SRAM 1×12 is officially here! While it may have been one of the worst-kept product launch secrets in recent memory, and we were even speculating about an expanding gear range following the new Boost 148 spacing from last year, 12-speed is now officially official!
Dubbed “Eagle” XX1 and X01, SRAM is adding yet another label to their list of product names, so equate anything regarding “Eagle” and “Eagle Technology” with 12-speed. According to SRAM,
“The new XX1 and X01 drivetrains, featuring Eagle™ Technology, are collections of components that have been engineered for a whole new level of ride quality and integration. These drivetrains have not only been refined, we have torn them apart, built them up, tested, tweaked, engineered and tested again. Eagle™ Technology delivers a drivetrain that is smoother, simpler, more durable and quieter than anything you’ve ever ridden. Add to that Eagle’s massive gear range, and you have greater freedom to ride how you want, where you want. Performance, durability, simplicity, range, freedom: Introducing Eagle™, only from SRAM.”
Just how big is that gear range? With the new 10-50 tooth cassette: 500%.
In addition to a wide range at a lower weight than 2×10, SRAM has updated all of the parts of the drivetrain from derailleur to cassette to chain to crankset to provide an all-around improved shifting package.
XX1 Total Price: $1,417
XX1 Total Weight: 1456g
X01 Total Price: $1,193
X01 Total Weight: 1,502g
Be sure to check out SRAM’s launch video for a brief overview:
Check out all the details in the press release, below:
12 Comments
Mar 24, 2016
I'd like to see a 1x13 just because it's my favorite number, but I'd like to see the gearbox rumors become reality even more. It might be a bit heavier, but I think it'd be even more reliable than what we currently have.
Mar 25, 2016
Mar 24, 2016
Mar 24, 2016
Besides, with a 500% range, it almost matches 2x and 3x drivetrains WITHOUT the overlap of FD based systems and with added simplicity.
I think the big (potential) wins with this new 1x12 setup is the smoother operation and longer life times (again, potential according to the design details). It seems like a good step in the right direction.
Now that the range issue seems to be mostly addressed, I think we'll go electronic (shifting first, later possibly for braking and suspension). And going electronic will be wired and then wireless. So there's always something that can be improved (I know a lot of people won't think these are improvements and technology allows incremental change only most of the time).
For me it's all about the options. I love all the new wheel sizes and tire options. As much as I have no need or desire for a fat bike, I know a lot of people do. I am sold on + bikes though!
Mar 24, 2016
Mar 25, 2016
Mar 25, 2016
Mar 25, 2016
But for real Jeff, you bring up a good point. A lot of times our visions of what will come down the line are limited because we think in terms of our current tech and processes. Apparently with this Eagle group, SRAM created an entirely new process for manufacturing their chain. The improvements made for the 12-speed chain could eventually be made to 10 and 11-speed.
I always think about what tires will be like in the future. What if you could create a material that could change it's friction properties automatically? And pair that with a wheel that could adjust pressure on the fly. Your tire's pressure and grip levels would be able to change on the fly. Riding on the road, the pressure goes up and rolling resistance goes down. Hit the trail and the pressure drops and the tire gets grippier.
Who's working on this???
Mar 24, 2016
Mar 24, 2016
Actually, both Shimano AND SRAM have 11-speed cassettes that work on standard freehub bodies that accept 9 and 10 speed cassettes. And while the 12-speed cassette currently cannot, it uses the same SRAM driver that the SRAM 11-speed cassettes started off using--no additional spacing required.
Mar 25, 2016
Mar 27, 2016
If a person is rocking a 3x7 or 1x11 or anywhere in between, take some antibiotics for your upgraditus and be happy with what you have until it's time to upgrade bikes or until you can't stand it and get Eagle or the trickle down that will be coming.
No one is going to end your life if you don't have the best of the best and the newest of the newest. If this really bothers you, please don't let it ruin your day.