SRAM's All-New Groundbreaking Eagle Transmission: Transforming MTB Tech!

2023 SRAM Eagle: Development Story & Unveiling. In this video, we dive deep into the biggest product introduction in SRAM's history: all new SRAM Eagle!
ETHICS, DISCLAIMER and TRANSPARENCY: SRAM hired me to test the new drivetrain and to produce a video for on my KZbin channel, and is such labelled as a paid partnership on KZbin. SRAM have have had no direct input on this content or any editorial or narrative control over the video. This paid partnership with SRAM has allowed me time to test new drivetrain and also film and edit over multiple days working with an independent film crew to help capture shots and produce the video content.
🔥 2023 SRAM Eagle Key Features:
1️⃣ Robustness & Reliability - The toughest drivetrain ever
2️⃣ Shifting Under Load - The harder you pedal, the better it shifts
3️⃣ Ease of Use - Simplified maintenance, fitting, and operation
💡 The Eagle drivetrain eliminates barriers by introducing the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), a groundbreaking innovation that has prepared bike frames for the new direct-mount mech. With 3 million UDHs already shipped, it has dramatically improved compatibility between bike frames and drivetrains. Now, the mech directly mounts to the rear of the bike, and replaces the UDH completely!
🛠 Say goodbye to hangers with their insane amount of B-screws, limit screws, and parts.
💥 Featuring a wireless AXS system for faster, better, and more precise shifting, the new Eagle offers two price points:
SRAM XX (£1800 complete e-bike system, drivetrain, chainring, crank arms)
SRAM X0 (£1400 complete e-bike system, drivetrain, chainring, crank arms)
Parts also available to buy separately.
🏆 With a slimmer design, easier setup, and advanced cassette technology, the Eagle drivetrain is a game-changer for both everyday riders and athletes. SRAM claims a significant difference in performance, with smooth gear shifts even under full load on an e-bike.
🕹 Experience the modularity and infinite adjustability of the Eagle's new remote controller, designed to accommodate different hand sizes and rider styles.
🎥 Watch now to learn how SRAM has revolutionised the biking world with their incredible new Eagle drivetrain! #SRAMEagle #CyclingInnovation #GameChanger

[@thewarr10r1]

Seen loads of ads about this today, but this vid is BY FAR, the best explained. Top notch filming too and real world tests. Nice one Rob.. Keep up the awesome work! 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks Alex!

[@federaldelii]

Yes I agree 💯👏🏻

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

I just went on my first ride with the X0 transmission and it feels like this is the first group set that belongs on a mountain bike. This is not necessarily about it being wireless, I had and still have AXS, it’s about how robust and precise it feels. It’s like an extension of the frame rather than a flexy appendage trying to shift. To put it another way, is like the old systems were being constantly being band-aided to try to make them work for mountain bike duty while Transmission feels right at home in the roughest/ gnarliest trails.

[@maxwest720]

All similar channels are suddenly covering this product but this is the best commentary I've seen.

[@ilovephotography1254]

I'm very impressed! Sram is defiantly blazing new MTB engineering trails. Great video and fun to watch. Rob, thanks for producing and sharing.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers, good to see all this new tech!

[@davideparise]

Love the way you used walk mode to take sick shots of the cranks spinning by themselves

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Some FAQ: Eagle Transmission rear derailleurs are designed to have replaceable and are points of frequent contact: the skid plate, the outer parallelogram link, and the cage and damper assembly if needed. Check here for compatibility: bikefinder.sram.com/universal-derailleur-hanger-bikes Can I upgrade my mountain bike to Eagle Transmission? Any frame that fulfills the “UDH Specification” featuring a hanger-less interface can be upgraded. Complete specification information can be found at universalderailleurhanger.com How will I know if my bike is UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatible? SRAM UDH Bike finder lists all UDH bikes that are compatible with Eagle Transmission. bikefinder.sram.com Derailleur hangers break or bend to protect the rear derailleur. What happens if I crash with Eagle Transmission? Bent hangers can cause several issues, from bad shifting to, with a severely bent hanger, the rear derailleur jamming into the wheels and can result in catastrophic damage. The Eagle Transmission rear derailleur is connected to the axle system and is designed to be extremely robust against side and frontal impacts so you can continue your ride after a crash. Can I use the POD controller on previous Eagle AXS drivetrains? Yes, the POD electronic controllers can be used with Eagle Transmission, as can any other two button SRAM AXS electronic controller. Eagle Transmission is also compatible with eTap AXS Wireless Blips.

