First Ride: SRAM's New GX Transmission
It may seem like the high-end Transmission kits just hit the market a few weeks ago, and that's because they did. In quick succession, we're now met with the more budget-conscious version of gruppo, meant to provide all the magic of the T-type system to a wider audience. In order to hit the lower pricepoint that GX looks to strike, SRAM did some clever re-engineering of the derailleur architecture, cutting material and cost where possible.
That may sound like the means of creating a cheaper-feeling and less robust drivetrain, but let me head that off by saying that the GX kit performs just as nicely as the X0 group I've been running for the past few months. Same wireless elegance, same improved clutch tension, and same fantastic shift quality.
That may sound like the means of creating a cheaper-feeling and less robust drivetrain, but let me head that off by saying that the GX kit performs just as nicely as the X0 group I've been running for the past few months. Same wireless elegance, same improved clutch tension, and same fantastic shift quality.
GX Eagle Transmission Details
• 12-speed, 10-52 tooth cassette
• Direct mount, wireless electronic rear derailleur
• Flattop chain only
• Price: $1,099 USD (cassette, derailleur, cranks, shifter, chain, battery, charger)
• sram.com
• 12-speed, 10-52 tooth cassette
• Direct mount, wireless electronic rear derailleur
• Flattop chain only
• Price: $1,099 USD (cassette, derailleur, cranks, shifter, chain, battery, charger)
• sram.com
The price is lower, the color is more grey, and the cranks are free of holes. I've been testing (read: abusing) GX kits on three different bikes, so let's dig into the similarities and differences to the other tiers of the T-type family, and see just how well the "people's champ" holds up.
Battery
Same as ever, but tucked away from harm. The main visible difference in GX Transmission's derailleur architecture is the battery location, now slotted nicely right underneath the axle. The plastic clasp is now replaceable, so you'll still be able to clip that puppy in if things get banged up.
The lifespan of that battery is still excellent, with my highly technical mental clock timing out well before ever having to replace a battery on any of my three test bikes. I always carry a spare regardless, but you can rest assured that the little robot will keep zipping around for many a ride.
Clutch
In my experience so far, the clutch is one of the better improvements to the overall system over the prior AXS drivetrains. My primary complaint with old AXS was just how weak the clutch mechanism was, as it barely seemed to fight any sort of trail chatter or hard impacts. The rattle and misshifts that would occur as a result were frustrating to say the least, but conceptually the wireless action was enough to keep me intrigued. Come the advent of the Transmission system, and those clutch woes were all but gone away.
Cranks
$200 USD
They are, in fact, cranks. Rejoice, all you who like a sturdy metal object. These handsome grey pedal holders are available in 175, 170, and 165mm lengths, and all feature SRAM's new 8-bolt chainring mounting standard, which facilitates the use of their new power meter rings and bashguard/chainring combos. Speaking of the latter, I actually prefer the performance of the cheaper plastic bashguards to the admittedly sexier raw aluminum ones seen on the XX models. Like a good pair of plastic pedals, they glide rather than catching when you smoke a rock, letting momentum keep on a little longer.
As you can see, these have seen their fair share of rock strikes, but the chainring remains unaffected. Overall, I'd say the GX cranks show use and abuse more readily than the aluminum X0 counterparts, but there's something about rugged handsomeness to be said here. Considering the fact that they're half the price of X0, I'm okay with a few more scuffs and rub marks.
They're a bit portly, clocking in at 740 grams for the 170mm variant. That's about 55 grams heavier than the XO crankset, but I wouldn't recommend drilling two -27.5 gram holes in the GX ones, just accept that increased heft.
Cassette
$250 USD
Thankfully, nothing has been done here to decrease the quality of the shifting, but weight does take a penalty. At 445 grams, the GX cassette is 60 grams heavier than the X0 equivalent. Not a ton, but that will matter to some. The pinned construction hasn't produced any creaks, and the chromed-out look is holding up so far.
