SRAM XG-1275 Eagle Cassette

When Sram first came out with their 12 speed Eagle drivetrain it was the cream of the crop with a hefty price tag to go with it. But, just like their 11 speed drivetrain, before long they introduced a cheaper, more cost effective Eagle option and as a result is much more appealing for the average rider. With this being the case, Eagle GX is found on a wide range of intermediately price bikes. With it being so affordable, is it truly something worth investing in? I was able to get a few rides on the Eagle GX drivetrain in hopes to find out for myself. Here are my impressions:

Specs:

Weight           450g (Verified)

Material          Stamped steel

Speeds            12

Recommended Chain Eagle™ chain only

Cogs:   10-50t: 10t, 12t, 14t, 16t, 18t, 21t, 24t, 28t, 32t, 36t, 42t, 50t

Compatible with all levels of Eagle™ drivetrain systems

Price $195 MSRP

Out of The Box:

Pulling the Eagle GX cassette out of it’s packaging, the first thing I noticed was how absolutely massive the 50T lowest speed gear was. I’m no stranger to the Eagle line-up as I’ve been riding it for about a year and a half but the overall size of the cassette still blows my mind; it’s literally bigger than the side plate at your Thanksgiving feast.

The second thing I noticed was how chunky the thing was. Coming in at 449 grams, it certainly isn’t a light weight (the XT 46T cassette is 425 grams).

The added weight is thanks to what seems like an endless amount of steal staples, pinning each cog to the other. Although it’s heavy, I feel it has a great amount of value. At under half the price of XO1 Eagle and offering the same 500% gearing ratio, it may just find it’s way into one of the best budget cassettes of all time.

On the Trail:

Getting on the bike and pedaling around, the extra weight quickly becomes less noticeable. The range quickly becomes evident as the climbing get harder. It almost seems like there is an endless amount of downshift. Once I had grannied the entire climb, I was surprised to find out that I never maxxed out while pedaling down some of my favorite descents. Trying to find the perfect balance between a super low gear and super high gear on Sram's traditional 10-42T 11 speed cassette was one of the most difficult things to accomplish for me. I was constantly fine tuning the front chainring size per trail I was riding and with the Eagle GX cassette, I haven’t swapped it the front ring once. It widens one's gear ratios so well, even an unfit fart like myself can get on and just go!

The shifting of the Eagle GX wasn’t as smooth as it’s more expensive family members but I’m not exactly sure if that’s due to the cassette or the shifter; as the GX shifter is noticeably less smooth than the higher end versions. With that said however, I never had an issue getting into a gear I needed. It shifted when I needed it to.

Bottom Line:

The Sram Eagle GX groupset is a great addition to their 12 speed line-up. It’s way more affordable and offers great performance. Yeah the weight is there, especially with the Eagle GX cassette but I really didn’t notice it that much while out on the trail. Although I haven’t had too much time on it, it shifted when I needed it and really gave me the range I’ve been wanting that Sram 11 speed setup just never gave me. If you are on a budget but are in need of some extra range, the Sram Eagle GX cassette is the perfect cassette for you.