SRAM NX Eagle introduced – 12-speed drivetrain for eMTBs
SRAM introduces the NX Eagle, an affordable entry-level group for mountain bikers; however, the real surprise lies in the small print, as the NX Eagle is the first 12-speed drivetrain that’s also available for eMTBs! Let’s find out more about the details and compare the new NX group to the EX1.
Two years ago, SRAM introduced the EX1, the first drivetrain optimized for eMTBs. With its huge 11-48t cassette and 8 gears, the EX1 broke new ground, but the big gear steps are still subject to discussions. Most riders are fine with them, but many want a smaller steps. Although the new NX Eagle is primarily targeted as an affordable groupset for non motorized mountain bikes, it’s also available for eMTBs and could spark a turnaround.
At the heart of the new SRAM NX Eagle lies the 11-50t cassette which fits classic non-XD freehubs. It offers slightly less range than the more expensive 10-50t Eagle offerings, but still more than the EX1 with its 11 -48t. More important than the bandwidth, however, are the gear steps that are much smaller due to the 12-gears when compared to the EX1. You’ll have to shift more often, but it’s also easier to find the right gear ratio in every situation. This will certainly please riders who often ride in groups, as some struggle to find the right gear with the EX1. The NX Eagle cassette is not milled from a solid block like the more expensive SRAM cassettes but consists of stamped steel cogs that are riveted together. This method results in a product that is quite a bit heavier, but also a lot more affordable: the price of € 110 is only a fraction of the EX1 cassette with its staggering € 450 price tag.
Broken chains and high wear mainly occur when shifting multiple gears at once, therefore the NX Eagle comes with a special trigger for eMTBs that only lets you shift one gear at a time, just like the EX1 shifter. Similar triggers are currently being used by Specialized on the current Levo in combination with a 1×11 drivetrain and after getting used to them they work great.
The remaining NX Eagle components are quite similar to their expensive siblings and incorporate the key technologies of the Eagle family. They are generally a bit heavier and built with cheaper materials and manufacturing techniques. Of course, this is reflected in the price and the NX Eagle rear derailleur comes in at € 119 (EX1 € 165), the trigger costs € 38 (EX1 € 55), both a significant saving. The previous 1×11 NX groupset was one of our favourites for eMTBs, where cheaper wear parts are usually more important than a few grams of weight savings.
First impression
We already had the opportunity to test the NX Eagle in a non-motorized mountain bike and were very impressed by the shifting performance, it’s very close to the more expensive SRAM drivetrains. We are pleased that there’s now a more affordable alternative to the EX1 that offers finer gear steps, we look forward to finding out how 12-speed will hold up in real world eMTB use.
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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl
