Popular Stories
After teasing it on athlete and pro bikes for the past few months, SRAM just released their new 2023 Eagle 12-speed XX SL, XX and XO drivetrain groupsets, and they look to be a radical step forward in mountain bike shifting performance. Gone is the derailleur hanger, limit adjustment and B-tension screws, with the derailleur now mounted directly to the rear axle of the frame. The entire transmission is wireless, building on the existing AXS wireless system. SRAM is classifying the entire system as a “T-Type” Transmission, meaning that the new derailleur, chainring and cassette will only work with the new T-Type chain.
The new hangerless mount bolts directly onto a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)-compatible frame where the UDH would normally have sat. SRAM’s Full Mount attachment promises a far stronger connection to the frame by gripping the chain/seat stay on both sides. The XO and XX derailleurs feature an overload clutch and plenty of armor against nasty trailside rocks. The XX derailleur features replaceable skid plates and a “Magic Wheel” system, where the lower pulley wheel can continue to spin even if it has an object stuck in it.
On the shifter front, SRAM is introducing a new AXS pod controller that is lighter than previous AXS shifters. Featuring a “click and fire” two-button design, with a light-action button and the ability to personalize button assignments through the AXS App. The shifter pod is flippable, so can be mounted on either side of the handlebar.
Join Our Newsletter
The new XX SL, XX and XO T-Type cassettes are designed with durability and longevity in mind. With a tried-and-true 10-52 tooth gearing and a 520 percent gear range, the cassettes have been redesigned to offer smoother, more consistent shifting across the entire range. They all mount to an XD driver body and only work with the new T-Type flattop chains.
To complete the drivetrain ecosystem, SRAM also released new DUB cranksets including the ultra-light XX SL hollow carbon crankset, the XX carbon crankset, and the durable aluminum XO crankset. All three options are ready to accept a Power Meter and work with the new T-Type chainrings. They also feature a removable modular lightweight bashguard that mounts directly to the chainring.
