New SRAM NX Eagle Group Makes 12-speed Drivetrain More Affordable

Consumers rejoiced last year when SRAM introduced the low-cost, 12-speed GX Eagle drivetrain. Now, a SRAM 12-speed will be available at an even lower price-point. All Eagle drivetrains — from XX1 to X01 and now GX and NX –share the same DNA which means consumers can mix and match components.

Say an X01 Eagle rider is out crushing bike park laps and they smash their derailleur on a pinch between two rocks. If that rider didn’t want to fork out $300+ dollars at the time to ride the rest of the day, they could opt for a NX derailleur for under $110.

The Crankset

The NX drivetrain is forged from 6000-series aluminum. SRAM uses what they call DUB technology with a new bottom bracket and spindle to provide a better fit and seal against water and dirt. The crankset will also fit with SRAM’s X-SYNC 2 chainrings. SRAM says the crankset will run $105-$120 and will weigh 705g with 175mm arms and a 32T ring.

Rear derailleur

The NX Eagle derailleur comes with a 14-tooth, X-SYNC lower pulley to accommodate the 10- or 11-50-tooth derailleur. A Type-3 roller bearing clutch makes the derailleur more quiet and durable, says SRAM. It’ll cost $107 and weigh 339g.

Shifter

The NX Eagle shifter is compatible with SRAM’s Matchmaker X clamp. It’ll also be available in an e-bike option, which reduces the shift capability to a single engagement, meaning e-bike riders can only shift one gear per push. The shifter, made from aluminum and plastic, is priced at $42 and weighs 112g.

Cassette

The cassette is where drivetrain manufacturers can typically save a lot of money on affordable options by allowing more weight. The PG-1230 weighs 615g and will cost $100. In contrast, the XX1 Eagle cassette costs $420 and weighs 300g. With the NX group, SRAM eases compatibility, allowing the cassette to work with standard 8, 9, and 10-speed splined driver bodies, no XD driver required.

Chain

The chain features SRAM’s Flow Link, which they say reduces friction between chain and cog teeth. It weighs 278g and costs $26.

As a whole, the groupset weighs 2,050g and costs $375. That’s quite a savings, considering the XX1 cassette costs more than the whole NX Eagle group set. We expect to see the NX Eagle specced on entry-level mountain bikes next year.

Last month, Shimano announced a 12-speed drivetrain to their lineup, two years after SRAM’s Eagle debut. It’s only available in an XTR model, which is light, race-ready, and around $1,400. At this point, SRAM now has four different 12-speed options, each in different price points, which gives consumers a lot of affordable drivetrain options.

The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain will be available to consumers beginning in September of this year.

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