When it comes to mountain biking, two of the most popular groupset choices are SRAM GX Eagle and Shimano XT.
Both are high-performance groupsets that offer a range of features and benefits to help mountain bikers to get the most out of their rides.
In this article, we’ll compare the two to help you decide which is the best choice for you. We’ll look at the components and performance of both groupsets to give you an understanding of what each has to offer.
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which one is the best fit for your needs.
Sram Gx Eagle Groupset
SRAM GX Eagle Groupset is the latest offering from SRAM, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bicycle components.
It is designed to provide superior performance, reliability, and value for mountain bikers. The GX Eagle Groupset includes a complete drivetrain, brakes, and wheelset. The drivetrain consists of a 12-speed cassette, shifter, derailleur, and crankset.
The 12-speed cassette provides riders with a wide range of gear ratios, allowing them to tackle any terrain with ease. The shifter and derailleur are designed to provide precise and smooth shifting, even in the roughest of conditions.
The hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, allowing riders to confidently control their speed.
The brakes are hydraulic disc brakes with a four-piston caliper. The wheelset is a 27.5-inch wheel with a Boost hub. The 27.5-inch wheelset is designed to be light and strong, allowing riders to tackle any terrain without sacrificing performance.
Overall, the SRAM GX Eagle Groupset is an excellent choice for mountain bikers looking for a reliable and efficient drivetrain. It provides an excellent range of gear ratios, precise and smooth shifting, and powerful braking.
Advantages of SRAM GX Eagle Groupset:
GX Eagle is one of the lightest groupsets available on the market, making it ideal for XC and trail riding. GX Eagle components are designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of off-road riding. GX Eagle offers a wide range of gearing options, making it suitable for a variety of terrain.
GX Eagle is also one of the most affordable groupsets available, making it a great choice for budget-conscious riders.
Disadvantages of SRAM GX Eagle Groupset:
GX Eagle is not compatible with all frames and components, so it may not be suitable for certain bikes.
Shimano Xt Groupset
It is a complete drivetrain system that consists of shifters, derailleurs, cranksets, cassettes, brakes, and chains. It is designed to provide reliable performance in all kinds of terrain and conditions. The XT Groupset is designed to be lightweight, durable, and reliable.
The shifters are designed to provide smooth, precise gear shifts, while the derailleurs are designed to provide reliable shifting in all conditions. The crankset is designed to be stiff and efficient, and the cassette is designed to provide a wide range of gear ratios.
The brakes are designed to provide powerful and reliable stopping power, and the chain is designed to provide smooth and efficient power transfer.
Overall, the Shimano XT Groupset is a great choice for mountain bikers who are looking for reliable performance and easy maintenance.
Advantages of Shimano XT Groupset:
XT components are designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of off-road riding. XT offers a wide range of gearing options, making it suitable for a variety of terrain.
XT is compatible with a wide range of frames and components, making it suitable for a variety of bikes.
Disadvantages of Shimano XT Groupset:
XT components are heavier than other groupsets, making it less suitable for XC and trail riding. XT also suffers from a limited gear range compared to other groupsets, so it may not be suitable for riders who need a wider range of gears.
Sram Gx Eagle vs Shimano Xt – Key Differences
Crankset
The SRAM GX Eagle crankset is available in two different sizes: 170mm or 175mm. The crankset is constructed from forged aluminum and features a 30mm spindle diameter. It is compatible with all SRAM GX Eagle components and is available with either a single or double chainring configuration.
- Rings: single
- Arm Length: 170mm, 175mm
- Arm Material: 7000-series aluminum
The Shimano XT crankset is available in two different sizes: 170mm or 175mm. The crankset is constructed from aluminum and features a 24mm spindle diameter. It is compatible with all Shimano XT components and is available with either a single or double chainring configuration.
- Rings: 1
- Arm Length: 165, 170, 175mm
- BB Type: BSA/Threaded/English, Press Fit, BB30, PF30
Derailleur
The SRAM GX Eagle derailleur features an updated cage architecture that improves chain management. It’s also backwards compatible for the 10-50t versions. Giving you the freedom to choose the one you want to stick with.
- Gearing: 12-speed
- Cassette Range: 10 - 50t, 10 - 52t
- Material: [cage] aluminum, [pulley, spring] steel
The Shimano XT derailleur features an XTR Shadow Plus rear derailleur that is designed to provide maximum performance in all conditions. The XT shifter is designed for smooth, precise shifting and the XT derailleur is designed to provide maximum performance in all conditions.