[@federaldelii]

Can we use the previous version Sram XX1 chain with this new XX cassette and derailleur? And handle the e-bike power flawlessly like the same equal to the new chain when making full power shifting ?

[@jetskiordie7976]

Which kit works with the Turbo Levo??

[@hardtailrider7172]

So I’ve been watching the videos all day about this derailer and how tough it is, but to me, I think the shifting flawlessly comes from the cassette and the chain

[@Shawn-wt4kh]

Really nice to see bike technology that's an actual, tangible, significant improvement.

[@oliverbourne9599]

Too much silver on it for me 😂 I'll wait for a black version. I don't like the look of the cranks either. Hopefully RaceFace will bring out some compatible sexy carbon option like they usually do. Great vid Rob. Out of the 5 channels in notifications covering this today, chose yours to watch 🤘

[@Wc5ting]

I have the XO model and it's mostly all black with very little grey and no silver. Chain is also black

[@robrider838]

Looks great. Might consider in a couple of years. Always good to see bike tech progressing.

[@johnnnewmex]

Definitely and hopefully a cassette more in the GX price range.

[@ericm8811]

Hey Rob rides emtb! Thanks for the well presented vid on that fine new transmission system! It makes me wonder if Shimano will release something similar or put their effort into an enclosed gearbox! Ride ride ride!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Shimano have some innovative stuff too, like auto shift and free shift on the new EP801 - new video on that out soon!!

[@TheWebstaff]

@@RobRidesEMTB Did you ever see the Chinese clone Seth (Berm peak) got hold of that vanished after he made a video on them? Holding up very well. Makes me wonder if the Chinese have anything similar thats redesigned enough to not just be scooped up as a clone item.

[@pukki34]

So happy with the 600usd cassette!!! GREAT!

[@johnf3326]

Hard to imagine on any derailleur system that you can change under load without crunching. I imagine this system is VERY expensive! And yes just heard you - £1800! So good as it is, I will continue to ease off and/or anticipate gear changes

[@alexybarra3588]

I love how they use the lightest bike possible for the impact test

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Rumour has it that they were all getting so hench lifting a heavy ebike on that test that they had to put on something lighter to lift😉

[@derek2gloves]

I'm not sure what direct side impact is exactly testing for in real world trail riding scenario either. Let's see derailleur dropped on a rock with 200lbs loaded on the frame. Either $650 derailleur will bend & break and or your frame.

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

​@derek2gloves absolutely. If you're riding on a narrow trail and you bash your derailleur into a rock at full pace there's no "revolutionary solution" will withstand that, simply if you have an hanger will broke and you'll save the derailleur, if you haven't you're dumped 600 euros into the trash bin.

[@kylereece575]

Tbh I rode mtbs hard and atleast 4 days a week for roughly 3 years . And not once did the normal dérailleurs break 😮? I'm not your typical pussy mtb rider either

[@andrewc0128]

Try that exact same test with any..... ANY derailleur of your choice on the same bike and get back to us. We'll be waiting.

[@HAL-zh1kf]

Over $2K here in the US. Brilliant technology, if they could only make it affordable.

[@diyelectricbiker9361]

The Price kills my enthusiasm a bit. 😅

[@Zetler]

Very impressive! Damn I want this new system now.

[@baddevotions]

Does this mean the weak point will be chainstay or seat stay rather than a cheap mech hanger?

[@Raumance]

Went through 3 derailleurs last year so definitely looking for improvements like this.

[@cancer8343]

How?

[@kasparondrej2938]

Still better than 3 frames

[@ianmangham4570]

You should've gone to specsavers 👓

[@rc51bigdaddy]

Looks fantastic. Too pricey for me to swap out my older AXS system, but I am sure it will be standard on upcoming high end bikes. I am most excited about the increased durability.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

For sure - its the thing thats been lacking, longevity, especially on ebikes! Good to see brands are focussing on this, not just super light stuff, but strong too.

