SRAM SX Eagle and NX Eagle are two groupsets for today’s most popular mountain bike drivetrain options.
Both provide a wide range of gear ratios and reliable performance, but they have some important differences. The SX Eagle is SRAM’s top-of-the-line groupset, offering the most coverage and the lightest weight.
On the other hand, the NX Eagle is the entry-level option, offering a more affordable price and a slightly heavier weight.
What Is Sram SX Eagle Groupset?
The SRAM SX Eagle Groupset is a high-end mountain bike drivetrain system designed for performance and reliability.
It is designed for aggressive XC and trail riding and is the lightest and most affordable groupset in SRAM’s Eagle lineup. It includes various components, including a crankset, shifter, derailleur, cassette, chain, and brakes.
This Groupset also includes a shifter, derailleur, cassette chain and brakes. The brakes are available in both disc and rim versions. The SX Eagle Groupset is a great choice for serious mountain bikers. It is lightweight, durable, and offers a wide range of gear.
It is also compatible with SRAM’s X-ACTUATION technology, which provides precise shifting and smooth performance.
What Is Sram NX Eagle Groupset?
The SRAM NX Eagle Groupset is a budget-friendly mountain bike drivetrain system designed for performance and reliability. It is the latest addition to SRAM’s range of mountain bike drivetrains.
It is the most affordable 1×12 drivetrain available and is designed to give riders the same performance as more expensive groupsets but at a fraction of the cost. This groupset includes various components such as a shifter, derailleur, cassette, crankset, chain, and bottom bracket.
The NX Eagle groupset is ideal for riders looking for a reliable and affordable drivetrain. It offers the same performance as more expensive drivetrains but at a fraction of the cost.
Sram SX Eagle Vs NX Eagle – Main Differences
Weight
| Specs | SRAM SX | SRAM NX |
|---|---|---|
| Derailleur | Approximately 322 grams | Approximately 339 grams |
| Crankset | Approximately 705 grams (with 32T chainring and 175mm crank arms) | Approximately 705 grams (with 32T chainring and 175mm crank arms) |
| Cassette | Approximately 450 grams | Approximately 615 grams |
| Chain | Approximately 258 grams (with 114 links) | Approximately 278 grams (with 114 links) |
| Shifters | Approximately 112 grams (per shifter) | Approximately 112 grams |
Crankset
SRAM SX: The crankset is the heart of the SX Eagle Groupset. It features a lightweight aluminum construction and is available in both Boost and non-Boost versions. The crankset is compatible with SRAM’s X-SYNC 2 chainrings, designed to provide smooth, reliable shifting.
The crankset also features SRAM’s DUB bottom bracket technology, which ensures a secure and durable connection between the crankset and the frame.
SRAM NX: Its crank arms are made from forged aluminum alloy. This material provides a good balance of strength, stiffness, and weight. It is designed to work with GXP (Giga X Pipe) bottom brackets, commonly used in SRAM drivetrain systems.
It is part of SRAM’s 1×11 and 1×12 drivetrain systems, which means it is designed to work seamlessly with SRAM’s 11-speed and 12-speed rear derailleurs, shifters, and cassettes. This setup provides a wide range of gear ratios for tackling various terrains.
This crankset has an integrated X-SYNC 2 chainring and full-length crank arms for improved power transfer. It also features a direct mount chainring interface, allowing easy and quick chainring swaps without requiring specialized tools. This design also enhances stiffness and reduces weight compared to traditional bolt-on chainrings.
Derailleurs
SRAM SX Eagle: The derailleur has a long cage design for increased chain wrap that helps to reduce chain slap and increase chain retention. The shifter is designed with SRAM’s 1x system, allowing for quick and precise shifting.
Its derailleurs feature SRAM’s X-HORIZON technology, which provides a horizontal parallelogram design for precise and consistent shifting performance. It helps to maintain a consistent chain gap across all gears, ensuring smooth and reliable shifting.
SRAM NX Eagle: The derailleur has a long cage design for increased chain wrap that helps to reduce chain slap and increase chain retention. Its derailleur is compatible with SRAM’s 1×12-speed drivetrain system.
It is designed to work with a single chainring in the front and a 12-speed cassette in the rear, providing a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains.
The NX Eagle derailleur is available in both medium and long cage options. The cage length choice depends on the cassette size and the chainring used in the drivetrain setup. Its derailleur incorporates SRAM’s X-HORIZON technology, which ensures consistent and precise shifting performance.
The derailleur is also designed to be durable and reliable, and it has a clutch system to help reduce chain slap. It’s also compatible with all SRAM Eagle components, so you can easily upgrade or customize your drivetrain.
Shifters
SRAM SX is compatible with SRAM’s 1×12-speed drivetrain system. They are specifically designed to work with a single chainring in the front and a 12-speed cassette in the rear, offering a wide range of gears for various terrains.
Its shifters feature a trigger-style design, where you use your thumb or index finger to push or pull the shifter lever. This design allows for quick and precise shifting.
The SX Eagle shifters incorporate SRAM’s X-ACTUATION technology, ensuring consistent and precise shifting across the cassette. These shifters are compatible with SRAM’s MatchMaker system, allowing integration with SRAM brake levers and other compatible controls.
The SX Eagle shifters are intended to be used with SRAM’s Eagle chain, specifically designed for 12-speed drivetrains. The chain’s unique design and construction contribute to improved durability and performance.
SRAM NX shifters are designed with SRAM’s 1×12-speed drivetrain system, which includes a single chainring in the front and a 12-speed cassette in the rear. This setup provides a wide range of gear for various riding conditions.
These shifters feature a trigger-style design, allowing for precise and reliable gear shifting. The lever can be operated with your thumb or index finger.
