SRAM Eagle riders utilizing mechanical transmissions with 70 and 90 models should be aware of the recent option for wireless upgrades.
SRAM Launches GX Eagle AXS Transmission Upgrade Kit for Cable-Free Shifting
US brand SRAM has announced the release of an upgrade kit, enabling riders with mechanical Eagle gears to transition to a wireless AXS drivetrain. Known as the GX Eagle AXS Transmission Upgrade Kit, the new accessory replaces traditional cables with an AXS motor and battery.
Priced at £500, the question arises as to the practicality of the upgrade, especially since it is limited to the latest SRAM Eagle 90 and 70 Transmission drivetrains. These drivetrains are among the best mountain bike groupsets available, but not every groupset is compatible with the upgrade.
Weighing approximately 235 grams, the upgrade kit includes an AXS-enabled derailleur body, AXS Pod Controller, AXS Battery, Battery Charger, and the Eagle T-Type PowerLock. To install the kit, riders will need to reuse their existing threaded cage assembly and mount bolt from their Eagle 90 or Eagle 70 derailleur. Removing the threaded cage assembly and the mount bolt from the existing mechanical Eagle 90 or 70 derailleur, and reinstalling them on the new GX Eagle AXS Transmission derailleur body completes the installation process.
While the new kit brings back the motorized element of AXS shifting, it retains the same shift performance as the mechanical version. This upgrade could prove particularly beneficial for riders who own bikes equipped with the Eagle 70 as an OEM part, such as the Santa Cruz Vala Carbon C.
It's worth noting that riders who've recently purchased an Eagle 90 drivetrain aftermarket may find it more cost-effective to go wireless from the start. The new Upgrade Kit costs £570, while purchasing a completely new AXS groupset might be a more affordable option.
SRAM's GX Eagle AXS Transmission Upgrade Kit aims to provide a seamless upgrade from mechanical to wireless shifting, eliminating shift cables and housing for a cleaner setup and improved performance. It offers a cost-effective and straightforward path to advanced wireless shifting technology for compatible mechanical Eagle systems.
Riders who prefer the convenience of wearables and gadgets might find SRAM's GX Eagle AXS Transmission Upgrade Kit appealing, as it incorporates technology through the use of an AXS motor and battery. This kit, designed for riders using mechanical Eagle gears, transforms their setup into a wireless AXS drivetrain, making it a helmet accessory for those who seek cutting-edge improvements in mountain biking.