[@TheWebstaff]

@@RobRidesEMTB For £1800 I hope we get both! :D

[@adampickup294]

Great video! I noticed the slam test was on a hard tail with no linkages etc..if a big hit was to happen I’d rather bend my hanger than rear triangle that’s all

[@MasterBlaster69]

This will be on my Rail as soon as I can find the EMTB group set.

[@danieljames4584]

nice to be a youtube sensation, must be heaps of free stuff :)

[@InspiredRides]

Great video Rob! This looks like a great upgrade from AXS for the Levo. I was always worried the AXS was going to explode on an under load mis-shift.

[@troycote432]

This is the best video out about the new system I've seen so far. Does the new shifter work with older AXS systems?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks! Yes, new shifter works on older AXS.

[@troycote432]

Awesome! Thanks for the update!

[@AdamC66]

pleased to see it's retro-fittable (having just picked up a 2022 Levo)

[@daxolivares6939]

22 levo is udh

[@jjCrypto369]

Brose (Not compatible with Specialized Levo Gen3) ????

[@jackbutler3697]

Does the mech brake before the frame? I'd hate to have an indestructible derailleur that actually cracks a rear triangle on a big impact.

[@philseton5796]

This system looks really well thought-out and engineered. I'm excited to get it on our bikes and test it out. Good video Rob. Best insight into this system I have seen.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Phil, cheers!

[@derek2gloves]

Idc about the product but this video was insanely well done.

[@stephenwhite3632]

I love the look of the carbon frame too.

[@wayslow]

Oh, I can't wait to replace a €500 derailleur or a frame instead of €20 hanger! And the proprietary chains and the cassettes. Where do I sign?

[@angeljimenez2112]

Can't wait!!!

[@grundy1973]

Very nice kit, great vid Rob👍🏻

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks 👍

[@AMPJ08]

Found this very informative with lots of details. This gear looks awesome but I can imagine how costly it will get. Now eBikes will be like buying a SuperBike motorcycle of 1000cc! Was good that comment about 500-600 watts will need to see proof 😜 What now will be important is if your SRAM holds a hit but your lovely frame breaks = cannot ride 😢

[@TJSSheppard]

Great video, looks like a fantastic bit of kit. Have SRAM kept the same battery fitting or is it new?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Same battery! Same fit 👍👍

[@bananaslug.1951]

how about having to take your rear wheel off to fix a flat? Does the derailer come off? and micro adjustments on the trail?

[@FritzPhoto]

Great video Rob!

[@Greyarcher1]

Just wonder? i broke two rear deraliers by getting a'thick branch/twig in the wheel between the chain that broke the deralier and the chain and the der-hanger i wonder how expensive that would be on this Bike 😱

[@scottbagley7513]

I wonder if the 2024 models will offer this drivetrain now?? I’ve been looking at new Ebikes this week and most have the old eagle gen 1 stuff on!! I’d be pretty annoyed if I’d spent thousands on a bike with old gen stuff on.. I agree brilliant vid rob as always really well filmed and detailed as always 👍🏻👍🏻

[@orvenator]

Awesome overview and all. I'm anticipating my XO kit to arrive within the first week of June. Rob, off topic, I see you have a RS SD coil on your Levo. Mind if I ask what spring rate are you running and what is your rider weight? Trying to zero in on my spring rate :)

[@wsl5585]

Great it is designed for the extra demands of an e-bike. When I have bent or broken the hanger or derailleur I can pedal home as a single speed. I'll have to check this out with a direct mount derailleur. Thank you for the info.

[@cookie13spike]

Great video with excellent detail. From your links I see my main bikes are not compatible. I have axs on my orbea rise and happy with aftermarket paddles, pity this won't fit 😢

[@antonioespindola2000]

At of a price of a bike for a group set it’s insane

[@daxolivares6939]

What size chainring on that levo? Do I need a ebike specific cranks for my 22 levo? Only the xx or x0 kits with 32t and 170mm available in my area.

