SRAM’s new Eagle groupsets have landed

SRAM has launched two new purpose built 1x drivetrains with XX1 Eagle and X01 Eagle.

SRAM mountain bike drivetrain product manager Chris Hilton describes the new groupsets as “Eagle is freedom for everyone, freedom is the most important thing for riders”…“people want to ride the bike and have fun and not worry about what lever to press”.

SRAM has for the first time also split the two new Eagle groupsets into different riding styles.

XX1 Eagle has been specifically designed for XC and trail riding. It’s lightweight and features a brand new carbon crank which is, SRAM said, the lightest in its category and 300g lighter than the competition.

X01 Eagle has been designed for enduro and aggressive trail riders again featuring a brand new carbon crank that has better impact resistance and is "the strongest, stiffest, lightest crankset available".

The two new SRAM Eagle drivechains are both lighter, tougher, quieter, more durable and more precise. They now have a 500 per cent gear range which is equal to competitors 2x drivechains, SRAM said.

The two new groupsets feature a host of new technologies and features:

SRAM has introduced a new Flowlink chain which features inner plates completely devoid of square edges resulting in a chain that engages the cassette and chainring with far less friction, for quieter performance and better wear life.

Both XX1 Eagle and X01 Eagle groupsets have new cranksets that feature the next evolution of SRAM chainring X-SYNC technology X-SYNC Eagle. The aggressive teeth design provides better chain retention for a smoother, more efficient pedal feel. With a focus on long wear-life, the X-SYNC Eagle design reduces friction and the accumulation of mud, grit and grime.

The brand new Eagle XG-1299 cassette has X-GLIDE 2 which is the next generation of SRAM X-Glide technology optimized for the Eagle 12-speed cassette. It provides quick, precise, power-on shifting performance throughout the gear range, and increases chain retention on larger cogs, we’re told.

Bryan Harris, SRAM product manager at Raleigh, said: “We are really excited about the launch of the two new SRAM Eagle groupsets. They will be a true game changer for 1x drivechains enabling riders a greater gear range, precise shifting and more freedom while out either racing XC or hitting their local trails.”

The SRAM EAGLE groupsets can be ordered from Raleigh UK now www.raleigh.co.uk or 01773 532694 / sales@raleigh.co.uk.

Fisher Outdoor Leisure will be taking full groupset preorders today via the main sales line on 01727 798340 or through the B2B site.

Here’s further unadulterated details from the Eagle press statement:

“SRAM have built the incredible new XX1 Eagle drivetrain to work quietly, intuitively, precisely and perfectly. Whether you’re an hour and twelve minutes into a World Cup XC or, just about to hit the top of Pearl Pass—XX1 Eagle is ready for that and every place in between. This cross-country-optimized drivetrain combines our newest generation of SRAM 1x drivetrain technological advancements with lightweight materials.

"XX1 EAGLE drivechain includes a new 32T crankset that features a special hollow internal architecture, combined with a CARBON TUNED lay-up that produces a lightweight and ultra-energy-efficient crankset perfectly suited cross country riding and racing.

"The new XX1 EAGLE rear derailleur showcases the new Type-3 ROLLER BEARING CLUTCH which features a smoother torque curve for a quieter, more consistent operation and feel. The larger, 14-tooth X-SYNC lower pulley, allows 10- to 50 tooth cassette capacity in this compact design.

"The XX1 EAGLE trigger shifter features a new mechanism increasing reliability with smoother and more precise shifting. The trigger and cover is constructed from carbon to reduce the weight, and is also MatchMaker X compatible.

"Take a quick look at the new X-DOME Eagle cassette. The last dangling shred of an argument in favor of a mountain bike front derailleur is now officially dead. Designed for use with SRAM’s proven, reliable XD driver body, this 12-speed, 10- to 50-tooth cassette offers an optimal 500% gear range at a 300g lighter weight than 2x systems.

"The XX1 EAGLE groupset comes in two different colour options, all new gold with matching gold chain and cassette or full black also including chain and cassette.

XX1 EAGLE CRANKSET RRP £356

XX1 EAGLE REAR DERAILLEUR RRP £234

XX1 EAGLE TRIGGER SHIFTER RRP £131

XX1 EAGLE GRIP SHIFT RRP £119

XG-1299 EAGLE CASSETTE RRP £353

EAGLE™ CHAIN RRP £71

X01 EAGLE

"The X01 Eagle drivetrain signals an exciting new era of freedom and the next level of uncompromising performance for enduro racers and aggressive trail riders. X01 Eagle takes everything you love about SRAM 1x drivetrains and increases wear life, toughness, precision, smooth and silent operation.

"The X01 EAGLE crankset is built tough, to handle aggressive lines through rock gardens and big hits wherever you find them, the new X01 Eagle is the strongest, stiffest, lightest crankset available.

"The revolutionary EAGLE CHAIN it’s also the biggest contributor to the Eagle drivetrain’s ultra-smooth, precise, and durable and quiet performance. The Eagle chain’s links have a smooth radius, with no sharp edges or chamfers, which yield a significant reduction in noise, friction and wear on chainrings and cassette cogs.

The X01 Eagle groupset comes in two different colour options classic SRAM red or black.

X01 EAGLE CRANKSET RRP £328

X01 EAGLE REAR DERAILLEUR RRP £185

X01 EAGLE TRIGGER SHIFTER RRP £112

X01 EAGLE GRIP SHIFT RRP £103

XG-1295 EAGLE CASSETTE RRP £302

EAGLE CHAIN RRP £50