- Gearing: 1 x 12
- Compatibility: Shimano 12-speed
- Material: aluminum
Shifters
Sram GX Eagle & Shimano XT’s rear derailleur is designed to provide reliable and smooth shifting performance, and the shifter is ergonomically designed for easy and precise shifting.
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years
- Material: forged aluminum trigger
- Compatible Components: GX Eagle, XO1 Eagle, XX1 Eagle
- Instantaneous push and pull movements
- The Shimano Deore XT SL-M8100 shifter is designed for 12-speed drivetrains.
- Clamp-band design
There is no way of differentiating between the two when it comes to shifting performance. While both of them use their own technology, ultimately they provide a similar shifting experience that is both flawless and swift.
Cassette
The GX Eagle groupset includes a 12-speed cassette. The GX Eagle cassette is designed to provide a wide gear range with precise shifting and lightweight construction.
- With the colours Lunar and black, the XG-1275 goes with everything
- Lightweight and stable full pin technology, similar to X-dome, allows real 1x performance at an entry-level price
- 520 percent bandwidth on the widely used XD freewheel body
The XT groupset includes an 11-speed cassette with an 11-42 tooth range, an XT derailleur, and an XT shifter.
- The Shimano Deore XT CS-M8100 12-speed cassette is optimized with rider-tuned wide range and close step gear combinations for MTB excellence.
- Designed with a Shimano Micro Spline body that features smaller and more widely distributed splines to limit cog damage on freehub
- Light and stiff construction reduces cassette inertia resulting in faster acceleration and increased chain security
As you can see, the XT offers an 11-speed system while the GX Eagle offers a 12-speed system. Depending on what terrain you ride, you might find more speed viable. Otherwise, their cassette both are made out of durable aluminum that will last you a long time paired with the right chain.
Chain
Both groupsets here feature the same 32t chainring that is made out of stainless steel. In terms of weight, it’s not the lightest. But in terms of durability and anti-rust capabilities, the chain is solid in any terrain you might want to throw it at.
- Material: outer link finish
- Technologies: Flow Link, Hard Chrome, PowerLock
- Use: MTB
- Shimano Deore XT CN-M8100 XT chain with quick link, 12-speed, 126L
Brakes
The GX Eagle Groupset includes a four-piston hydraulic disc brake for increased stopping power.
The XT Groupset also includes a four-piston hydraulic disc brake for increased stopping power.
- The Deore XT M8100 hydraulic disc brake is designed to provide high performance braking for a variety of MTB riding styles. Includes the brake lever and disc brake caliper.
- Brakes are pre-bled. Includes finned metal pads and hose.
- BL-M8100 features a stiffer brake lever design that provides added support for aggressive riding
When it comes to braking power, both of them are great and get the job done. Virtually, there is nothing different between the two systems. Depending on how well you maintain your brakes and what kind of tires you use, the brake drag will vary.
Bottom Bracket
SRAM GX Eagle bottom brackets are designed to be lightweight and durable. They feature a sealed bearing system that is designed to reduce friction and increase efficiency. The bottom bracket is made from aluminum and is compatible with both SRAM GX Eagle and SRAM GX cranksets.
Shimano XT bottom brackets are designed to be reliable and long-lasting. They use a sealed bearing system that is designed to reduce friction and increase efficiency.
- Crankset Compatibility: Hollowtech II
- Threading: english
- Material: [cups] aluminum, [bearings] steel
The bottom bracket is made from aluminum and is compatible with both Shimano XT and Shimano XTR cranksets.
Sram Gx Eagle Vs Shimano Xt Groupset – Similarities
There are some similarities between the SRAM GX Eagle groupset and Shimano XT groupset.
Both groupsets feature hydraulic disc brakes and 1x drivetrains. The Eagle groupset has a 10-50 tooth cassette, while the XT groupset has an 11-46 tooth cassette. Both groupsets are designed for mountain biking, and offer similar levels of performance.
How Do The Weight And Price Of SRAM GX Eagle And Shimano XT Groupsets Compare?
The SRAM GX Eagle groupset is generally lighter. The GX Eagle groupset weighs about 2,000 grams while the XT groupset weighs around 2,400 grams.
Final Words
The SRAM GX Eagle and Shimano XT groupsets are both excellent options for mountain bike riders looking for reliable and durable components.
Both offer a wide range of features and performance benefits, making them suitable for a variety of riding styles and terrains.
The SRAM GX Eagle is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and affordable option, while the Shimano XT provides a more robust and feature-rich option for those who demand the best performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and how much you are willing to spend.