[@tumbavhati501]

Stuff that i really like to see❤

[@halfbrain86]

Hi Rob great video as always👍. May I ask what shoes you are wearing? Is it a new colored crankbrothers stamp flat?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi, thanks! I was wearing Stamp Speed Lace in Purple / Gum AND a pair of Stamp Street in Sage / Gum colour. Great shoes!

[@eugenescotcher1223]

Rob, great review as always 👌Just a thought....for any eMTB components; what British riders are really interested in knowing is the performance of the part when covered in British mud/clagg 😊A clean SRAM test center...or dry ride in the Surrey Hills ... is all very well 😊 How about 1000hrs in the Welsh hills in driving rain and Bridle track mud in Dec/Jan? If any component survives a Welsh winter season then it will sell itself! 👍👍 Is it always just dry down there in the Surrey Hills? 😂😂

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I rode it for 5 months in the winter including some of the worst wet conditions - all good so far

[@stevefior11]

Rob- what about a conversion on a Levo? Do you need a new crank on a 2022? Just a rear derailleur, chain, cassette, using your existing cranks and chain ring?

[@lozetchells9164]

Great video thanks, definitely on my wish list as I absolutely love the GX AXS. Rob, is there a reason you've removed the chain guide on your Levo there?

[@professor-habanero]

Yes, the chainring he is uses runs 2mm wider than stock. Guess the reason is availability.

[@lozetchells9164]

@@professor-habanero thanks dude

[@stevenjohnson1623]

QUESTION: Have you put the Sram transmission on your Voima yet? If so, which setup key did you use? Thanks for the great videos Rob!

[@federaldelii]

Can you compare a XX1 cassette and chain on a different episode? What are the detailed differences we can see on trail.

[@gomolinski]

Hi, how did you mount whole set to your Turbo Levo gen 3? SRAM says that it’s not compatible with Turbo Levo gen 3.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

That’s a mistake. It is compatible.

[@gomolinski]

@@RobRidesEMTB thank you for reply Rob. Unfortunately SRAM confirmed that direct mount chainring (for Brose) is not compatible and I should use 104BCD chainring, mounting to existing spider.

[@gregorystammbuck506]

Well, that's interesting, what's the correct answer in the end? I imagine, that's why the chainguide does not fit on this specific chain ring. The chain line must be to close to the rear frame I suppose!?

[@gomolinski]

@@gregorystammbuck506 I put 104BCD chainring on the original spider as recommended by SRAM. Will keep direct mount chainring as a spare.

[@shawnholgate4423]

Rob, would you be able to explain how to make this fit on Shimano EP8 motors please? SRAM only seems to have groupsets for Bosch and Brose? Thanks

[@alexmckenzie8186]

How much further has it come from the GX Axs you were very happy with that not so long ago

[@GokkunGuru]

Amazing system. Too bad only the chain and controller are the only components backwards compatible with existing AXS. Owners of bike frames without UDH can only salivate. The alloy cranks look fire!

[@freighttrainshane3953]

What is the cost of a new chain and will two new cassettes? When they need to be replaced. And how much longer will they last over conventional?

[@razorree]

Is it smaller than Eagle derailleurs ? more like Shimano SLX/XT (m7000/8000) ? or still pertruding 2-3cm outside the frame ?

[@wayneschofield5978]

I've got a couple of gen-1 AXS systems and parallelogram wear has been terrible (scrap within a year), so for that reason alone I will be waiting at least two years to see if the new stuff is any better. SRAM were good with the warranty to be fair, but warranties run out, and all this stuff is WAY too expensive to have to replace every two years. Has this new system got replaceable pivot bushes? Who's going to buy it when most shops aren't going to stock the ZERO-compatabilty consumables because it's all so crazy expensive as a system? Mind you, incompatibility claims are usually complete BS to try and get you to part with more money.

[@Nandox7]

Lovely. Costs is the same as a full bike.

[@garethletters1863]

Is the T type chain compatible with the previous GX cassette?

