If you're the type that wears chains out, I'd go with the X01 Eagle chain, since its hard chrome tech lengthens chain life enough to be worth the extra cost. Alternatively, if you want cutting edge, go KMC DLC.

You should always keep proof of postage and we advise you to use a ‘signed for service’ when returning goods. Only Eagle™ is a complete system-engineered drivetrain designed, tested and proven to deliver the lightest, highest-performing, most durable system for all riders on any trail. How often should I clean my bike? Regular cleaning ensures that your material lasts longer and that you can enjoy your cycling for longer. How often you need to clean depends on the weather conditions in which you ride. Do you cycle through all kinds of weather, or do you only go out when the sun is shining? It all affects the degree of wear and tear and some people will have to clean their bikes more often than others. Use the schedule below as a guide: The new rear derailleur will work with both the 10-50t and 10-52t cassettes Russell Burton / Immediate MediaWhile I’ve tested the alloy crankset here (which hasn’t structurally changed), there is now a new carbon GX option available too, but both feature SRAM’s new two-tone anodised chainring, a treatment said to better improve durability. 2021 SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset performance Eagle technology provides an expanded, optimum, gear range making you fast on the flats, giving you control on the climbs and unleashing your speed on the descents.

If you wish to return your bike to us please keep it in the box it arrived in and call us on 01772 644340 and we will arrange a collection.

That still leaves the question... what's the real difference? Realistically, it's pretty subtle and it comes down to weight, precision, and price. The weight of GX Eagle groupset is 1,130g total, while the NX Eagle is 1,337g. Along with that weight drop, there are tighter tolerances as you move up the groupset line-up. The difference as you move up more becomes more pronounced, but at this level, it's hard to actually tell the difference. Accurate setup using the new chain gap tool (which you’ll need to set the b-tension screw) is rewarded on the trail with smooth, quiet shifting. It feels crisp and positive too, and I’ve only had to tweak gear cable tension to adjust the indexing to keep things running smoothly. KMC DLC > SRAM Hard Chromized > Shimano SILTEC > everything else, including Ti-Nitride coatings and whatever other marketing jargon is out there. Shimano's M9100 chain will be chromized, so they will be on par with SRAM. SRAM's non-chromized chains are just disposable... But it’s not all about the cassette because SRAM has revamped the rear mech too. The new GX mech gets a revised pulley wheel offset, a shorter cage and lengthened parallelogram along with new spring and pivot hardware, all of which help increase chain wrap which should help boost cassette and chain life as well as improve shift feel.

Other updates to the 2021 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain beyond the redesigned cassette include a derailleur with revised pulley wheel offsets, a shorter cage and larger parallelogram section with new springs and pivot hardware. Thanks to the addition of that big 52t cog, the GX Eagle gear range now on offer is a whopping 520 per cent (Shimano’s is 510 per cent for reference). Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle™ cassettes and rings In addition to all the mechanical options at the GX level, this is the first time you have options for electronic shifting with the SRAM GX AXS system. AXS means a fully wireless version of the GX drivetrain with all the same features otherwise. The battery attaches to the rear derailleur and charging means just popping it off and into the charger. The batteries will last for months, but if you plan to head out on an epic journey then as the batteries are small, it's easy to carry extras. At the NX level that cassette uses a HG-type freehub. That's a Shimano standard brought over from older drivetrains. If you are upgrading from 11-speed, you don't need new wheels – everything will fit and you can move from 11- to 12-speed.GX Eagle is a step above NX but needs an SRAM specific XD driver for the rear hub (Image credit: SRAM) SRAM GX a) If we have sent you the incorrect bicycle, we will cover the cost of collection and delivery of the correct model. Eagle™ technology provides an expanded, optimum, gear range making you fast on the flats, giving you control on the climbs and unleashing your speed on the descents. As laid out above, the most obvious difference is the cassette and by extension the derailleur that goes with it. Even that isn't as straightforward as it would seem though. All the Eagle drivetrains are cross-compatible. That means if you wanted to spec the GX Eagle but had wheels that couldn't upgrade to the XD freehub you could do it by just using the NX cassette. Alternatively, if you wanted more range all you need to grab is the GX cassette and derailleur.

When you buy a chain it is always too long, which means it always needs to be cut to length. To adjust the chain to the correct length it has to be broken, this is done with a chain punch. Our chain punches can be found here. Make sure you choose a chain tool for the right speed. User tips Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle cassettes and ringsThe magic of it is a rear cassette with a roughly 450 percent range. Not quite as much as a 2x11 mountain bike drivetrain but it's a lot lighter in weight with less complexity. Running a single ring at the front also allows a narrow-wide style chainring to be used, by using alternating sized teeth the narrow-wide style ring helps hold the chain in place without the need of a chain guide. The Eagle™ chain has been completely re-engineered, and is produced with new manufacturing technology. There are other reasons you might mix and match, too. If you were only able to get parts from one drivetrain because of shortages or location. Grab whatever you can and it will work. If you already have an Eagle drivetrain you could upgrade to electronic with the GX Eagle AXS upgrade kit to keep things as low cost as possible. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Ultra-smooth chain inner-plates are completely devoid of square edges, resulting in a chain that engages the cassette and chainring with far less friction, for quieter performance and better wear life. The design allows a narrower overall profile that can withstand greater angles, and also allows for a flatter outer-plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and enhanced overall strength.