SRAM previews entry level NX Eagle gruppo
SRAM has released details about its newest – and most affordable – 12-speed Eagle group to date, the NX. Slotting in underneath the popular GX lineup, the NX series brings similar 12sp tech in at a more affordable price point… and in particular at the business end of the gruppo, the cassette.
NX comprises a new chain, 10-50t cassette, crankset, rear derailleur and shifter, which will all be reverse-compatible with other Eagle bits.
The new NX cranks are alloy and use SRAM’s direct mount X-Sync 2 steel rings as standard. It adopts the brand’s new Dub 28.99mm (cue: rolling eyes) axle diameter, which SRAM claims helps with bottom bracket compatibility and improve bearing quality. It'll be offered in 165mm, 170mm and 175mm lengths. SRAM also produces an oval direct-mount ring in sizes from 32 through to 38t in two-tooth increments.
The rear derailleur is said to be completely new, even though it uses carry-over tech like the Type 3 clutch and 14-tooth pulley wheel, while the NX shifter looks very similar to the non-adjustable GX version – though interestingly, it can now be specced in an e-mtb specific version that only drops a single gear per click. SRAM’s Matchmaker system is used, as well.
The big news here is the new PG-1230 11-50t cassette. It’s set to bring the cost of SRAM’s 12sp block down to a price level more on par with Shimano’s 11-speed set-ups, albeit with a weight penalty.
It differs a lot from the more expensive versions, not least because it can be used on a regular splined 10-11spd compatible freehub, not the stubby, specialist XD drvier body needed for GX, XX and XO1.
It's similar in design to its ten- and 11-speed speed cassettes in that the four largest cogs are riveted onto an alloy spider, while the balance are individual. The 50t is steel, and the others are all alloy.
SRAM suggests the recommended retail price will be $149.95, versus the GX equivalent which costs more like $320. At 615g, it weighs 165g more than GX, and it’s a long way north of the XX1’s 364g claim… though at $649, it is more than four times the price of the NX. Looking at it from a whole-group scenario, NX will cost $220 less than a GX group.
Comparing 11spd to 12spd NX, the cassette is only about 60g heavier.
The release of an entry-level NX group doesn’t mean that the 11-speed is now extinct, with SRAM insisting that there are still plenty of drivetrains out there that will need supporting for some time to come. However, company officials do admit that 11sp development is now pretty much done.
You’ll see NX pop up on 2019 model bikes from around the $2500 to $3500 range from August onwards, while aftermarket bits will lob in the same month.
sram.com/sram/mountain/family/nx-eagle
Pricing comparo
|
|
NX Eagle |
GX Eagle |
XX1 Eagle |
X01 Eagle |
|
Chain |
39.95 |
59.95 |
169.95 |
119.95 |
|
Crank |
169.95 |
219.95 |
799.95 |
749.95 |
|
Trigger |
59.95 |
69.95 |
279.95 |
219.95 |
|
Rear derailleur |
169.95 |
179.95 |
479.95 |
379.95 |
|
Cassette |
149.95 |
319.95 |
649.95 |
599.95 |
|
|
589.75 |
849.75 |
2379.75 |
2069.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groupset |
579.95 |
799.95 |
N/A |
N/A |
