Ever since SRAM introduced the first 12-speed mountain bike group in early 2016, I've been riding SRAM Eagle components on my personal mountain bikes. There's a good reason for this. SRAM Eagle established itself as the benchmark for mountain bike drivetrains with wide gear range, chain security, and reliable shifting.
Fortunately, since SRAM launched X01 Eagle and XX1 Eagle, a lot of that technology has trickled down to more affordable parts. I’ve ridden everything from entry-level NX Eagle drivetrains to GX to X01 to the super-blingy XX1. I'm not alone either. Most of my coworkers at The Pro's Closet ride SRAM Eagle drivetrains.
There are multiple SRAM Eagle groups that provide options for riders with different budgets and riding needs. So let's go through the details to help you figure out which parts are right for your next used mountain bike.
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2026 update: This article originally compared mechanical SRAM GX Eagle and XX1 Eagle, and that comparison is still useful if you are shopping used mountain bikes, replacing worn Eagle parts, or mixing and matching mechanical Eagle components. SRAM’s current ecosystem also includes GX Eagle AXS, Eagle Transmission, X0, XX, XX SL, and newer mechanical Transmission options, but this guide focuses on the classic 12-speed Eagle parts riders still search for most: GX vs. XX1 vs. X01 weight, price, cassette, crankset, chain, derailleur, and shifter differences.
Quick answer: SRAM GX Eagle is the better value drivetrain. It shifts very similarly to XX1, uses the same 12-speed Eagle range, and is much cheaper to replace. SRAM XX1 Eagle is lighter and more refined, with carbon cranks, a lighter machined cassette, hollow-pin chain, adjustable shifter paddle, and premium materials. If you care about performance per dollar, pick GX. If you care about weight, durability, bling, and the nicest mechanical Eagle parts, XX1 is still awesome. X01 sits between them and is usually the best compromise for aggressive trail and enduro riders.
Contents:
- SRAM Eagle Group Hierarchy
- SRAM GX Eagle vs. XX1 Eagle by the Numbers
- SRAM Eagle Weight Chart: GX vs. X01 vs. XX1
- GX and XX1 Eagle Similarities
- Price
- Weight
- SRAM Eagle Crankset Weight
- SRAM Eagle Cassette Weight
- Rear Derailleur
- Shifter
- Chain
- Colors
- What About X01?
- What About SRAM Eagle Transmission?
- Which SRAM Eagle Group Should You Pick?
- SRAM GX vs. XX1 FAQ
SRAM Eagle Group Hierarchy
The classic mechanical SRAM Eagle group hierarchy: SX, NX, GX, X01, XX1.
GX Eagle is the workhorse of the Eagle family. This is one of the most popular SRAM mountain bike drivetrains and it’s found on many mid-level and even some high-end bikes. It is also the most common Eagle drivetrain you'll see on the employee rack at TPC.
XX1 is the top-of-the-line mechanical Eagle group. You will see XX1 Eagle used by many racers, weight-conscious riders, and industry insiders. XX1 Eagle AXS is an even higher-end electronic option, but this article compares the mechanical XX1 drivetrain with GX Eagle, apples to apples.
If you’re looking to upgrade to an Eagle drivetrain, or you are comparing two used bikes with different builds, how do you decide which drivetrain is for you? Do you just need the workhorse? Or do your bikes deserve some bling? Let’s explore the similarities and differences between GX and XX1 to find out.
SRAM GX Eagle vs. XX1 Eagle by the Numbers
| Component | GX Eagle | XX1 Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Crankset | Alloy | Carbon fiber |
| Crankset weight | 621g | 433g |
| Cassette | XG-1275, pinned steel/alloy construction | XG-1299, machined X-Dome construction |
| Cassette weight | About 454g | About 355-360g, depending on version |
| Chain | Solid pins | Hollow pins, premium finish |
| Derailleur | Steel pulley cage | Carbon outer pulley cage, alloy inner cage, titanium hardware |
| Shifter | Non-adjustable lever | Adjustable thumb lever |
| Best for | Best value, daily trail riding, replacement parts, hard use | Lowest weight, premium builds, XC racing, riders who love bling |
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SRAM Eagle Weight Chart: GX vs. X01 vs. XX1
A lot of riders searching for SRAM GX vs. XX1 are really looking for weight numbers. The biggest savings come from the crankset and cassette. The chain, derailleur, and shifter save smaller amounts, but they also bring more premium materials and better finish.
