What is the difference between SRAM Eagle SX, NX, GX, X01, and XX1? All of these drivetrains offer a wide gearing range of 12 speeds, while increasing in performance and decreasing in weight as the price goes up. Let’s go through each groupset and talk about the pros and cons, what they offer, and why they may be the right fit for you.
SRAM SX
SRAM SX is the lowest entry point in the SRAM Eagle ecosystem. Rather than offering SX as a groupset, SRAM has designed it with the intent of riders making incremental upgrades to their drivetrain. It is also designed to be compatible with all groupset levels from NX to XX1. The 11-50T cassette works with low-cost wheels that have splined 8/9/10sp driver bodies. This makes upgrading to Eagle much more reasonable for low-end bikes that likely don’t have an XD driver.
Weight:
– SX Eagle Shifter: 129 grams
– SX Eagle Rear Derailleur: 337 grams
– SX Eagle Crankset: 694 grams
– SX Eagle Cassette: 615 grams
– SX Eagle Chain: 278 grams
Total Weight: 2,053 grams
SRAM NX
SRAM NX is a newer option and is the most affordable offering you will find as a complete 12-speed groupset. It is on the heavier side at over 2000 grams and features an 11-50T cassette, which offers less range than GX. Like the SX, NX will work on a splined Shimano hub. If you’re looking for an affordable 12-speed option, don’t care about weight, and are ok with having slightly less range than GX then the NX drivetrain is a good option for you.
Weight:
– NX Eagle Shifter: 101 grams
– NX Eagle Rear Derailleur: 337 grams
– NX Eagle Crankset: 700 grams
– NX Eagle Cassette: 629 grams
– NX Eagle Chain: 271 grams
Total Weight: 2,038 grams
SRAM GX
SRAM GX has been in the lineup for a number of years and has benefited from multiple iterations of redesigns and subsequent improvements. It is currently offered in alloy and carbon options. You will find the GX drivetrain on bikes at the mid-level price point. GX offers a great balance between performance, weight, and price. It also has an increased range compared to SX and NX with a 10-52T cassette.
Weight:
– GX Eagle Shifter: 122 grams
– GX Eagle Rear Derailleur: 300 grams
– GX Eagle Crankset Alloy: 649 grams
– GX Eagle Crankset Carbon: 555 grams
– GX Eagle Cassette: 451 grams
– GX Eagle Chain: 271 grams
Total Weight: 1,699g (carbon), 1,793g (alloy)
SRAM XO1
SRAM XO1 is a high-end option featuring a single body cassette construction, carbon cranks, and a lightweight derailleur and shifter assembly. The weight is reduced by 300 grams compared to the alloy GX and over 500 grams compared to SX. Because of the single-body construction, shifting is crisper and more reliable than a GX and NX drivetrain. You will find this drivetrain on mid to upper-level builds from brands like Specialized and Giant. If you are looking to make the jump from alloy to carbon and want to shave some weight, this could be a good option for you.
Weight:
– X01 Eagle Shifter: 117 grams
– X01 Eagle Rear Derailleur: 285 grams
– X01 Eagle Crankset: 463 grams
– X01 Eagle Cassette: 372 grams
– X01 Eagle Chain: 262 grams
Total Weight: 1,499 grams
SRAM XX1
SRAM XX1 is the upper tier of the SRAM drivetrain hierarchy. Weighing 61 grams less than XO1 361 g less than GX and 561 g less than SX. The XX1 cranks are laid up in a special configuration making them the stiffest and lightest option available. If you want the absolute latest and best performance out of your drivetrain, then there is no comparison to XX1.
Weight:
– XX1 Eagle Shifter: 112 grams
– XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur: 269 grams
– XX1 Eagle Crankset: 424 grams
– XX1 Eagle Cassette: 371 grams
– XX1 Eagle Chain: 262 grams
Total Weight: 1,438g
If it’s time to upgrade your drivetrain or you’re in the market for a new mountain bike, looking at the level you’re getting is worth the research. For beginner mountain bikers or those looking to make their first purchase, SX/NX is a good option to get the benefit of 12 speeds. GX will work for most riders who want to improve shifting performance and weight reduction without the higher costs of upper-level drivetrains. XX1 and X01 are both great options for those who want additional weight savings, stiffer cranks, and crisper shifting.
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