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!

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed – bidding farewell to the front mech forever!

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
SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed – enormous 500% gear range for climbing anything imaginable, and decent looking features for longevity of use.

Here’s  the full low down on all the new Eagle transmission components:

Cassette

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

The new SRAM Eagle 12 Speed cassette looks incredible!

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.

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed
  • 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

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

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.

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed
  • 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

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

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. SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

  • 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.

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed

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.

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed
  • 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

SRAM Eagle 12 Speed
  • 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! 

 

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