| Component | GX Eagle | X01 Eagle | XX1 Eagle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crankset weight | 621g alloy GX Eagle DUB crankset | Lighter carbon crankset, typically heavier than XX1 | 433g XX1 Eagle DUB SL crankset |
| Cassette weight | About 454g for XG-1275 | Very close to XX1; same basic X-Dome construction with different finish | 357g for XG-1299 10-50t; 10-52t versions are slightly heavier |
| Chain | Solid pins | Premium finish, solid pins | Hollow pins, premium finish |
| Derailleur | Steel cage | Alloy cage, premium finish | Carbon outer cage, alloy inner cage, titanium hardware |
| Best use | Value, trail, enduro, park bikes, hard use | Trail/enduro riders who want premium parts without full XX1 flash | XC, lightweight trail builds, dream builds, riders chasing grams |
Note: SRAM weights can vary by crank length, chainring size, chainline, cassette range, and model generation. Always check the exact product page or listing if you are comparing specific parts.
GX and XX1 Eagle Similarities
Both GX and XX1 Eagle are 12-speed, 1x drivetrains. There is a single chainring, no front derailleur, and both use wide-range 10-50t or 10-52t cassettes. This is enough gearing to handle everything from fast downhills to flat and rolling terrain to steep mountain climbs.
Gearing can be fine-tuned by changing the chainring. Stock chainrings range in size from 30-34t, with 32t being the most common. Cross-country racers might opt for a 34t, while enduro riders in steep terrain on heavy 29er bikes sometimes prefer 30t chainrings.
Eagle chainrings are direct-mount and use SRAM’s X-Sync 2 tooth profile, which is optimized for SRAM’s 12-speed chain. This improves chain retention, durability, and mud-shedding.
Both GX and XX1 Eagle cassettes are compatible with SRAM XD Driver freehubs. If your wheel has a traditional Shimano HG freehub, the entry-level SX and NX cassettes are the only options for Eagle range, and they are considerably heavier.
Both GX and XX1 use SRAM DUB spindles on current versions. Older versions have GXP and BB30 spindle options, but DUB is now the more universal modern standard. Cranks are available in multiple lengths, most commonly 170mm and 175mm, with some newer options available in shorter lengths as well.
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Price
Not surprisingly, price is the most noticeable difference between GX and XX1. XX1 Eagle costs much more than GX Eagle, especially when you compare the cassette, crankset, chain, and derailleur.
This price difference is mainly due to materials and construction. GX uses more affordable alloy, steel, and pinned cassette construction. XX1 uses carbon crank arms, a machined cassette, hollow-pin chain, lighter derailleur hardware, and flashier coatings. What does the extra money get you, and is it worth it? Let's dig into the details.
Weight
Even if you aren’t a full-on weight weenie, you’re probably aware of bike weight. We weigh every component and bike we sell on our website. On our scales, a complete GX group weighs around 250 grams more than an XX1 group — a little more than half a pound. Most of this weight difference comes down to the cranks and cassette. To put that into perspective, a full 20oz water bottle weighs approximately 570 grams, or 1.25 pounds.
Does a half-pound of bike weight matter? That's a question you'll have to answer for yourself. I’m especially susceptible to gram-shaving. If my bike is marginally lighter, it makes me feel faster, whether that’s true or not. For more information about the importance of bike weight, check out this article: Does Bike Weight Matter?
SRAM Eagle Crankset Weight: GX vs. X01 vs. XX1
The major difference between GX and XX1 cranks is the material. GX crankarms are made of 7000-series aluminum, which is heavier than carbon but lighter than the 6000-series aluminum used on entry-level SX and NX cranks.