One of my favorite attributes to the Transmission system is the smoother gear progression, and that carries through to the new kit. Pedal hard, shift whenever, and the change in mechanical advantage is smooth and intuitive.
Chain
$50 USD
Half the price, 286g at full length, and featuring a flat top. Not too much to say about a chain, but if old truths hold up, the X0/XX version may prove to be a bit more durable in time, though performance is indistinguishable. I'll be playing with combinations of all three tiers in time, so we'll see what proves to be the best bang for your buck.
Derailleur
$400 USD
$150 cheaper and 6 grams heavier than the X0 derailleur, the new mech casts a much different shadow, but manages to shift just the same. However, here lies my only complaint with the GX system - the construction uses two halves bolted together to get that Full Mount attachment that allows you to toss your derailleur hanger. Compared to the one-piece construction that the X0 and XX versions use, the GX one can feel a little less stable, but really that's only a difference present in hand. The noise, security, and durability seem to be the same so far, but we'll see how things shake out after a few more months at the Whistler Bike Park.
Speaking of which, that's the only place I was able to produce a single issue with the GX Transmission. After days of hitting rocks and bottoming out the Nomad I've been riding, the derailleur's mounting bolt came loose, causing some rattling that I quickly noticed. Luckily, thanks to the easy setup procedure, I was able to fix this trailside, getting things back up to power-shifting perfection in no time.
Full Monty
$1099 USD
A grand for a drivetrain is still a hard pill to swallow, but if you're after the finest shifting in the game right now, that is currently the lowest price of entry. I've come away from many trail miles impressed, and it might just be enough to get me off my 11-speed setup. In my mind, the weight difference is negligible, and the shift quality is damn near the same, so the choice really comes down to aesthetics and status. If you fancy yourself more of an X0 rider, then you're welcome to spend the extra $600, or double the price for a truly baller XX kit. My money is probably going to be on the GX, perhaps with a mix and match combo of the X0 cassette and chain, should they prove to be more durable in time.
We'll see how polished these get in time.
Lastly, a table of weights for those so inclined.
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No it's not. Changing my GX cable was one of the easiest maintenance I did on my bike. It shifts perfect and never had any issue with it. I don't get people who think cable are a hassle or complicated. You can pay a season pass at your favorite bike park for the price
do you also despise lubing your chain, adjusting the shift cable tension, checking your tire pressure, etc etc etc?
I get you are updoot farming here, but tossing a tiny battery on a charger ever other week for a couple hours is very low down the PITA totum pole when it comes to bikes.
Being able to remove and install the AXS derailleur without having to re-index it is extremely convenient (to me).
Landlines didn’t need charging and here we all are remembering to charge our cell phones.
Relying on electric power instead of friction via cable is a no brainer. I have had decades of skill training on how and when to make the ideal gear change and I do not want to re=learn a new craft. Screw the upgrades my stuff does not shit the bed so I am making no changes. SLX and Deore is inexpensive and reliable.
It is also another battery I feel should be charged in my fireplace along with my Magicshines and cell phones
Ditto. Easy set up. Easy working. Long living. Love AXS!
or like me, 3 extras because I have 3 AXS bikes. lol.
Overall, a slower shifting time if you need to grab more than 2 gears.
100% I would occasionally forget to charge my battery, but @dirtdiggler I've also snapped my shifter cable several times over the last few years, stranding me with a SS out in the bush. For me its not the increase/decrease in reliability, its the purity, the beauty, and simplicity of a mountain bicycle. Also $600 more than XT m8100 is tough; imagine putting that into your wheelset or fork!
I guess it's just solving a problem that doesn't really exist for most folks. Charging a battery just isn't a huge deal and the mech would still be $$$$ even if it was pedal-powered.
Are all of you people cool with having cable housing fray and needing to make microadjustments to tension until you get around to fixing it?
When it comes to actual trail performance, Electronic all the way.
