a groupset. My old group set, a 2 x 10, was beyond toast. Skipped like crazy and shifted like a 15yr old with a learner permit in his daddy’s 1980 F150. After reading reviews and looking at prices, the GX Eagle was the way to go. Besides FedEx chasing their tail, shipping was a piece of cake! When it finally showed up, I had it installed within an hour of its arrival (mostly because I tracked the package and was waiting at the door with tools in hand and the bike on a stand).

Installation was a delicious piece of cake as everything snapped and bolted in place with ease. Spent more time fiddling with the derailleur than installing as I had to watch a series of YouTube videos to dial it in. Note: I am a car mechanic and know close to nothing about bikes so I know when things line up and bolt in but the tuning was a little too much for my brain so I had a friend tune it to a tee. The ability to attach the shifter to my brake bracket was also another sweet treat. Really cleaned up my handlebars, especially going from having a front derailleur.

After installing, I went on a ride the next day, and HOLY MOLY! Climbing became almost too easy with the 52-toothed cog. I feel like I could climb Everest without putting a foot down with this group set – okay maybe I would take one break...

Every shift was silky smooth and there was no more jumping or chattering during shifts.

And at the other end of the spectrum, this thing allows you to CHARGE downhill. It is always a nice feeling when you think you’re going as fast as you can and then decide to see if you have another cog awaiting the chain – your thumb itches to press that shifter and suddenly the shifter clicks and the chain rolls over to the last cog…oh yeah, now we're cruising. And of course, this goes in the opposite direction too. Climbing and starting to feel like you're about to give the last pedal stroke but you shift and boom! You take off! Such a great feeling.

Final Thoughts

Needless to say, I am truly impressed with the SRAM GX Eagle groupset and it has allowed me to easily accomplish climbs I could not have done on my previous setup. I recommend this to anyone looking to improve their drivetrain as it will improve your outlook on the climbs, which some (me) may argue is the worst part of biking. :P