First Look | Sram GX Eagle AXS

SRAM GX Eagle AXS first look rear derailleur studio photo

SRAM GX AXS IS HERE!

    Sram just released their GX Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit and we could not be more stoked! This release is extremely symbolic as it marks the trickle-down of Sram's AXS Technology into one of Sram's most popular groupsets.
    GX Eagle, or "the best of Eagle" as Sram's marketing often says, is extremely popular as it features much of the build quality and creature comforts present in their higher-end X01 and XX1 groupsets while keeping the price-point realistic and easy to stomach for the vast majority of riders. At $600 for an upgrade kit (a whopping $400 less than XX1 AXS), GX AXS is no exception.

At a glance:

  • Upgrade Kit Pricing: $600

  • Works with all existing AXS componentry

  • 50t & 52t compatible

  • Same motor as X01 & XX1

  • New AXS Battery Cover for added protection.

  • Water and dust proof up to IP69K
  • Proven AXS Ergonomics
SRAM GX Eagle AXS first look upgrade kit contents rear derailleur controller battery charger studio photo

Just like X01 and XX1 AXS upgrade kits, GX AXS comes with everything you need to convert your existing Eagle drivetrain to wireless.

What's Different and What's the Same?

    At this point you might be asking yourself- "Does Sram GX AXS Eagle perform $400 less than XX1", and honestly time will tell but looking at the spec sheet for the new GX AXS components, we can get a pretty good idea of what to expect. First off, the GX AXS Groupset uses the same proven motor design as is used on both X01 and XX1 drivetrains. That's not where the similarities end though as GX AXS also utilizes a very similar controller to X01 and XX1 with the only noticeable difference being additional GX branding and the fact that it comes with the original AXS rocker paddle instead of the newer design.

    Just like with their analog groupsets, the GX trim comes out weighing slightly more than X01 and XX1, tipping the scales at 478g with a battery (roughly 90g heavier than XX1). A large part of this is likely because Sram chose to switch up the materials slightly with the pulley bearings and cage being made with steel rather than aluminum or carbon like the more expensive models. Additionally, GX AXS comes stock with Sram's new AXS Battery Cover, adding added protection and peace of mind by protecting the battery on your derailleur.

SRAM GX Eagle AXS upgrade kit first look lifestyle rock roll shot

All AXS Groupsets, including GX AXS are water and dust proof up to IP69K.

What does all of this mean?

    Basically, we believe that Sram's new GX Eagle AXS groupset is going to check many of the same boxes that X01 and XX1 eagle do at a much more attainable price-point. If you are the type of rider who cares more about value than weight, GX AXS is a very exciting addition to Sram's ever-expanding catalog of bike components. While GX Eagle isn't a huge innovation and won't offer a performance gain over those higher-priced options, it does offer an incredible value and is an incredible example of expensive technology trickling down to lower price-points.

    One of the biggest gripes about AXS up to this point has been "well what if I break my $700 rear derailleur" and that's completely legit. While AXS components (including GX) do feature a breakaway motor that will allow the derailleur cage to move out of the way upon impact, this does not remedy the situation completely. However, when you take into account that the new derailleur costs only $375 compared to XX1's $700 derailleur, it won't be as tough a pill to swallow should you ever break it.

SRAM GX Eagle AXS upgrade kit first look studio photo rear derailleur

All GX AXS parts are 100% compatible with existing AXS and Eagle componentry.

"Sram's new GX Eagle AXS groupset is going to check many of the same boxes that X01 and XX1 eagle do at a much more attainable price-point."

SRAM GX Eagle AXS upgrade kit first look rear derailleur with app

Tuning your derailleur with your phone? It is officially the future!

Final thoughts

    Man, I absolutely cannot wait to throw this on my bike and give it a try. It will be very interesting to see how the performance compares to the analog X01 drivetrain I currently have on my bike. As someone who has a history of destroying derailleurs, I will honestly say that the biggest selling point for GX Eagle AXS is the fact that a rear derailleur costs only $375. While GX AXS is only truly affordable in a relative sense, the value is simply unparalleled within the electronic shifting sub-category with the next step up being very nearly double the price. Sram's GX Eagle AXS is a huge step forward in making electronic shifting available to the masses and we cannot wait to see what's next for Sram's ever-growing line-up of innovative and functional products.

SRAM GX Eagle AXS rear derailleur first look studio photo

"While GX AXS is only truly affordable in a relative sense, the value is simply unparalleled within the electronic shifting sub-category with the next step up being very nearly double the price."


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ABOUT THE RIDER/WRITER

NAME AGE HEIGHT LOCATED

Henry Hibbeln

23

5'10"

Bellingham, WA

Current Bikes: Revel Rascal Custom Build

Bike Size: Large

Favorite Trails: HiLine Trail in Sedona and anything with fun rocks and good dirt here in Bellingham!

About Me: Transplanted from New Mexico and Michigan before that, I'm a huge fan of spicy food, chunky trails, and shuttle laps. I dig road trips, finding and riding cool rocks, and spending time outside. I'm a recent convert to the world of mid-travel 29in bikes and love nerding out on bikes and cool bike tech. Want to know where to get the best green chili up here in Bellingham? Hit me up!