Better argument against electronic drivetrains, is that drivetrains are wildly overpriced already, and without bringing anything significant of value beyond "spending less time f*cking with it" electronic drivetrains really don't add value in the same way that nicer suspension, wheelset, tires, and trip to rad places bring to the table.
tell me which brand of Shift cable offers this feature??
@gigamike it obviously doesn't shift the same, a cable system can get out of line as the cable stretches as that's what places the cage on each shift. The electric ones never misalign since they move the exact same every shift as per the motor.
Electric is clearly better, you all need to stop whining about it. It's like hanging on to cassettes when dvds came out. You can fumble around looking for the next song or you can just skip directly to it based on a preset.
I'm assuming they'll come out with a direct mount mechanical version soon enough
As I've heard, the derailleur knows exactly where the cassettes shifting ladders are, and wont move until the cassette is in the right place relative to the derailleur. That's what makes the shifting so determinate when it's made. There is probably a mechanical way to initiate that shift, but everything T-type currently released is reliant on some micro computer in the system.
Also I rode my ti hard tail this morning! Its so fun it makes me question why I have other bikes.
I'm fairly sure it's just well designed timing of the actuation... but if anyone knows for sure please chime in.
Shimano Hyperglide+ and LinkGlide use a similar design philosophy with cable operated mechs already. With Shimano, its the cassette and chain working together to time the shift. The chain doesn't move until it encounters the up/down ramps on the cog.
SRAM had to limit how fast the electronic derailleur can move across the cassette because it's possible for it to move way too fast and create problems. Since the system knows what gear it's in and what gear it's shifting into, they can time this movement in relation to the number of shift ramps on those specific cogs.
Agree and up it a notch:
I rode my ti hardtail single speed to switch things up and had a blast. Makes you aware of line choices and make you harden up with momentum.
Full boing/gears for lazy fast days - SS/hardtail for days you want a full sensory work out.
my ti is an 11 speed shimano slx with e*13 cassette, so it already shifts like crap. But the shop (when lacing up the wheel) put the wrong length endcap on the drive side (neither 142 nor 148, I have no idea what its for) and I had to hone it down on the bench grinder to get it to fit but I did a piss poor job so the shifting is even worse, and the teeth on the cassette are wearing so that when you put the power down (if it does stay in the proper gear) it can jump
Fully agree with your points about why SS is fun - it’s the most engaging experience I’ve had on a MTB and has really helped my riding.
I’m glad we’re discussing the merits of SS here on the GX Transmission comments section. Feels on point.
It’s great that we have choice, and can pick what we want as individuals.
Maybe all the pros of the system
Increased durability
Crispness/accuracy of the shift
No more cable faffing
Less maintenance
Add up to a net benefit for some people, others, don’t put as high a value on those things.
Sometimes people are just curious, or like to try new things.
Maybe those that are running these systems already have custom tuned suspension?
or maybe it means less to them, and shifting performance is more important.
Ones not better than the other, its just different choices for different people, youre neither right, or wrong, youre just making the choice that fits you best...
Oh, because it doesn't need (or have) that jazz, because the ramps already to the timing well enough mechanically? Makes sense.
A mechanical T-Type wouldn't need limit screws, just a barrel adjuster. The lack of limit screws on AXS Transmission is facilitated by the new mounting method, not by anything to do with the electronics.
The firmware changes are likely just controlling the multi-shift speed. Since the mech knows when a shift ramp is found because it allows the cage movement to be completed, it can then time the next shift attempt to line up more closely with the next ramp.
And though they're now explicitly adding the Xsync branding to these new cassettes, it's a plain fact that Eagle cassettes also have some narrow-wide aspects that also rely solely on the (mechanical) shift routes/ramps to keep the chain and teeth in sync. It's easy to see: get an Eagle cassette and chain and try to put a narrow link on every single tooth on the cassette. Can't be done, there are some wider teeth that the narrow link can't fit on.
It's just how capitalism works, and we live in a capitalist society right now. They don't got good schoolin' out there in the big Wyo?
The idea that you seem to be referencing is that capitalism rewards the best manufacturer in a given market. The reality is that often lousy products are crammed down consumers throats in spite of better options.