[@ArturPereiraMTB]

Does this new AXS derailleur mounts to any frame, independently of the derailleur hanger the frame was designed to, or it’s only possible to mount it to frames that were conceived for UHD ?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Correct - only frames that are UDH frames. If you run UDH now you can get this.

[@ArturPereiraMTB]

Thanks,@@RobRidesEMTB!

[@TheWebstaff]

Hmm so when it does take a beating, does that knacker the whole swing arm?.. Instead of just the hanger.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Did you see the clips of it smashing into the test plate rig, and SRAM team standing on it? Its tough, you'd need a seriosly catastropic impact to damage the entire swing arm.

[@rodent]

@@RobRidesEMTB that is nothing compared to a 90kg rider going down the mountain at 15 mph and hitting a rock on the side of the trail. never hit a "plate" in the real world.

[@TheWebstaff]

@@RobRidesEMTB Yeah thats my point, at the point of failure its no longer the £10 alloy hanger that breaks its the very expensive swing arm or potentially even more expensive derailleur. Don't get me wrong its all great that every thing is stronger but I'm wondering what's now the weak point of the system. It's like saying I've upgraded my plastic bumpers to solid steel ones, and then having a little bump and your cars written off because the chassis took the shunt and not the cheap bumper which is part of the reason it was originally designed like that. I'd love to see failures of this system to know the answer.

[@TheWebstaff]

Maybe part of the derailleur is designed to break first and be cheaply replaced?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

True. Nothing like real world testing and lab testing. I’d say that now it’s more inboard there’s less chance of it hitting a rock. There’s a plastic casing on the side that I’d assume would be the first to give in.

[@jimmyharris3238]

Great video rob 👏👏 very expensive kit but looks great What do you think a bike shop would change to fit it ? 👍

[@NaZ-rs1dd]

awsome review is it shimano ep8 compatible?

[@porroco]

Would it be much better if those component like dropper shifter and shock are connected to ebike batt

[@jroase1658]

My only problem with my gx is the clutch is not strong enough . But 1800 is way way out my league . 😢

[@sladehayes]

Were you also running the new control pod for the dropper post? That doesn't look like the usual Rock Shox controller on the left side of the bars?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes. New pod also works on current AXS reverb dropper

[@derekblake9385]

Will it fit any ebike frame, how about the stylis Rob?

[@dodger1x]

I know it’s an efficiency and weight thing. And probably cost and a litle bit of “planned obsolescence”. But I’m hoping we will soon move past derailleur and cassette. Lighter and more robust hub gears? Could Kindernay make a titanium version of the Vii? Or even better a motor and gearbox combination (or even digital drive system with no changing gears?)

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

I think they will come out with a new shifter that will be wrapped around the bars a bit like some of the ebike remotes. Do you need their crank arm? If so, why? I get the cassette and front chainring controls and such.

[@richardallison7375]

Great vid👌 is it compatible with the 21 & 22 Orbea Wild FS?

[@aasimmons]

Is the new remote compatible with the old AXS mech?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes.

[@steve9502]

Wow! That’s amazing tech. I wonder what Shimano is going to do now. 🤔

[@finroddd]

thanks, Rob, I always enjoy your videos! pls tell us what freehub body is compatible with these new amazing cassettes?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

SRAM XD 👍

[@metalmuchkin1342]

How does the jocky wheel work? That's the only question I have 😅

[@corollarijder]

What abouth the clutch.....is it up to par with shimano?

[@bpet2237]

How does it compare to hyperglide+ with shimano? I remember using di2 and it was horrible. Sram eagle xx1 i tore through it in like 80miles…drivetrain was trashed. But my XTR 12 speed has lasted hundreds of miles. I’ve also never used AXS. Just afraid to make jump where shimano has been working so well for me.

[@meder07]

Is this only offered in trigger shift? Any love for us grip shifters?

[@5davi524]

A gear hanger was introduced to protect the bike frame from damage, what happens here in the event of impack or chain jammimg.

[@tamasvarga67]

It will be expensive…

[@Cheapsh0t247]

Cheers for the share dude, very interesting. does it just have a integrated mech hanger with an old school after market alloy breakaway bolt? i can see it will be strong and stiffer as it removes a fixing.