XX1 crank arms are hollow carbon fiber. This reduces overall weight and improves the stiffness-to-weight ratio of the crank arms. The XX1 crank spindle also has additional machining to save weight.
| Crankset | Material | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRAM GX Eagle DUB crankset | Aluminum | 621g, based on DUB 175mm Boost 32t | Value, durability, trail bikes, park bikes, replacement builds |
| SRAM GX Eagle Carbon crankset | Carbon | Varies by generation and configuration | A lighter GX-level upgrade without going full XX1 |
| SRAM X01 Eagle crankset | Carbon with foam core | Usually heavier than XX1, but lighter than GX alloy | Trail and enduro riders who want carbon crank stiffness with more durability focus |
| SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB SL crankset | Hollow carbon | 433g | XC, lightweight trail bikes, dream builds, weight-focused riders |
The chainrings included with GX and XX1 cranks use the same X-Sync 2 tooth profile, but the GX chainring is stamped aluminum while the XX1 chainring is machined. This saves a little weight and may improve chainring stiffness.
In total, the XX1 cranks weigh much less than GX. Because the XX1 crank arms are carbon fiber, you should run them with the included rubber crank boots to protect them from rock strikes and trail debris.
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SRAM Eagle Cassette Weight: GX vs. X01 vs. XX1
The main difference between the GX and XX1 cassette is the construction.
The GX XG-1275 cassette is made by pinning the cogs together. The large cog is alloy, and the other cogs are steel. It is tough, more affordable, and a great choice for riders who burn through drivetrain parts.
The XX1 XG-1299 cassette also uses an alloy large cog, but the steel cog cluster is machined from one piece of steel, creating SRAM’s hollow X-Dome construction that is then attached to the large cog.
| Cassette | Construction | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRAM GX Eagle XG-1275 | Pinned steel cogs with alloy large cog | About 454g | Best value, heavier, great replacement cassette |
| SRAM X01 Eagle XG-1295 | Machined X-Dome steel cluster with alloy large cog | Very close to XX1 | Same premium construction idea as XX1, but with different finish |
| SRAM XX1 Eagle XG-1299 | Machined X-Dome steel cluster with alloy large cog | 357g for 10-50t; 10-52t versions are slightly heavier | Lightest classic Eagle cassette option, premium finish, expensive to replace |
Because the XX1 cassette is machined and doesn’t use pins, it's significantly lighter than GX. It also has a flashy premium coating that can improve corrosion resistance and durability. The machined XX1 cassette saves roughly 80-100 grams over the GX cassette depending on the version.
Rear Derailleur
All classic Eagle derailleurs essentially function the same way. There are a few differences in construction.
The GX derailleur is built using standard steel hardware. The pulley cage is steel. Overall, it is solid and reliable.
The XX1 rear derailleur is more refined due to a carbon fiber outer pulley cage, alloy inner cage, and titanium bolts that reduce weight. Feel and function between the derailleurs will be very similar when both are properly tuned. SRAM has historically positioned XX1 as the more premium, refined, and lighter option, but GX is the smart pick if you ride rocky trails and expect to occasionally bash a derailleur.
Shifter
The GX and XX1 shifter internals are very similar. Both have an alloy lower body, but the XX1 shifter uses a carbon fiber cover while the GX uses a plastic one.
The biggest difference is ergonomics. The XX1 shifter's downshift lever can be adjusted fore and aft to suit rider preference. This is one of my favorite features because it allows me to tuck the lever farther in by a few millimeters. I run my shifter very close to the grips and this is just enough so the lever doesn’t poke my hands during rowdy descents. Notice that the XX1 thumb lever also has a slightly more sculpted shape.
Some of my co-workers have commented that the XX1 shifter action feels nicer, as if the internals are more metallic or assembled more precisely. This may or may not be a real thing, and could be due to the perception that XX1 is overall more refined.
For those who like old-school twist-shifters, XX1 Eagle also has a Grip Shift option.
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Chain
The GX chain uses solid pins while XX1 has hollow pins to reduce weight. GX uses a chrome treatment on the pins. XX1 has a premium corrosion-resistant treatment applied to the plates and pins. There is also a black color option. XX1 has better construction, strength, and wear resistance.
I have experienced an impressive increase in chain life with XX1 Eagle chains compared to GX chains. I check my chains using Pedro's Chain Checker Plus, which I think is the most effective chain-checking tool. XX1 chains often last over twice as long, depending on use and conditions, before needing to be replaced. For me, they often outlast two chainring changes.
