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Common Ground News

What is the difference between NX and NX Eagle?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on February 26, 2026

What is the difference between NX and NX Eagle?

Compared to the SRAM GX Eagle, the NX is 185 g heavier, with the chain and derailleur making the biggest weight difference. Compared to an X01 Eagle, the NX Eagle gains a whole 438 g, which is quite understandable with a price difference of € 900.

Hereof, does SRAM NX eagle use XD driver?

NX Eagle is compatible with all SRAM 12-speed Eagle drivetrains (meaning you can mix and match parts). The XD driver that SRAM has been using for the last several years works well and is great in terms of making a lightweight system with a wide range of gears.

Additionally, are all SRAM Eagle components compatible? What Eagle™ parts are cross compatible with existing 11-speed SRAM components? Eagle™ chainrings are 11-speed compatible. You can use an Eagle™ chainring on an existing XX1, X01 X1, GX or NX drivetrain. However, traditional SRAM X-SYNC™ 11-Speed rings are not designed for use with Eagle™ drivetrains.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what's the difference between SRAM NX and GX crankset?

The only difference between SRAM's NX and GX chains is that the GX chain features a “chrome treatment” whereas the NX chain is constructed with plain steel plates. Both chains utilize solid pins.

Is SRAM NX better than deore?

For a direct comparison, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain runs an extra +75 USD (375 USD) and has a significantly more plastic-toy feel than what the new Deore delivers. The Box Two 9 speed 11-50t cassette is heavier and a couple bucks more than a Deore 12 speed 10-51t. The group saves 30 USD compared to M6100.

How good is SRAM NX?

The NX crank is conveniently compatible with all SRAM 1x drivetrains, providing a low-cost option no matter your setup. Overall, the riding experience has been good. The NX's performance is like that of any good drivetrain: easy to ignore.

Does SRAM NX Eagle have a clutch?

As with higher-end derailleurs, the NX does have an adjustable clutch that riders can dial in if they are riding rowdier trails.

Is SRAM NX Eagle?

NX Eagle is SRAM's most affordable aftermarket 12-speed mountain bike groupset. Although SRAM SX Eagle sits below it and is frequently specced as original equipment (OEM) on many bikes, consumers are unable to purchase it as a full groupset aftermarket.

Which SRAM groupset is best?

Best SRAM Mountain Bike Groupset Buying Guide
  • SRAM's groupsets are sought-after for their industry-leading weight-saving properties.
  • SRAM SX Eagle is the brand's entry-level groupset.
  • XX1 Eagle AXS is SRAM's top-end drivetrain collection, used by many professional riders in elite competition.

Which is better Shimano or SRAM?

Shimano and SRAM both make quality products, but their approach and styles are different. Looking at the current component landscape, it can be said that Shimano is generally the more conservative of the two. Over the last decade, SRAM has pursued drivetrain innovation more aggressively.

Which is better SRAM NX or SX?

The NX might shift a bit smoother since it has the pulley wheel on the rear derailleur. The SX is the most basic 1x group you can get from SRAM. If you can get a better deal on the 11sp NX.

What is the SRAM equivalent of Shimano XT?

I've found it easier to think of X01 and XX1 as two different versions of the same top-tier drivetrain, both competing with Shimano XTR.

The mountain bike component hierarchy.

ShimanoSRAM
Deore XTGX
XTRX01/XX1

What driver body does SRAM NX use?

The SRAM NX Eagle cassette features a standard mount for a 7/8/9/10 speed freehub body. This will make it compatible with nearly every bike on the market.

What hub do I need for SRAM NX Eagle?

NX 12 speed goes on a splined Shimano compatible hub. Boost 148 most likely depending on your frame. Although frames meant for older hub standards with splined 8,9,10 Sram or Shimano driver bodies will work.

Is it worth upgrading to 12 speed?

You probably shouldn't. A new 12 speed drivetrain is very expensive at retail prices. Unless your bike is nearly new with modern geometry, modern brakes, etc. It would be much cheaper to just replace your old worn chain, cassette and chainrings.

Can I put a 12 speed cassette on a 9 speed hub?

It is a wide ratio cassette that has an alloy spider, lockring, and spacer. It will fit any Shimano or SRAM 8, 9, or 10-speed freehub body, and Shimano Dynasys 11-speed mountain freehub bodies.

Can SRAM GX chain go on NX?

Yep, SRAM lists the NX as compatible with all their 1x drivetrains. If your chain is worn you should replace it, but otherwise no need.

Can you upgrade SRAM SX Eagle?

With SRAM SX Eagle you will be using the Shimano HG style freehub body, meaning that this is an easy way to upgrade an older or more entry level bike so you can put the cassette on your existing wheel.

What is the difference between SRAM and SRAM Eagle?

2. SRAM's new FLOWLINK Chain is not the weakest link. The difference between SRAM Eagle and 50 tooth step up rings is that it's a 'ground up' redesign. The 12 speed Eagle chain is entirely new, with rounded inner plates and totally flush pins that dramatically quieten the drivetrain.

What is the order of SRAM components?

SRAM groupset hierarchy:
  • Apex: 10-speed.
  • Apex 1: 11-speed.
  • Rival: 11-speed.
  • Rival eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic.
  • Force: 11-speed.
  • Force eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic.
  • RED: 11-speed.
  • RED eTap: 11-speed.

What does Eagle mean for SRAM?

In order to squeeze the extra gear in the same amount of room (Eagle will fit on any XD driver body), the cogs are spaced closer together–meaning that it is actually an entirely new cassette. The dedicated 12-speed spacing also means that Eagle is Eagle.

What is the SRAM Eagle lineup?

The new 2021 Eagle Expansion line includes GX, X01 and XX1 builds featuring redesigned derailleurs, cranks, and shifters with backward compatibility. There are lots more details in our news piece here but in short, there is a new cassette with a 10-52t range (520%) available in GX, X01 and XX1 specs.

Can you mix and match SRAM?

SRAM's cassettes and chains are compatible with all of Shimano's groupsets, and vice versa. Likewise, Shimano and SRAM buyers have the freedom to mix different levels of chains and cassettes so long as they are designed for the same kind of transmission.

What does XD compatible mean?

XD driver is 6-8g lighter. 10-tooth cog compatibility allows for expanded cassette range. Available from more than 250 wheel and hub manufacturers. Cassettes are still installed and removed using standard tools and practices.

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