And we have actual mountain biking in Wyoming. And apparently Ma*sholes don’t understand economics.
Capitalism rewards the one that can make the most profit. If that's with shit product, that's the consumer's fault.
You can't cram things down people's throats if there are alternatives: they have to choose to buy the shit stuff, and will likely buy the alternatives if the whole experience is worth the cost, subjectively.
well when we put it that way...
Yet again, the OEM market is the biggest market, saving time on the assembly line is saving money so all this wireless stuff pays for itself if you can save work hours. Even back when I worked at a bike shop, people who wanted a bicycle computer (with a spoke magnet and all that) were recommended: if you want to install it yourself you're cheaper off getting the wired one (between sensor and computer). If you want us to install it, you're cheaper off with the wireless one.
I feel like this is another reason why gearboxes are the ultimate solution for gravity riding because you simply don't need a clutch. With a derailleur you have all that weight in the worst possible place. And the derailleur is also in the worst possible place for rock strikes. And you must use a friction clutch. DON'T WE ALL JUST HATE THAT STICKY STROKE! And don't get me started with ebikes that already have alllllll the reduction gears inside the motor without the ability to change gear ratio
Of course you feel it without the shock, but that's a useless comparison: the shock is providing 10,000% (2 magnitudes) more force.
Your bike's unsprung weight is basically tires, wheels, brakes/rotors, rear suspension before the shock, etc. Maybe 10 pounds total weight depending on components/bike. Increase that weight by 30% and there will be a very noticeable difference in performance and ride feel.
It's not that difficult to test this yourself by switching between DH and trail tires. You could also strap a few pounds of lead near your bike's rear axle and ride a section of trail a few times. Then ride without the weight. Even a novice rider will notice how much different it feels.
Still would love to see some real world data. If they do add significant "weight", chainless and clutch off should both see significantly faster suspension movements in compression events on the same course. I know many people say they feel it, but there isn't much data being shared to corroborate those feelings (and help account for placebo effect, since they're never blind tests).
$335 total for a fantastic drivetrain.
Easy to set up and adjust, cassette is lighter than an XT 11 speed, shifts great, reliable.
Spent all the money I saved on better forks, wheels, tires, etc.
Just kidding; I ain't buying anyway. Love my XT stuff.
I prefer the chunky click I get from SRAM stuff.
I currently have a bike with GX, and XT and when I ride the XT bike, I am conscious of the shifting, not good or bad, I just notice it. The GX stuff, it never comes to mind in anyway. like carbon wheels, I never think of them, my alu ones, it comes to mind on big landings, theres some noticeable squirm...
SLX is the true people's champ in the 12 speed world.
Otherwise: There is nothing like a good mechanical shifting group on a bike.
the idea of adding various batteries to my drivetrain is a Hard AF NO
No front battery shifter
No rear derailleur battery
add also seat post battery and colostomy auto drip to the list.
Sure, you don’t change chainrings often, but why make it so complicated?!?
Thoughts, anyone? SRAM care to weigh in?
www.worldwidecyclery.com/products/sram-xx-xx-sl-eagle-t-type-axs-power-meter-spider-for-use-with-thread-mount-chainrings-8-bolt-direct-mount-black-d1
$400 USD for a derailleur?
I'm loving my SRAM-free lifestyle more and more with this nonsense. Last bit of SRAM kit I fitted on a bike was a 2004 XO short-cage mech on my old hardtail some time around 2005 or 2006. Today I'm more than happy to be on M8000 XT that's a model cycle or 2 behind the times. I would spend money on a Hyperglide II system, not this malarkey!
Sure its rad that you can stand on it. But every derailleur that I’ve broken happened from high speed grabs in between rocks or roots that literally ripped it off the bike. The “you can stand on it” feature may be a good marketing tool, but Im pretty sure in all those bad line choices that ripped my mech derailleur off would also rip the wireless derailleur off. In those cases, really glad I don’t have to dish out the cash to replace a $400 piece of gear.