This durability is substantiated by a test done by Zero Friction Cycling, detailed in this great article by Dave Rome of CyclingTips.
GX chains are significantly cheaper than XX1 chains, but they require more frequent replacement. Either way, you should check your chains often and replace them sooner rather than later to reduce wear and maintain the performance of your drivetrain.
Colors
The GX Eagle drivetrain is black, with greyish-white logos. It’s nondescript and matches any bike. The XX1 Eagle drivetrain, however, is on the opposite end of the spectrum. It features an abundance of gold logos and a very blingy gold chain and cassette. This can look good, but won’t appeal to more aesthetically conservative riders. XX1 is sometimes available with blacked-out logos. There is a black XX1 chain option, and SRAM has also offered other premium chain and cassette finishes in the broader Eagle ecosystem.
What About X01?
X01 Eagle is the group that resides between GX and XX1 in the classic SRAM Eagle hierarchy. However, it isn’t a perfect middle ground between the two. In reality, it is much more similar to XX1 than it is to GX.
The X01 cranks share carbon construction with XX1 cranks, but instead of being hollow, they have a foam core. This adds a bit of weight but can improve durability for trail, enduro, and downhill applications.
The rear derailleur does not use a carbon fiber outer pulley cage or titanium bolts. The cassette and chain do not have the gold XX1 finish. The X01 cassette uses similar X-Dome construction but has a different coating. The shifter has the adjustable thumb lever, but no carbon cover.
The weight difference between X01 and XX1 drivetrains is fairly small, while the price difference can be meaningful. Overall, aesthetics are the biggest difference between X01 and XX1, but XX1 is just that extra bit lighter and flashier. If you don’t want the gold XX1 cassette, the X01 cassette is often the better-looking premium choice.
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What About SRAM Eagle Transmission?
Since this article first published, SRAM has launched Eagle Transmission, which is different from the classic mechanical Eagle drivetrain compared here. Eagle Transmission uses T-Type components and mounts directly to UDH-compatible frames. It is not the same as a standard GX, X01, or XX1 Eagle mechanical drivetrain.
That matters if you are shopping parts. Classic Eagle uses Eagle chains, XG cassettes, and standard Eagle derailleurs. Transmission uses T-Type chains, XS cassettes, and Transmission derailleurs. Some concepts are similar, but the parts are not universally interchangeable.
If your bike has a standard derailleur hanger or you are replacing parts on an older Eagle-equipped bike, classic GX, X01, and XX1 Eagle parts are still the relevant comparison. If your bike is UDH-compatible and you want SRAM’s newest drivetrain platform, then GX, X0, XX, or XX SL Transmission is the newer system to consider.
Which SRAM Eagle Group Should You Pick?
| Pick This | If... |
|---|---|
| GX Eagle | You want the best value, ride hard, replace parts often, and care more about reliability than saving grams. |
| X01 Eagle | You want premium performance and lower weight than GX, but prefer a more understated look and extra durability focus compared to XX1. |
| XX1 Eagle | You want the lightest, flashiest, most premium mechanical Eagle option and are willing to pay for it. |
| Mix and match | You want to save money where it matters less and spend more where it matters most, especially on the chain, cassette, or crankset. |
Final Thoughts
So is it worth spending more on the XX1 Eagle drivetrain over GX? Unsurprisingly, the answer is: it depends.
For casual riders or those who abuse their bikes, it may not be worth it to spend more on XX1. GX is cheaper, tough, reliable, and easier to justify replacing after a rock strike or a muddy season. But if you’re a competitive rider who wants every advantage possible, XX1 is more refined and will allow you to build the lightest bike possible.
If you don't like to stand out too much, the subtle GX is probably a better choice. But if you’re like me and you love pomp and flash, there’s almost nothing that can match the ostentatiousness of the XX1 group.
The simple perception that XX1 is more refined can also influence your experience on the bike, and I definitely found that to be the case with the XX1's shifter action. Co-workers in the shop have commented that my XX1-equipped bikes shift better than their GX bikes. Whether that’s true is debatable. It could be due to other factors such as maintenance and tuning. Having a nicer XX1 group definitely encourages me to take better care of my drivetrain and bike.
