The Giant of MTB Transmission Says Goodbye to Make Way for a New Era

SRAM Eagle 1×12: The MTB Drivetrain Giant Says Goodbye to Make Way for a New Era

The iconic transmission that revolutionized mountain biking is reinvented with the arrival of the S-Series, promising greater resistance, efficiency and an unprecedented range of options.

After a decade dominating the trails and establishing itself as the gold standard in mountain biking, the legendary SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain has announced its retirement. Since its launch in 2016, Eagle became a real earthquake, pulverizing the need for the front derailleur and leaving double chainring configurations behind. Its success was resounding, redefining what cyclists expected from a modern MTB drivetrain.

But Eagle's goodbye is not an end point, but rather the prologue of a new and exciting stage. SRAM presents the unprecedented S-Series, a family of transmissions designed to take up the baton of the nine first-generation Eagle groupsets. These new additions maintain the essence of compatibility, allowing riders to upgrade their current 1×12 drivetrains without resorting to the UDH hanger. The objective is clear: to offer more robust, efficient components with a mechanical refinement that elevates the experience on the bicycle.

The philosophy behind the S-Series goes beyond mere component upgrades. SRAM seeks to simplify the choice and maintenance of drivetrains. For both new bikes and those looking to upgrade their current drivetrain, the S-Series offers conversion kits and a cleverly organized range of spare parts. This strategy makes finding, purchasing and replacing parts much easier, making cutting-edge technology more accessible than ever to the everyday cyclist.

The new Eagle transmission architecture, which coexists and is complemented by the revolutionary Transmission UDH, is articulated around three fundamental pillars within the S-Series. Each of these groups is designed to satisfy the demands of different profiles of cyclists, from the most demanding professionals to enthusiasts looking for the best quality-price ratio.

SRAM S500 AXS: The Peak of Electronic Technology

At the top of the pyramid is the S500 AXS groupset, the pinnacle of SRAM drivetrain engineering. This electronic and wireless system takes over from the acclaimed XX1, X01, X1 and GX Eagle AXS. Four epoch-making drivetrains are now merged into a single entity, retaining the distinctive aesthetic of gold or “rainbow” cassettes, chains, and X-Sync chainrings, but incorporating substantial improvements to their internal structure, chain gearing, and overall finishes.

The heart of this group beats its S500 AXS rear derailleur, equipped with a Type 3 clutch that guarantees exceptional chain retention, minimizing drops and noise. Its robust aluminum case, protected by the Overload Clutch system, offers formidable defense against impacts, a crucial detail in the MTB discipline. Versatility is another of its strong points, allowing it to be linked with any SRAM AXS component, whether mountain or road, opening a range of customization possibilities.

The XG-1299 cassettes have been updated to offer a range of 10-52 teeth, maintaining the 520% ​​gear range that cyclists appreciated so much. Gold or rainbow finish options remain a nod to the aesthetics of its predecessors, and compatibility with XD cores ensures seamless integration with Eagle components, both current and past.

The S500 cranks, made of carbon, inherit the lightness of the original XX1 groupsets, raising the bar for those coming from an X01 or GX. Its sober black finish provides a touch of discreet elegance. In addition, the innovative option of short 165 mm cranks is introduced, complementing the already available 170 and 175 mm cranks. The chainrings, for their part, are offered in the traditional sizes of 30, 32 and 34 teeth, adapting to the preferences of each cyclist.

For those who want to make the leap to AXS technology, the S500 groupset is available in kit format, which includes an S500 derailleur, AXS Pod button for the handlebars, battery and charger, priced at €655.

SRAM S200: Mechanical Reliability Within Everyone's Reach

Going down a step, we find the S200, the first mechanical groupset of the S-Series. Designed for the mid-range, this groupset brings together the best of the older XX1, X01 and GX Eagle cables, offering a robust and reliable solution for a wide variety of cyclists.

Its aesthetic is characterized by a more sober black finish, both on the cassette and on the cranks. The latter, made entirely of aluminum, come in short lengths of 155, 160 and 165 mm, expanding the options to adapt to different heights and pedaling styles. The chainrings maintain the 30, 32 and 34 tooth options.

The XG-1275 cassette stands out for its solid construction, with steel pins that, although they slightly increase the weight compared to the S500, guarantee exceptional durability. It offers two range options: 10-50 and 10-52 teeth, both compatible with the new S200 rear derailleur.

The S200 cable push button has been redesigned, featuring a slimmer profile and improved ergonomics. Its intuitive design, with individual touch, makes it especially suitable for electric bicycles, where precision and ease of use are paramount. The SRAM Eagle S200 groupset is sold with separate component sales, allowing for even greater customization.

SRAM S100: The Economic Option without Compromise

To close the S-Series range, SRAM presents the S100, an economical drivetrain that does not sacrifice strength or reliability. Designed to be compatible with components from other S-Series and older Eagle groupsets, the S100 is positioned as the ideal option for those looking for a high-performance drivetrain at an affordable price.

This groupset replaces the best-selling SRAM NX and SX Eagle, incorporating a new cassette, derailleur, chain, crankset and push button. Its deep black finish, more pronounced than on the S200, gives it a modern and attractive appearance. It is compatible with both mountain bikes and electric bicycles, expanding its versatility.

Short crank options range from 155mm to 175mm, with chainrings available in 30, 32 and 34 teeth. The cassette, for its part, offers a range of 10-50 teeth. A standout feature is its 11, 13 and 15-tooth eMTB “speed limiting” crowns, which are replaceable, guaranteeing the longevity and adaptability of the system.

The arrival of the S-Series marks a milestone in the evolution of mountain bike drivetrains. SRAM once again demonstrates its commitment to innovation and accessibility, offering solutions that meet the needs of all cyclists, from the most demanding professionals to amateurs looking to enjoy the mountains with the best technology. The Eagle era has ended, but the legend continues with the S-Series.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New SRAM S-Series Drivetrains

What drivetrain does the new SRAM S500 AXS replace?

The SRAM S500 AXS replaces the previous XX1, X01, X1 and GX Eagle AXS groupsets.

What type of clutch does the S500 AXS rear derailleur use?

The S500 AXS rear derailleur uses a Type 3 clutch for better chain retention.

What is the development range of the new S500 AXS XG-1299 cassette?

The new XG-1299 cassette of the S500 AXS maintains a range of 10-52 teeth, with a 520% ​​gear ratio.

What crank lengths are available for S500 cranks?

The S500 cranks are available in 165mm, 170mm and 175mm.

What is the price of the S500 group AXS kit?

The S500 group AXS kit is priced at €655.

What cable groups does the SRAM S200 drivetrain replace?

The SRAM S200 drivetrain replaces the previous XX1, X01 and GX Eagle cable groupsets.

What short crank lengths are debuting on the S200 groupset?

The S200 groupset debuts short crank lengths of 155mm, 160mm and 165mm.

What range options does the S200's XG-1275 cassette offer?

The S200's XG-1275 cassette offers two range options: 10-50 and 10-52 teeth.

What cheap drivetrains does the SRAM S100 groupset replace?

The SRAM S100 groupset replaces the SRAM NX and SX Eagle groupsets.

What cassette range does the S100 groupset offer?

The S100 group cassette is available with a range of 10-50 teeth.

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