For what it’s worth, unless you have access to unlimited cash, spend your hard earned money on mechanical drivetrains. And on a plus side if there is ever a long power outage, a big sun flash, or someone drops an EMP your mechanical bike will still work and your ebike is just a paper weight. Keep batteries off bikes, unless you really need it or just like wasting money. Mechanical drives work just as good as wireless, for now at least.
Instead of wireless derailleurs it’d be cool to see more investment into alternative shifting mechanisms that don't dangle.
Acoustic mechanical bikes are best, at least until the star wars style hover cruisers come out that run on full 100% no bullshit renewable energy. Hope yall enjoy charging your ebikes on fossil fuels, unless your in the NW where we are lucky to have hydro. Cant believe I just said acoustic bikes to describe a normal bike, but these are the times we live in.
Shred on!
Yup:
XTR M9000 RD $180
XTR 11 sp chain $45
XTR M9000 R shifter $125
XTR M9000 single crankset $425
XTR 11 sp cassette $250 (Sram XG1199 about the same)
Total $1025
To be fair, I believe retail was a few hundred higher, but I never found I had to pay retail if I was patient and shopped around a bit.
Hard to swallow paying same for GX just because it’s wireless. It’s lower quality, lower performance, and a crap-ton heavier. And uglier.
* Disallowed in that stock SRAM cranks for almost a decade have had no way to add one beyond modifying a 104 BCD crank (grinding the outside of the tabs flat, voiding warranties) or having to buy an additional 3rd party direct-mount spider (to either support normal 104 BCD rings & bashes, or something like Wolf Tooth's BashSpider).
Small note, you can press and shift more quickly than the preset interval, up to a point.
You can even see on mechanical 52t Eagle that the mech cage often can't even move into the same plane as the big cog until after the chain hits a shift ramp and that causes the cage to pivot and provide clearance for the cage to then slide over.
Too bad bike spec folks don’t get that. Any build above XT? AXS all day. Everything XT level or lower, use Shimano. Please. With a cherry on top.
Stop rewarding lousy product design.
I strongly believe that SRAM and Shimano try to take from consumers every single USD/EUR for next few years untill they "magicaly" switch to closed transmision system like PINION did.
All this exposed derauleur, cassete, chain doesnt worth that much money, because they are still very prone to wear and tear.
Fock me!
NONONONON!
* Disallowed in that stock SRAM cranks for almost a decade have had no way to add one beyond modifying a 104 BCD crank (grinding the outside of the tabs flat, voiding warranties) or having to buy an additional 3rd party direct-mount spider (to either support normal 104 BCD rings & bashes, or something like Wolf Tooth's BashSpider).
Somebody who knows more could probably give everyone a better rundown.
Y’all ain’t riding your bikes often enough and clearly are not the target audience for this.
(the Pinkbike gods will definitely spot this post and let it go to hell)
Wondering about the compatibility of an oval chainring on a T-type system?
Anyone tried that yet…?
$250 usd for the 'more affordable' gx option is an absolute joke!
I bought a pair of used New Balance shoes for $10 and I just walk everywhere. Saved money and I don't have to charge any batteries.
I am currently running gx crank/cassette. X01 shifter/mech and xx1 chain. It works fine, not gonna run out and replace it but...
If I was buying a new bike, I would only buy transmission. It is amazing.
OEM is the main market for this. Not 10yo hard tails (that can't run it)
SRAM typically announce things and have supply available in days or weeks at absolute worse case.
Setup on the T type stuff is stupid easy, shifts better then any drivetrain ever, and has almost no maintenence besides charging a battery.
If you don't want batteries, I get it, but to say there isn't performance or maintenence advantages is just lying to yourself.
I like how they moved the battery more out of the way, that was a good call.
However in a year of ownership I’ve had to replace the shifter and cable, and the derailleur hanger because I’ve rotated the bars and caught the derailleur on rocks. I think that Transmission would prevent that.