SRAM is marking nearly four decades of mountain bike drivetrain innovation with a limited edition Eagle Transmission 1987 Collection. The set highlights the company’s latest T-Type technology while paying homage to its beginnings in 1987, and as you’d expect, it comes with premium touches and a price tag to match.
“When we started chasing the dream of a better ride, we could never have predicted what we’d be riding some 38 years later,” the brand wrote in a press release. “But the realization of Eagle Transmission remains true to day one. And while we’re never satisfied, we’re taking a moment to celebrate with the 1987 Collection. The limited edition groupset features a unique combination of T-Type Ecosystem components of which we’re most proud, all in an exclusive silver finish.”
Limited production and an exclusive finish
The wireless electronic drivetrain is offered in an exclusive silver finish, and each one is sequentially numbered, with just 1,987 units produced worldwide. Each package ships with extras like two pod controllers, a four-battery AXS charger, two AXS batteries, and even a chainring removal tool.
At the heart of the build is SRAM’s lightest cassette yet, weighing 25 grams less than the feather-weight, 350g XX SL Eagle Transmission cassette that retails for $660. Though the 1987 cassette isn’t approved for eMTB use, SRAM says the limited edition cassette matches the XX SL’s durability. This unique cassette is exclusive to the 1987 collection.
The crankset is another interesting choice. SRAM opted for an integrated power meter that, from the sound of it, is based on the X0 Eagle Transmission Power Meter Crankset. This is surprising given that SRAM offers two higher-end and more expensive power meter cranksets with XX or XX SL badging. Only a 170mm crank length is offered, with 32t and 34t chainrings included. Riders will note the hollow-link, hollow-pin chain, plus a derailleur that blends an XX cage with an XX SL body, finished in silver. A complete drivetrain weight isn’t provided.
Aside from the cassette and cranks, the package comes with some thoughtful inclusions. Two pod controllers mean riders can mount controls on either side or dedicate one to an AXS dropper. And while parts from the collection can’t be purchased separately, warranty replacements will be available—though without the sequential numbering. Once wear sets in or parts break, owners can swap in standard Eagle Transmission components. However, we suspect a fair number of drivetrains will go unused and preserved in a few well-heeled riders’ collections.
Why is this drivetrain so expensive?
The SRAM 1987 Collection costs $3,499, and while that’s an extremely high price, it’s not surprising based on what it includes. SRAM is stamping every collection with a unique, sequential number—a labor-intensive step that surely contributes to the price tag—and premium finishes and materials add to that cost. Developing a unique and lightweight cassette specifically for the collection is another expense, and given the limited production numbers, there aren’t a lot of units to spread the cost around. In addition, buyers are getting a number of extras that aren’t included in a typical groupset, like the SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission collection that’s already priced at $2,499 (and more for XX SL parts).
Beyond the unique finishes, it’s clear SRAM is selling more than just performance. The 1987 Collection is part celebration, part collector’s item, and part statement piece. At $3,499, it’s priced well above the already expensive top-tier Transmission builds, but for those who want the rarest version of SRAM’s latest drivetrain, that’s just the cost of exclusivity.
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