SRAM Eagle 12 Speed Transmission Unveiled!
March 24th, 2016
By Andrew Dodd in Tech
The Eagle has landed – SRAM Eagle 12 speed unveiled!
Just when you thought you had got round the huge spread of an 11speed cassette, SRAM have released the latest advancement – a 12speed cassette!
The Eagle 12 speed set-up features a monster 10-50 spread, and is available over X01 and XX1 transmissions.
That’s ten-to-fifty, with a 500% gear range – absolutely insane!
This is what SRAM Eagle 12 Speed has to offer:
- Eagle™ represents our newest 1x drivetrain technologies
- Eagle™ is a lighter, tougher, quieter, more durable and more precise
- Eagle™ features all-new 1x components, engineered for even greater durability and performance
- Eagle™ has a significant weight advantage over other drivetrains—XX1 Eagle™ weighs up to 300 grams less than 2x drivetrains with similar gear range
- Eagle™ technology allows an expanded, optimum, 500-percent gear range—a 20-percent increase over our other 1x drivetrains
Here’s the full low down on all the new Eagle transmission components:
Cassette
Take a quick look at the new X-DOMETM EagleTM cassette. The last dangling shred of an argument in favor of a mountain bike front derailleur is now officially dead. Designed for use with our proven, reliable XDTM driver body, this 12-speed, 10- to 50- tooth cassette offers an optimal 500- percent gear range at a considerably lighter weight than 2x systems. It carries with it the X-DOMETM architecture, which, independent tests have concluded, yields the strongest cassettes on the market. New shifting characteristics improve both, inboard and outboard shifting, as well as chain retention.
- 10-50tooth range
- 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 42 | 50
- XD Driver body compatible
- X-Dome technology
- X-Glide 2 technology increases chain retention on the larger cogs.
- Smoother, quieter design
- Machined Cromoly 11 cog cluster, with aluminium 50tooth cog featuring Titanium Nitride finish.
- XX1 RRP £353 | €458 | $420
- XO1 RRP £302 | €392 | $360
Eagle rear mech
This new derailleur not only answers the Eagle™ drivetrain’s need for greater capacity, but is also the next evolution of our proven, 1x-specific X-HORIZON™ design. The larger, 14-tooth X-SYNC™ lower pulley, allows 10- to 50-tooth cassette capacity in this compact design, and also adds to Eagle’s overall smooth-pedalling feel. Our new, Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ features a smoother torque curve for a quieter, more consistent operation and feel. CAGE LOCK™ has been moved back and out of the way, protecting it from trail debris. A redesigned, robust mounting system further improves the Eagle™ derailleur’s performance and overall durability.
- Completely redesigned rear derailleur incorporating our proven X-HORIZON™ design and new Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH™ technology
- Re-engineered mounting system and repositioned CAGE LOCK™ add robustness
- Eagle™ pulley technology provides greater efficiency, crisper shifting and quieter operation
- Carbon cage and lightweight hardware make it light and tough
- XX1 RRP £234 | €304 | $289
- XO1 RRP £185 | €240 | $220
Eagle Chain
The new 12 speed chain has to go through a hell of a lot – a range previously found only in twin chain ring designs. The new Eagle chain links have a smooth radius, with no sharp edges or chamfers, which are said to yield a significant reduction in noise, friction and wear on chainrings and cassette cogs. This design also allows for a flatter plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and greater overall strength. HARD CHROME™ technology extends the chain’s optimal performance life, and a Titanium Nitride coating on the Gold and Black models decreases corrosion and further reduces friction.
- Groundbreaking new chain design and technology
- The Eagle™ chain has been completely re-engineered, and is produced with new manufacturing technology.
- All-new Eagle™ Power Lock chain connector with FLOWLINK™ technology provides better chain-guiding and increased longevity
- The XX1 Eagle™ chain is the quietest, strongest and most wear-resistant chain in the world
- Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle™ cassettes and rings
- RRP £50-71 | €66-92 | $60-85
Eagle Crankset/Chain ring
The new XX1 Eagle™ crankset is the lightest, stiffest and strongest on the market. A special hollow internal architecture, combined with our proprietary CARBON TUNED™ lay-up, allows us to build a lightweight and ultra-energy-efficient crankset perfectly suited for the high-wattage output and smooth style of cross country riding and racing. Teamed up with a new Eagle™ direct mount chainring, and as an integral part of the Eagle™ drivetrain, the new XX1 Eagle™ crankset puts more focused power into every ride.
The longer, positive-rake tooth shape has been designed to work perfectly with the new Eagle™ chain to increase chain retention and overall pedaling efficiency, while decreasing friction, noise and wear.
- The lightest, stiffest, strongest crankset available
- All-new SRAM CARBON TUNED™ crank technology provides extreme stiffness and light weight
- All-new chainring technology is designed specifically for Eagle™ chains and drivetrains
- The X-SYNC™ 2 chainring provides significantly quieter performance, with better mud clearing and extraordinary durability
- GXP® | BB30 | PressFit™ GXP | PressFit 30™
- Chainring available in 30t | 32t | 34t | 36t | 38t
- Crank lengths available 170mm | 175mm
- XX1 RRP £356 | €463 | $425
- XO1 RRP £328 | €426 | $390
Shifter
Tucked neatly beneath your handlebars, the XX1 Eagle™ X-ACTUATION™ trigger shifter is the nerve center of the SRAM Eagle 12 Speed drivetrain. Its internal works have been updated to include a 12th gear, and improved to enhance trigger feel, precision and durability. Whether you’re 3 laps into your race or 150 days into your season, the XX1 Eagle™ trigger shifter is your faithful 1x touch point
- New mechanism creates a smoother and more precise shifting system with exceptional reliability
- Carbon trigger and cover reduce weight
- Customizable setup via the adjustable pull-lever and MatchMaker™ X
- XX1 RRP £131 | €170 | $162
- XO1 RRP £112 | €145 | $127
Prices for the whole SRAM Eagle 12 Speed groupset are as follows:
XX1 – £1173 | €1524 | $1417
XO1 – £1005 | €1306 | $1193
What do you think of 12 speed?
Has the Eagle really landed, or should it take a hike?
Let us know in the comments below!