It’s been four years since Sram launched its updated Eagle drivetrain. At the time, X01 and XX1 cable-actuated Eagle were the highest-end drivetrains available and featured a 10-52T cassette, offering an impressive 520% gear range. Not long after, Sram introduced Eagle AXS, their first wireless drivetrain, utilizing a wireless AXS derailleur that functioned with the existing Eagle groupset. The recent introduction of Sram Transmission has been the first completely redesigned drivetrain from Sram, featuring a new flattop chain and updated cassette mapping that provides the most seamless shifting available, even when under immense load. Even with the introduction of Sram AXS and Transmission, cable-actuated Sram Eagle still stands as one of the best drivetrain options on the market.  The fully mechanical nature of Sram Eagle and its lack of any need for Bluetooth pairing, batteries, and charging cables still make it a fantastic drivetrain option.

Sram Eagle Compared to AXS and Transmission

One of the appealing aspects of bikes is their traditionally fully mechanical design and their ability to get from point A to point B by converting a rider’s energy and movement into kinetic energy. That ability, that no matter how removed from society or an electrical outlet, riders with the knowledge and appropriate tools can fix whatever issue arises. 

I have been fortunate enough to ride and test Sram Eagle, Eagle AXS, and Transmission drivetrains extensively. However, I still find myself returning to a cable-actuated Eagle for its mechanical design, functionality, and lower cost. While AXS and Transmission eliminated the need for a shift cable, they introduced the reliance of a battery. More accurately, two batteries when accounting for the longer-lasting coin-type battery in the AXS controller. 

In my experience, Transmission undoubtedly provides the most seamless shifting and its ability to do so under load is immensely impressive. Although, Transmission currently pigeonholes riders into the AXS/wireless ecosystem and the need to remember to recharge your derailleur and bring that proprietary charger with you on the next biking trip “just in case.” Riders can expect 25 hours of ride time out of their Transmission derailleur, which is more than enough for a handful of rides. However, I have always had a hard time shaking the “low-battery anxiety” and found it adds one more step to my pre-ride checklist. It will be interesting to see if Sram finds a way to integrate its Transmission technology into a cable-actuated version in the future, as I believe this would offer the best of both worlds.

Combining GX and X01 Eagle // Best Budget Groupset for MTB 

My Stumpjumper Evo has been my daily driver for almost two years now and has served as the testing platform for a variety of different drivetrains. My current groupset consists of a combination of SRAM GX and X01 Eagle components, and it strikes an ideal balance between value and performance. The pairing of an X01 shifter and X01 derailleur delivers a crisp transition from gear to gear, while the remainder of the groupset consisting of GX-level components provides durable functionality without breaking the bank.

Cassette: GX 10-52T

Chain: GX Eagle 12-Speed

Cranks: GX Eagle DUB Boost 

Derailleur: X01 Eagle

Shifter: X01 Eagle

The standard GX Eagle groupset is a workhorse of a drivetrain and, frankly, is good enough for any rider. It will happily crank out 1,000+ miles with proper upkeep before warranting a new cassette. The shifting isn’t quite as refined as that of an X01 or XX1 groupset, but it is smooth and reliable, moving up and down the cassette as prompted without issue. While a complete X01 drivetrain provides a crisper feel, combining an X01 shifter and X01 derailleur with an existing GX groupset comes eerily close to the ride quality of a full X01 groupset at a fraction of the cost. 

Riding Impressions

I’ve relied on my hybrid GX/X01 drivetrain for the last seven months for everything from local rides to endless bike park laps, and it has performed flawlessly. The tactile feel and responsiveness initiating shifts with the pairing of an X01 shifter and X01 derailleur is the most noticeable difference from a standard GX groupset. 

The X01 shifter is a massive upgrade over the cheaper GX shifter, featuring an aluminum trigger that rotates on sealed cartridge bearings for a smoother, more refined feel. The positioning of the X01 shift lever can adjust 30 degrees in either direction, allowing riders to tune the lever’s starting position to suit their preferences. The adjustability of the X01 shifter is an often overlooked feature that makes a massive difference in the cockpit setup and overall shifting quality.

Compared to the GX, the clutch of the X01 derailleur is stronger and manages chain slap better, providing a quieter rider. Over the years, I have gone through my share of GX derailleurs, two of which were due to clutch failures. Up to this point, my X01 doesn’t show any signs of wearing out, and its clutch is just as strong as the day I installed it. 

If riders can only afford to upgrade one aspect of their GX groupset, I’d recommend the X01 shifter before any other component, as it has the largest impact on overall shifting feel. I’ve put just over 1,000 miles and countless park laps into this current drivetrain, and its shifting is still smooth and responsive. I anticipate refreshing the chain and cassette in the future, but the remainder of the groupset is good for seasons to come, barring any crashes of unforeseen mechanicals.

Verdict

A combination of Sram Eagle GX and X01 components remains one of the best "budget-friendly" options for riders seeking high performance without the reliance on batteries or Bluetooth. Combining the GX cassette, chain, and crankset with the X01 shifter and derailleur delivers crisp, reliable shifting at a fraction of the cost of a full X01 system. The drivetrain is durable, and offers superior longevity and a quieter ride compared to the GX groupset. Overall, the Eagle GX/X01 combo strikes an excellent balance between value, performance, and mechanical simplicity, making it a top choice for more budget-conscious riders wanting a high-end drivetrain.