SRAM XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur [Rider Review]

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SRAM offers a wide range of models of drivetrains. If you're looking for the lightest and the absolute top of the line shifting, look no further than the SRAM XX1! Our friend, Joo has been running the XX1 derailleur. See what they think!

Overview

For my recent bike build, I purchased the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur - 12 Speed, Lunar Max 52T 520% Range from the guys at Worldwide Cyclery. As always, the purchase experience and customer service were excellent. I had been using the Sram XO1 Eagle (50T range) on my previous bike for the last 4 years which I really enjoyed and had no issues with. I do not consider myself a weight weenie at all, but if you are one the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur is only minimally lighter than the Sram XO1 Eagle (you are paying about $100 extra for about 11 grams of weight savings). However, with all of the supply chain issues going on, I decided to go with the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur since Worldwide Cyclery had it in stock along with the other drivetrain items I needed.

The installation of the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur was pretty straightforward and simple. I like to work on my own bikes but I am definitely no expert. Out of the box, I'd have to say that the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur is a great-looking item (Sram did it right with the "lunar" stealth look in my opinion). The Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur not only looks great but it is also an item that just feels like a quality built product upon touch and exam. One of the features I really like about Sram derailleurs is the cage lockout which makes it easier to work on the derailleur or chain. For the 52T 520% range, Sram requires and provides in the box an updated chain gap adjustment guide tool. I only had prior experiences using the older chain gap guide tool. You really can't mess up! I found it to be super intuitive to use and I actually prefer it over the older guide tool. Just remember to place your chain in the 2nd largest cog. Securing the derailleur to the bike frame was seamless and I appreciate that Sram provides torque specs on the product itself. Feeding and securing the shift cable and setting the high and low limits were also simple to do. Keep in mind, Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur does not come with cable housing. Indexing the gears took a little bit of work but nothing out of the ordinary.

I had the opportunity to ride my bike a handful of times leading up to this review. Honestly, the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur shifts like a dream! I am running the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur with a Sram XO1 Eagle shifter, cassette, and chain. The shifts are quick, precise, smooth, and relatively quiet so far during my first few rides. Even under load, the bike shifts great but you definitely feel the shifts. The Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur design appears to keep an appropriate amount of tension on the chain so I have not noticed much chain slap.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase of the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur from Worldwide Cyclery. Installation was easy and so far it performs great on the trails. Yes, the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur is a little pricey but you get what you pay for right? I would definitely recommend the Sram XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur to others.