SRAM Releases New Eagle 1x12 Drivetrains in XX1 and X01 Lines

SRAM Releases New Eagle 1×12 Drivetrains in XX1 and X01 Lines

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 …

By Greg Heil
March 24, 2016 Last Updated: August 5, 2024

12 comments

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.

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:

Close-up of a bicycle cassette and chain, featuring gleaming metallic gears and a turquoise frame component, with a focus on the intricate details of the chain links and sprocket design.

Drivetrain

The 12-speed Shimano Deore Drivetrain Delivers Incredible Value [Review]

A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees. The biker is wearing a helmet and is focused on maintaining balance while riding over the uneven stones.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

Review: SR Suntour Aion Fork

A mountain biker dressed in a green jersey and helmet navigates a rocky terrain under clear blue skies, demonstrating skill and balance on a challenging trail.

Culture

News: Cannondale Annouces New Trail Bike: The Habit

A black and red Trek bicycle frame featuring a rear suspension system. The design showcases a sleek and modern aesthetic, highlighting the craftsmanship and materials used in the construction of the frame.

Culture

Opinion: Trek's New Online Bike Sales Program Is Doomed to Fail

12 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

Jared13 California // 2011
Mar 24, 2016

I love new technology! Especially when it doesn't involve a new standard.

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.

1 reply

arkinet Colorado // 2012
Mar 25, 2016

next will be either manual or automatic gear shifting

0 reply

Matthew Bonner Washington // 2014
Mar 24, 2016

Why so many gears? I used to think 1x11 was the highest the market would ever dare to go, but I stand corrected. I rock 1x9 like it's the next big thing and I like it that way. Watch out, 1x13 is coming! :)

habakak 2016
Mar 24, 2016

There is a limit to how wide the cassette can be. 1x13 might be possible especially now with the wider BOOST hubs, but just like an 11-speed cassette cannot fit on hubs that were built for 9 or 10 speed cassettes, you will run into hub issues. There is also a limit on how wide the hub body can get, so adding one more cog is not going to be answer forever.

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!

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Mar 24, 2016

I think you're right, 1x13 is next (unless the marketing folks decide 13 sounds too unlucky and they jump right to 14.) But after that, the real innovation will be 0-by. How will this be possible? One word: batteries. :)

jkldouglas 2011
Mar 25, 2016

*However that won't

I see what you guys are talking about when referencing how thin chains and cassette cogs can get. I actually tend to think that the main limiting factor for 1X drivetrains will be ground clearance. They have managed to keep the ground clearance of the Eagle rear derailleur the same as the 1X11 even with the 50t. However that would always be the case if you continue to increase the large cog in the back. You could run into a situation where you start ripping derailleurs off due to rocks and other obstacles.

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Mar 25, 2016

Carbon nano tube chain!

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???

Ah, but that's assuming we've reached the limit in terms of how thin the cogs and chain can be... What if there's a material or process out there that can be used to create durable, paper-thin cogs. Heck, just finding a way to make cogs (and chains) 20% thinner could mean 2 more gears crammed into the same hub width.

AUTHOR

Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Mar 24, 2016

While I agree with you on some of this, you're wrong on this point: "but just like an 11-speed cassette cannot fit on hubs that were built for 9 or 10 speed cassettes, you will run into hub issues."

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.

sunwalker Minnesota // 2015
Mar 25, 2016

Wow! In 50 years we've gone from 2x5 to 1x12 for only $1400. I'm blown away!

DrewD Michigan // 2013
Mar 27, 2016

I haven't seen it as much on this site but it "grinds my gears" when people bitch about new technology and products from companies like SRAM. If they didn't continue to put money into R&D, they would end up like Suntour and fail to be a company that anyone looks to for innovation.

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.

-1 reply

Featured Articles

12 Comments