New Eagle 520% SRAM: 10-52 cassette defies the limits of 1x12

In 2016, SRAM revolutionized the single chainring mountain bike drivetrain with the arrival of the first 1x12 group, and four years later continues to explore the limits of this system with the renewal of all SRAM Eagle models and the arrival of a 10-52t cassette. This 520% development will change the rules again by making the climbs smoother or allowing larger chainrings to be mounted for faster rides on flat terrain or downhills.

SRAM Eagle 520%: groups, prices and specifications

It seems that it was during the development of the Eagle AXS that SRAM engineers found a way to expand the development of their current Eagle system into all of their groups. By optimizing the cage structural integrity, pulley wheel offset and using a longer parallelogram, they have been able to upgrade from a 10-50 cassette to a 10-52 without sacrificing the durability of the components.

The new 10-52 is as precise, quiet and sophisticated as the previous 10-50. There's no room here for unusual experiments that sacrifice the durability of the material

This new 10-52 cassette or expanded range as the brand calls it, is compatible with the AXS group and any of the new SRAM mechanical groups, but not with the old mechanical groups based on the 10-50 cassette. In fact, the brand assures that the 10-50 will remain in the catalogue and even recommends it for those who prefer a better progression between sprockets before a greater development.

The 10-50 remains for those who prefer better progression between sprockets rather than greater development

SRAM justified the decision of expanding the development of the cassette on its largest sprocket by arguing that it was the option that most improved performance with the minimum change in design.

Although the 520% development attracts a lot of attention and headlines, the truth is that the new SRAM Eagle brings many more new features that are better seen in detail within each group.

Another novelty that comes with the redesign of the group is the new B-gap adjustment tool. We already know that a good adjustment is fundamental to make the change as precise as possible, and this tool is small and simple to use, which makes the task of adjustment easier.

As it was until now, all the elements of the Eagle ecosystem are compatible among them, being able to form a custom-made drivetrain by choosing components from one or another group. Another attractive change is the inclusion of the color copper as an option among the already known gold, black or rainbow.

SRAM GX Group: the entry-level Eagle and the one that receives the most new features

The SRAM GX is the most popular group in the Eagle Ecosystem and the one that has received the most new features with this update. This is a drivetrain suitable for any mountain bike that multiplies its versatility with the new 520% development, is compatible with the rest of the Eagle components and is offered in new colors. This is a drivetrain that has been virtually unbeatable in the market for price and performance. Perfect for riding a trail, enduro or rally mountain bike.

In addition to the 10-52 cassette, the SRAM GX Eagle gets new colors, carbon crankset and the special E-MTB single click shifter.

The full price of the new SRAM GX Eagle group stays at 555€ which is a bit difficult to beat if you are looking for a drivetrain with the latest market developments but without being obsessed with weight.

XG - 1275 Eagle Cassette

GX Eagle Rear Derailleur  

Carbon GX Eagle Crankset 

Along with the new cassette, these carbon fibre cranks are another great innovation in the GX group. As a curiosity, they are almost 100 g heavier than the aluminium ones, but they are much more stiff. 

GX Eagle DUB Crankset

GX Eagle Trigger Shifter

GX Eagle Trigger Shifter Single Click 

SRAM X01 Eagle Group: the most versatile group now with 520% gear range

As seen on the other Eagle groups, the SRAM X01 Eagle has been updated with the new 520% gear range and cassette. Something that enhances the versatile character of this light and strong group. In addition, along with the new Eagle Colorsystem come the official colors of the X01 group, both in the shifter and in the cranks and gear, plus an exclusive option of Oxy Red cranks perfect for combining with any color of cassette or chain (either black, gold, Rainbow or the new color copper).

XG-1295 Eagle Cassette

X01 Eagle Rear Derailleur

X01 Eagle DUB Crankset

X01 Eagle Trigger Shifter

X01 Eagle Trigger Shiftert Single Click 

SRAM XX1 Eagle 520% Group: the lightest, the most sophisticated, the fastest

When reading SRAM XX1 Eagle the first thing that comes to mind is the word "competition" and the images of Nino Schurter winning over and over again with the SRAM signature group. This is a more sophisticated set than with the new structural design allowed by the 10-52 cassette and the elegant Eagle color system, to which a new color is added, it is sure to shine again at the top of the podium.

In the SRAM XX1 Eagle 520% the increase in development translates into speed as the new 10-52 cassette will allow larger chainrings to be mounted to make a difference in competition. For example, with this new cassette we now have the changes that are not so noticeable at first glance but very important that we saw last year in Nino Schurter's Spark so that it could hold chainrings of up to 40t.

XG-1299 Eagle Cassette 520%

XX1 Eagle Rear Derailleur 520%

XX1 Eagle DUB SL Crankset

XX1 Eagle Trigger Shifter

XX1 Eagle Trigger Single Click

XX1 Eagle Chain

The XX1 Eagle chain remains unchanged except that it now has a choice of Black, Gold, Rainbow and all-new Copper colors. It still includes the Eagle, Flow Link, Hard Chrome, Powerlock and X-Sync technologies that have placed it among the best and most reliable on the market.

Eagle AXS X01 & XX1 controllers without changes

As we have already said it was during the development of the AXS electronic groups that SRAM saw that it was possible to increase the development so they have not had to change to adopt the new 10-52 cassette.  

The Eagle AXS components remain the same and those who want to upgrade their transmission to this 520% will only have to get the new cassette

As a conclusion it is worth remembering that two years later than SRAM, the Japanese manufacturer Shimano presented its XTR M9100 1x12 mountain bike group. A drivetrain that justified its delay with the inclusion of a 10-51 cassette, a tooth superior to the first generation Eagle. Now SRAM responds with a 520% upgrade of its entire Eagle ecosystem showing that its system is more settled for now.

SRAM EAGLE 520%More Information