For my current bike, I’ve mixed and matched components to make a drivetrain suitable for my needs. All of SRAM's classic Eagle groups are essentially inter-compatible, so if you've got specific preferences, you can mix and match.
I was very concerned about weight, so I’m using XX1 cranks and an X01 cassette. The cranks and cassette are where the greatest weight savings are. I would have used the gold XX1 cassette, but it was not in stock when I built the bike. Once my current cassette wears out I’ll likely swap.
I’m using a GX derailleur and shifter to save some money. The shifting feels great, but I’ll likely swap to the XX1 shifter eventually because I like the adjustable thumb lever so much.
While most parts are debatable, I’d recommend the XX1 chain to any rider on an Eagle drivetrain. Gold chains, or black if you prefer, just look good. But the biggest advantage is the increased durability. I have been stunned at how long XX1 Eagle chains last. One chain lasted over 2,000 miles, through multiple chainrings, with no issues. It’s my belief that the XX1 chain is the biggest reason my Eagle drivetrains work so well. It’s also the least expensive XX1 component.
I like GX, and I think it is a great group. It’s what I use on my downhill bike park rig because that bike gets beat up and mistreated. But for my everyday trail and XC race bikes, I am at the point in my life where I’m more than willing to spend more to upgrade to the more refined and flashier XX1 group. It looks good and it makes me feel good.
SRAM GX vs. XX1 FAQ
What is the SRAM GX crankset weight?
The SRAM GX Eagle DUB alloy crankset is listed at 621 grams for a DUB 175mm Boost 32t configuration. Weight can vary by crank length, chainring size, chainline, and model generation.
What is the SRAM XX1 crankset weight?
The SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB SL crankset is listed at 433 grams. It is much lighter than the GX alloy crankset because it uses hollow carbon crank arms and extra machining.
What is the SRAM GX cassette weight?
The SRAM GX Eagle XG-1275 cassette weighs about 454 grams, depending on range and version. It is heavier than X01 and XX1 because it uses pinned construction rather than SRAM’s machined X-Dome construction.
What is the SRAM XX1 cassette weight?
The SRAM XX1 Eagle XG-1299 cassette is listed at 357 grams for the 10-50t version. The 10-52t version is slightly heavier. Either way, it is much lighter than the GX cassette.
Is SRAM XX1 better than GX?
XX1 is lighter, more refined, and more premium than GX. GX is a better value and shifts very similarly when properly maintained. For most riders, GX is the smarter buy. For weight-focused riders and dream builds, XX1 is the nicer option.
Is SRAM GX Eagle good?
Yes. SRAM GX Eagle is one of the best value mountain bike drivetrains because it delivers the core Eagle shifting experience at a much lower price than X01 or XX1. It is a great choice for trail, enduro, and everyday mountain bikes.
What is the difference between SRAM X01 and XX1?
X01 and XX1 are very similar, but X01 is more trail/enduro focused while XX1 is more weight-focused and flashy. X01 cranks use carbon with a foam core, while XX1 cranks are lighter hollow carbon. XX1 also gets the flashier finish and lighter details.
What is the difference between SRAM GX and X01?
X01 is lighter and more premium than GX. X01 uses carbon cranks, a lighter X-Dome cassette, a nicer shifter, and more premium finishes. GX is heavier but much more affordable and still shifts extremely well.
Are SRAM Eagle parts interchangeable?
Most classic 12-speed SRAM Eagle mechanical parts are broadly compatible with each other, including GX, X01, and XX1. Be careful with newer Eagle Transmission T-Type parts, because they are a different system and are not universally interchangeable with classic Eagle drivetrains.
Should I upgrade my GX cassette to XX1 or X01?
Upgrading from a GX cassette to X01 or XX1 saves noticeable weight and gives you a premium machined cassette. It is a good upgrade if you care about weight. If you mainly care about cost per mile, sticking with GX makes more sense.
Should I upgrade my GX chain to XX1?
Yes, this is one of my favorite Eagle upgrades. The XX1 chain costs more than GX, but it tends to last longer, looks better, and is one of the least expensive ways to add a premium part to a GX drivetrain.
Do you use SRAM Eagle on your mountain bike? What's your group of choice and why? Let us know in the comments!
All photos courtesy of SRAM.
