SRAM Unveils NEW 52-Tooth Cassette Across GX, XO1 and XX1 Ecosystem
New SRAM Eagle Drivetrain
Today, SRAM launches the newest updates to its popular Eagle drivetrain. Most notably, SRAM expanded the capability of Eagle cassettes with a 52-tooth offering a 520% range. Furthermore, SRAM added new color options to complement their three new mechanical drivetrains. The new GX drivetrain is aimed towards all-day riding with durability and budget pricing in mind. SRAM’s new XO1 drivetrain is for riders and racers who demand adaptability and versatility out of their equipment. Lastly, XX1 offers pro-level performance designed to be incredibly quiet, intuitive, and precise. Together, these new Eagle drivetrains are ready to tackle the trails under the hands of any rider. From pros to first-time rider’s, SRAM’s new Eagle group is made to give you an edge over the competition.
Key Features of Eagle 52-tooth
- Eagle Expansion – Range increased to 520%
- Three new mechanical drivetrains, XX1, X01, and GX Eagle
- GX Eagle improved dramatically, both mechanically and aesthetically
- New Colour system options for cassette and chain – Black, Gold, Rainbow and NEW Copper
- Eagle AXS is forward compatible with 520% range and includes new XX1 and X01 colorways
- New unified chain gap tool that replaces all other Eagle chain gap tools across both cassette sizes
Questions and Answers with SRAM
Are these expanded range cassettes intended for all riders and racers? Will we see World Cup athletes on 10-52?
SRAM: The Eagle Ecosystem is intended to provide top-tier performance for everyone from weekend warriors to world champions. We asked our athletes and customers alike for their feedback on our 10-50T cassette and heard an opportunity for growth with an expanded gear range. We will continue to offer our 10-50T, but for those who desire a broader gear range without changing their chainring size, the 10-52T will be your new best friend.
Can I mix and match the components from different group levels?
SRAM: The Eagle ecosystem is still intact—mix and match compatibility runs top to bottom through the range. Through the development of our AXSTM products, we made some architectural adjustments that provided the foundations of our new expanded range. Additionally, a new master colorway combined with detailed colorways and finishes provides riders with a more customizable experience when building their dream drivetrain. Black, Rainbow, Gold, Copper—the choice is yours.
Are there any changes to the Eagle derailleur design to accommodate the larger cassette?
SRAM: Through the evolution of our Eagle AXS systems, we identified different opportunities for a better performing drivetrain. To seek a better experience for riders we employ a recipe of in-lab testing and real-world R&D to vet out challenges and opportunities. We learned that to ensure the desired chain gap and durability through the 10-50T and 10-52T systems, we needed to make adjustments to our cage’s structural integrity, pulley wheel offset as well as a lengthened parallelogram. Through this tailoring, we can now accommodate a wider range of gearing.
Are there any other changes to the cassette?
SRAM: The Eagle Cassette is a keystone in the success of the ecosystem, so we carried the technology into
the new lineup. Eagle 10-52T will have the benefits of an expanded gear range with all the performance you expect from SRAM with no compromise to your experience.
Why did you increase the largest cassette cog without incrementally increasing the sizes of the smaller cogs to allow for more consistent steps between gears?
SRAM: Ensuring performance without compromise is paramount when it comes to offering a new product, so unless we are confident in an idea, it will not go to market. Expanding the range to a 52T is a small step in the design process, allowing us to incrementally improve your experience as we perfect our ideas. If the gear step percentage is something that concerns you, our proven 10-50T is still offered.
Is there a new chain gap tool for Eagle Expanded Range?
SRAM: Yes. A new chain gap tool has been developed to accommodate the growth in the cassette range and new derailleur body. We now have a universal tool that will serve the entire ecosystem, eliminating the need for multiple chain-gap tools.
Can I use my SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain with a 10-52T cassette?
SRAM: SRAM Eagle AXS is ready for the 10-52T cassette. Our engineering process is fueled by experience and acquired knowledge. We take our past products and experiences and use them as a beacon to guide our development. When we were creating Eagle AXS, we ensured it was future-proof by taking what we learned in the development of Eagle and engineering a product ready for the next generation drivetrain.
Can I use my current SRAM Eagle drivetrain with a 10-52T cassette?
SRAM: We always strive to eliminate complexity and build in backward capability but with the new 10-52T cassette we can’t confidently recommend that the shift performance is what you would expect from SRAM shifting—the compatibility with our legacy mechanical Eagle drivetrains. For the best shift experience we offer, we recommend Eagle AXS and any of our new mechanical rear derailleurs that are purpose-built to use both the 10-50T cassette and the new 10-52T variant. Things like the pulley wheel offset, cage length and body shape were all altered. So, with your V1 Eagle derailleur, you will encounter a more labored, less precise shift experience. We do not recommend using your V1 Eagle mechanical with the newly expanded range cassette.
What happens if I do run my current drivetrain with a 52T cassette?
SRAM: With your V1 Eagle derailleur, you will encounter a more labored, less precise shift experience. We do not recommend using your V1 Eagle with the newly expanded range cassette.
Will 10-52 replace 10-50 drivetrains?
SRAM: 10-50T isn’t going anywhere soon, so if you want to keep your V1 derailleur you will still be able to enjoy Eagle as you have always known it. However, if you want to enjoy the benefits of the expanded range cassette you will need to update your derailleur. If you are an AXS user, you will be able to use the new 52T without any issues.
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