SRAM GX Eagle - Best Drivetrain for the Money? | Product Overview

When SRAM originally released its Eagle drivetrain in 2016, it took the industry by storm. As the first 1x drivetrain of its kind, it set the standard for others to follow and has completely transformed the future of mountain bike drivetrains. With the addition of GX Eagle, upgrading to 12 speed is now easier and more affordable, making it the obvious choice for riders seeking greater range and keeping quality parts on their bike.

In this overview, we discuss the SRAM GX Eagle groupset which includes cassette, shifter, derailleur, and chain. Priced at just under $500, this kit offers some serious bang for the buck.

Starting with the Cassette, the GX Eagle drivetrain will still offer the 10-50t cogs set up with 500% gear range. The biggest difference will be construction and weight. The GX cassette will be manufactured out of pressed steel plates, pinned together instead of being machined from a block of aluminum like the more expensive X01 and XX1 versions of Eagle. The design features a very open area with room for mud and dirt clearance that will ultimately improve shifting and the lifespan of the cassette altogether. The same technology used in the high-end models was incorporated into the GX cassette. X-GLIDE 2 improves both the inboard and outboard shifting as well as the chain retention.

This leads us to the GX Rear Derailleur. Also featuring the same technology as it’s predecessors, the GX Rear Derailleur features the Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH for a smooth and quiet shifting experience. The CAGE LOCK design was moved slightly to improve durability and the mounting system also experienced a change to improve the overall performance of the derailleur. This derailleur can be used with all other forms of Eagle components so if you don’t have quite enough money to replace your busted XX1 derailleur. The GX will hold you off in the meantime! Note that it will not work with a front derailleur so do not even try to make it work…

The GX shifter embodies the high-performance Sram is known for but at a moderately cheaper price. The levers are machined out of aluminum and provide a crisp and precise shift for the rider. Featuring the MatchMaker mount, there are two positions a rider can mount the shifter as well as providing a clean mount to attach on Sram brake levers. This design cleans up clutter in the cockpit and gives you a nice clean looking bike.

The GX Chain is the heart of the Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, ensuring quiet operation, long life, and precise shifting. Same link geometry as XX1 Eagle, with solid pins and a more modest finish treatment. This chain will not work with a front derailleur!

For riders trying to get set up on the latest and greatest technology but don’t have the funds to look like a pro, the GX Eagle Drivetrain will perform almost exactly the same for a fraction of the cost. With a sleek black finish and clean mounting, this cost-efficient group set will keep your rig looking nice and riding just like the pros. Well, Maybe. That ultimately depends on you but at least you will be running the same technology as the pros!