Even shifting is now a question of philosophy and divides the gear-changing community into two camps. Those who are happy to do without a front derailleur for the sake of a tidy look, simple operation and less weight, and those who prefer the wider range of gears in conjunction with a derailleur to any compromise. With the just presented Eagle 1x12 groupsets breathe Sram The key to the increased range lies in the huge 10-50 cassette with twelve sprockets. The key to the increased range lies in the huge 10-50 cassette with twelve sprockets. BIKE has already taken a closer look and compared the new Sram groupsets with the current Shimano MTB drivetrains with 1x11 and 2x11 gears.
Sram vs. Shimano: 1. weight
Based on the manufacturer's specifications, Sram still has the upper hand in terms of weight with the two new Eagle groupsets. The XX1 Eagle weighs 109 grams less than the 1x11 Shimano with 11-46 cassette and 136 grams less than the 2x11 Shimano with 11-40 cassette.
Sram vs. Shimano: 2nd gear range
Depending on the cassette gradation (11-40 or 11-42), the Shimano 2x11 configuration has a range of 503 to 529 per cent. In comparison, the Sram Eagle with its wide-range 10-50 cassette with 500 per cent and only one chainring is almost on a par and opens up a much wider range of use for single-speed riders than before. With the previous 1x11 drivetrain from Sram, the limit was 420 per cent.
The table shows the tooth gradation of the common cassettes for Shimano (single/twin compatible) and Sram (single only). In the smaller sprockets, Shimano has one more gear step with only two teeth (green). In the larger sprockets, Sram has a finer gradation in some cases.
Sram saves weight
In order to utilise the same gear range, Shimano riders have to opt for 2x11 with an 11-40 cassette. Equipped in this way, Sram's top groupset, the Eagle XX1, saves 136 grams on the scales.
Opinions on the 1x12 vs. 2x11 duel
Urs Huber, Team Bulls/Shimano:
"In the marathon, many routes are unknown. With the double crankset, you are protected and still have reserves. Thanks to the Di2 with Syncro-Shift, the shifting effort is also low."
Nino Schurter, Team Scott-Odlo/Sram:
"A big advantage of the 1x12 drivetrain is the improved efficiency. Thanks to the larger cassette, I can also ride a larger chainring at the front, which means that the chain is deflected less."
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
"Increased range, low weight and crisp function. The new 1x12 drivetrain (Sram Eagle) impressed us on the first test ride and proves that single-speed drivetrains don't just have to be for specialists. We are curious to see whether the good impression will be confirmed in continuous use."
