Sram GX Eagle Transmission AXS: The more affordable electric drivetrain from Sram

Many have probably been waiting for this: Sram is bringing its latest wireless shifting technology and the direct mount without derailleur hanger to the GX groupset. With the Sram GX Eagle Transmission AXS, the sensational new groupset is entering the mid-market segment - in other words, it is becoming more affordable.

With a few exceptions, the new Sram drivetrain offers the same features as the high-end X0 and XX Transmission groupsets, but at a lower price. Even the cheapest Transmission version does without a derailleur hanger and is mounted via a direct mount interface at the interface between the frame and rear wheel axle. The prerequisite for this is compatibility with Sram UDH derailleur hangers.

As with XX and XO: transmission range and durability

Just like its more expensive sisters, the GX Eagle Transmission shifts twelve gears via radio signal. The 520 per cent gear range covers a wide range of applications. Completely nickel-plated, the cassette with ten to 52 teeth should last a particularly long time. The four smallest sprockets are constructed in one piece, while the others are riveted. Two bashguards can be attached to the forged aluminium crank for protection.

Steel cage and sprocket without freewheel: cost-saving measures on the GX Transmission

In contrast to the higher-priced groupsets, the inside of the cage of the GX Eagle transmission rear derailleur is made of steel. In addition, the positioning of the battery has been slightly revised to better protect it from damage. The battery is now positioned horizontally on top of the rear derailleur instead of vertically behind the actual rear derailleur. As with the XO Transmission, Sram has also dispensed with the so-called Magic Wheel on the GX Transmission. If a small stick gets into the lower derailleur pulley on the top groupsets from the XX line, the toothed ring can still continue to rotate on the outside, thus preventing a possible defect. The conventional derailleur pulleys of the GX do not offer this function.

Currently, the price for the entire groupset including cranks is still a rather hefty 1300 euros. This makes the new GX Transmission 500 euros cheaper than the top-of-the-range XX model, but very close to the slightly higher-quality and lighter XO Transmission. It is therefore possible that the street price for the GX will be a little lower.

Even the cheapest transmission drive to date is still a long way from bargain status. An upgrade is only possible on frames with a UDH mount. This currently limits the range of users. Even if the weight is quite high, the GX Transmission should be in no way inferior to the more expensive versions in terms of functionality. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE Editor

Comparison of the weights of the shifting groups

Almost half a kilo separates the Sram GX Transmission from the top groupset. Even the old GX Eagle AXS is 140 grams lighter.

¹ The XTR chain weighed in the BIKE test lab had 116 links.
² Average internet price; GX Eagle Transmission: manufacturer's specification.

The prices of the new Sram GX Eagle Transmission

Sram is also letting the cat out of the bag when it comes to the individual prices for the new drivetrain. This makes it possible to estimate roughly how much would be due in the event of later defects, for example.

Prices of the individual components

• Sram rear derailleur GX T-Type Eagle AXS 12-speed (without battery) - 480 Euro
• Sram crankset GX Eagle Q174 CL55 DUB - 240 Euro
• Crank arm GX ISIS 160 - 170 Euro
• Chain GX T-Type Eagle SolidPin 126 links with PowerLock - 60 Euro
• Chainring T-TYPE 30-34 teeth; Direct Mount; 3mm Offset - 47 Euro

Complete shift groups

• Sram GX T-Type Eagle Transmission AXS groupset - 1300 Euro
• Sram GX T-Type Eagle E-MTB Brose or Brose Transmission AXS Group - 1250 Euro
• Sram GX T-Type Eagle E-MTB 104BCD Transmission AXS Group - 1150 Euro

FAQ: 4 facts about the new Sram GX Eagle Transmission

1 - Can the transmission be fitted to all bikes?

No. The Transmission derailleur is specially designed for frames with a UDH interface. The derailleur hanger sits virtually on the thru axle and is bolted to the frame from both sides. The Sram UDH bike finder lists all mountain bike models that are suitable for mounting the Transmission drivetrain: bikefinder.sram.com

2 - Do transmission cassettes require a special freewheel?

No. Although the cassettes have been developed from scratch, they are screwed onto the familiar XD freehub. Nevertheless, they cannot be combined with the classic Eagle components.

3 - Is it generally not possible to mix Eagle Transmission AXS components with Eagle drivetrain components?

Transmission works exclusively as a separate system consisting of cassette, chain and chainring. Sram calls the standard T-Type. The components are not backwards compatible. Exception: T-Type chainrings can be used with Eagle chains. Within the Transmission world, you can mix and match as you wish.

4 - Can the new pod controllers be combined with the older AXS groups?

Yes, unlike the pure drivetrain components, the controllers, which are now called pods, can be used with the older derailleurs. The pods offer a wide range of adjustment options and are much more intuitive to use than the old Eagle AXS controllers. The button assignment can be customised via the AXS app.