It utilizes SRAM’s X-ACTUATION technology, ensuring consistent and accurate shifting performance across the cassette. This technology provides precise cable pull ratios for reliable gear changes.
The NX Eagle shifters are specifically designed to work seamlessly with SRAM’s NX Eagle rear derailleurs, ensuring optimized shifting performance and compatibility. Its shifters are designed to give you a smooth and reliable shift every time.
Cassette
SRAM SX Eagle is constructed using durable materials to withstand the demands of off-road riding. It typically features a mix of steel and aluminum cogs to balance durability, weight, and shifting performance.
It comes with a 10-50t cassette, which gives you a 500% gear range for climbing and descending.
The SX Eagle cassette utilizes SRAM’s XD driver body interface, providing a wider range of gears than traditional 11-speed cassettes. The XD driver body allows for a 10-tooth small cog, enabling a greater gear ratio spread.
SRAM NX Eagle cassette provides a wide gear range to accommodate various riding conditions. It comes with an 11-50t cassette, which gives you a 450% gear range for climbing and descending.
The cassette features a mixture of steel and aluminum cogs for durability and weight savings. It also comes with a medium-cage rear derailleur, allowing you to shift quickly and accurately.
This cassette utilizes SRAM’s XD driver body interface, which allows for a 10-tooth small cog. This wider range of gears is made possible by the XD driver body and provides more options for riders to find their preferred gear ratio.
It is designed to work seamlessly with other NX Eagle drivetrain components, including NX Eagle derailleurs and NX Eagle shifters. It ensures optimal performance and compatibility within the NX Eagle ecosystem.
Chain
The SX Eagle chain is designed to work with SRAM’s 1×12-speed drivetrain system. It is optimized to provide smooth and efficient shifting performance when paired with SX Eagle components, including the cassette and derailleur.
This chain utilizes SRAM’s PowerLock technology, a tool-free connecting link. It allows for quick and easy installation or removal of the chain without special tools.
It is engineered to deliver smooth and precise shifting performance. It is designed to work with SRAM’s X-SYNC chainrings and X-HORIZON rear derailleurs to ensure reliable and accurate gear changes.
SRAM NX Eagle chain is specifically engineered to work with SRAM’s 1×12-speed drivetrain system. It is optimized for smooth and efficient shifting when used with NX Eagle components, including the cassette and derailleur.
This chain features solid pins that provide increased strength and durability. This construction enhances the chain’s reliability and longevity, ensuring consistent performance in demanding off-road conditions.
It is built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. It typically includes hardened chrome plates and durable materials that offer excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, increasing the chain’s lifespan.
And also it is designed to be compatible with other SRAM Eagle components within the NX Eagle ecosystem. It is important to use the appropriate chain designed for the specific Eagle drivetrain system to ensure optimal performance.
Sram SX Vs Sram NX – Similarities
There are some similarities between the SRAM SX Eagle Groupset and the SRAM NX Eagle Groupset.
Both groupsets have a 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-50T cassette, and both feature SRAM’s X-Sync 2 chainring technology. Both also feature SRAM’s Eagle shifters and have a range of compatible components, such as cranks and derailleurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between SRAM SX and NX Eagle groupsets?
The main differences between SRAM SX Eagle and SRAM NX Eagle groupsets are: – SRAM SX Eagle has a 10-50T cassette, while SRAM NX Eagle has an 11-50T cassette. – SRAM SX Eagle has a 12-speed drivetrain, while SRAM NX Eagle has an 11-speed drivetrain.
SRAM SX Eagle has a more durable X-SYNC 2 chainring, while SRAM NX Eagle has a less stable X-SYNC 3 chainring. – SRAM SX Eagle has a more expensive price tag, while SRAM NX Eagle is more budget-friendly.
How do the components of the SRAM SX and NX Eagle groupsets compare in terms of weight and performance?
Weight
The SRAM SX Eagle groupset is significantly lighter than the SRAM NX Eagle groupset. The SX Eagle groupset weights 1,735 grams, while the NX Eagle groupset weights 2,067 grams.
Performance
The SRAM SX Eagle groupset offers excellent performance compared to the SRAM NX Eagle groupset. The SX Eagle groupset features a 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-50T cassette, offering a 500% gear range. The NX Eagle groupset features an 11-speed drivetrain with an 11-50T cassette, offering a 450% gear range.
The SX Eagle groupset also features a lighter, more durable chain and a more precise shifting system.
What are the advantages of upgrading to an SRAM SX or NX Eagle groupset?
Advantages of Upgrading to an SRAM SX Eagle Groupset:
- Increased gears: This groupset offers a massive range of gears, with a 10-50T cassette, allowing you to tackle any terrain.
- Improved shifting performance: It features SRAM’s X-ACTUATION technology, which ensures precise and consistent shifting performance.
- Durable construction: It is built to last, with its components made from high-grade materials and designed to withstand the toughest conditions.
Advantages of Upgrading to an SRAM NX Eagle Groupset:
- Increased gears: This groupset offers a wide range of gears, with an 11-50T cassette, allowing you to tackle any terrain.
- Improved shifting performance: It features SRAM’s X-ACTUATION technology, which ensures precise and consistent shifting performance.
- Cost-effective: This groupset is a cost-effective way to upgrade your bike, offering similar performance to the SX Eagle groupset at a lower price.
Final Words
The SX Eagle provides the best performance with its 12-speed drivetrain, while the NX Eagle is an excellent option for those on a budget. Both groupsets offer a wide range of gear ratios, making them suitable for various terrain.
The SX Eagle is lighter and more durable, while the NX Eagle is more affordable. Both groupsets have been designed with reliability and performance in mind, making them ideal for mountain bikers of all levels.