[@JorisV1983]

Oh boy. I better start saving bit more for this… question. Does it also work with the mastermind like with the older axs models? What size front chainring do you have on your levo? I dont see the chainguide mounted…

[@danieljames4584]

yeah it looked big , i tried a 36 on my Kenevo, it was ok but went back to the 32, needed the motor to last longer

[@alexmckenzie8186]

So does that mean it will fit my Scott Genius 960 2020 year?

[@porroco]

Hey does the cranks works on ep8 motors?

[@Alex_Abdullayev]

So how to get this on the turbo levo? Which components fit/work?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

You just purchase the Brose kit - with X0 (160mm alloy crank arms and direct mount chain ring) OR XX with 165mm carbon crank arms.

[@chatch15117]

​@@RobRidesEMTB how can I upgrade my Fuel EXe 9.7? It has M7100 i think

[@dwightpries8330]

I wonder if SRAM will offer a GripShift style bar control.

[@eddieschouten6861]

So just out of curiosity as of now my mtb is 7yrs old. Will this new technology fit to my bike or will I have to contend with the outdated axs🇦🇺😎

[@byronswogger]

I see you have this on a levo pro. Is it compatible with a 22 levo Pro?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes, good to go on all Gen3 levo!

[@byronswogger]

@@RobRidesEMTB thanks, thought you might have a 23.

[@JessRogers-ob9fd]

Nice one

[@Roaming50]

The thing I dislike with my AXS shifting and dropper is remembering to charge the batteries when i am also charging the main bike. SRAM should have come out with a version of this planned around ebikes that was fed by a wire harness from the main battery. I only want to charge one thing.....

[@RobRidesEMTB]

They already do one and I have it on another bike. It’s a dummy battery that plugs into the motor port. Never need to charge an AXS battery.

[@niklasmtb5113]

Why do you have two axs shifters on your bike? Does it work instead of a dropper post controller?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes. New pod works for the AXS reverb dropper also.

[@niklasmtb5113]

@@RobRidesEMTB Thanks for the response. Its great they thought about that.

[@motoboggle7525]

Does the kit include the pod shifters ?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes, if you get the ebike kits. Here’s the code for Bosch: 00.7918.280.001

[@federaldelii]

The derailleur wheels has ceramic bearings or not??

[@scjgreen]

So how does this kit work on a Frame that doesn't support UDH? I'm pretty sure my 2022 Whyte E180 S doesnt use UDH

[@BigSmartQuiz]

Seriously impressive stuff from SRAM eh? Do you know, is the new 'pod' style button shifter compatible with the previous AXS derailleur, so you can just upgrade for a better feel to the shifter?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes, new pod works with current AXS 👍

[@danieljames4584]

why is that unit sssooo big, must be nicer way to hang that of the bars

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

Yes, it's better...we get that...but try to step away from your position as a SRAM fanboy/ambassador and tell us...truthfully...how much better it is over the existing AXS? Is it a 10% better experience? 50%? 100%? Is the new shifter controller backward compatible (yes, I know you can't mix and match with the new derailleur, but how about those of us who just want a better feeling shifter with our existing AXS)?

[@TwoWheelTirade]

Just in time for a drivetrain refresh this summer👌

[@lawrencegoodwin2931]

Great vid Rob. So I ride an Ebike with a rear hub and a Shimano drive train. I think it’s free wheel. Can I convert it to Sram?

[@wangelite5279]

Is it quieter than the previous axs? Mine sounds so noisy on rock gardens

[@Jkauppa]

try dual side magnetic cvt instead, 90 degrees axle drive

[@markifi]

yo! you'd like Tom Stanton's last video.

[@Jkauppa]

@@markifi yep saw that, both side magnet gears cvt is better than induction magnet drive, but nice

[@markifi]

@@Jkauppa more efficient? i'm not aware of this and a simple search gives me some cooky websites. can you please point me to a good introduction? (or a drawing of what you mean exactly, many different arrangements come up with a search)

[@Jkauppa]

@@markifi better overall, permanent magnet gears, google it

[@Jkauppa]

@@markifi well you can start by going to my videos on the topic