Thanks for including SX as it comes on enough new bikes as an OEM component that its worth understanding so we can decide if we want to upgrade it (yes we do).
Absolutely ! Bikes Direct offers a hardtail for $1000 with an SX, and you can upgrade to a GX deraileur for around $200 making for an affordable 1 x 12 hardtail if you just want to try it. My Orbea is a 2 x 10 full suspension with Shimano XT components and I just wanted to experience a 29" 1 x 12 hardtail b4 I shell out 3 grand. I'll give the other one away or leave it as a loaner for friends that come to ride.
I have the NX on my Trek Fuel EX 7 and it's about a 90% sucks.. the rear cassette is a boat anchor and the PF DUB is crapOla as well within those upgrades may I shame myself >I should have gotten the EX7 XT and then just would have had to put a Sram GX shifter and derailleur on the bike.
40yr old getting back into MTB after years of non serious riding as a kid + & a decent time run in MX racing. Love new generation MTB and kit. Hate the complexity & number of variations. That until finding WWC. So good on all levels. Thank you.
Maximum bang for your buck on SRAM Eagle: X01 cassette and chain, NX cranks, GX shifter, GX derailleur. The X01 cassette is the main factor responsible for the superior shifting on the X01/XX1 drivetrains, and both it and the chain have outstanding durability. The shifter, you want the GX for the match-maker and better clicks over SX and NX. It's also literally a $3 difference between an NX shifter and a GX one, so just get the GX one. The GX derailleur is better built than the NX one but still cheap enough to get smashed without brutalizing your wallet. NX cranks because cranks are cranks are cranks; you won't notice much of a difference among them unless you are incredibly well practiced, all of them have narrow-wide chainrings for retention. A word on the GX carbon cranks, though: they are basically TruVativ Descendant cranks with different decals. If I recall, the weight is even the same. They are a good piece of kit and one of the best ways to get into carbon cranks if you want them, IMHO.
You can replace the NX crank with the SX since they have a dub version 🤷♂️ And the XO1 shifter because of better adjustability. Even the NX Cassette with XO1 or XX1 chain works perfect.
Thanks for this, going to be swapping out my NX for GX after borrowing my friends bike for a weekend, the difference in feel is absolutely crazy even for that small jump in price point! it's nice to know the difference in weighs etc 😊
He's right about the GX being the best value. I go back and forth from my hardtail which has GX to FS that's got X01 ... Do I notice a difference? Yeah, but not much. And NOWHERE near as much as when I went from NX to GX. They're both phenomenal drivetrains, and if you really want you could just get the X01 shifter. If keep the GX derailleur no matter what cause you'll inevitably break em.
I'm waiting for my new bike to arrive (Orange Crush Comp) which comes with SX eagle drive train, could I upgrade to GX Eagle cranks, would it fit straight on with the rest of the SX running gear without issue?
@Bob Longhorn I would usually agree 100% with you, replacing brand new parts before they've even been used to sacrilege. BUT my brother in law has just bought a 4k enduro bike is swapping over the brakes, the cranks, the rear shock and handle bars, he's gone a bit mad, so the cranks off that are better than the ones on my Orange. Same with the brakes, I can have his Sram code R to replace Shimano 4100. Maybe I'll store it all untill I break what I've got.
@Bob Longhorn do the widths vary between bike for BB's? The GX cranks are coming off a YT Capra, onto an Orange Crush. Don't think I'll change them straight away, keep them untill they start wobbling, appreciate them more that way.
Top video champ 🥊 I ordered X01 blacked out and when I unboxed it ,the ‘fit and finish’ was amazing. The 520% back cassette and the cranks with the XX1 black chain are just sex.
Well done. I love these comparisons. It mainly comes down to how willing you are to spend a lot of money for a little weight savings because they all perform well compared to each other.
Where were you guys yesterday! I spent hours yesterday trying to figure out what to upgrade my NX drive train to. Ended up getting an xo1 shifter and keeping the nx derailleur. Anyway, good stuff. Keep it comin.
My bike came with X01 Eagle and shifting is super smooth. Since Sram had to add the Zero Loss technology to all the Eagle series, Im pretty sure they all shift really nice. Compare to the 11-speed systems, in which only the high end shifters had Zero Loss starting with the X1 model and above. The NX 11-speed feels horrible once youve tried 11-speed X01. In 12-speed all of them shift really nice its just an issue of excessive weight for the NX and SX cassettes. I wouldnt do less than GX.
This is super helpful!! I have an NX group set, but have had so many issues with the NX derailleur being so finicky. I’ll probably swap it out for the GX! Thanks for making this video!
@@jorgearevalo03 had nx as well was totally fine. definitely liking my gx tho. if you can find it id get a gx if not anything is way better than sx shit
Thanks for this overview, really comprehensive. Both this one and the Shimano drivetrain comparison kind of confirm what I was thinking - that both Shimano XT and Sram GX are flawless drivetrains and you'd have to be a weight and/or performance nut to spec anything above that on your bike.
You guys are the best I ordered a gx shifter and it came in 3 days and free shipping and I will say the gx shifter on an nx derailleur is so good for 3 dollars more definitely recommend that combo.
It would have been nice if you talked about the SX a bit more, especially in terms of longevity - I read a few comments in MTB orums by people saying theirs broke within 3 months due to the cheaper build quality, so I avoided buying any bike with the SX. If that really is the case, it would be worth mentioning for your viewers because a lot of bikes come with the SX, and when you're paying $3k+ for a bike, bits shouldn't fall off within 3 months! (FWIW my NX has been pretty robust, it's taken a few hits and is still working fine, although the screw that holds the derailleur onto the derailleur hanger keeps coming loose. Time to get the Threadlock out, methinks.) Great video, love knowing about this kinda detail - at some point I'm gonna have to replace something and now I know what to buy! Thanks WC.
I wrote Surly a nasty gram about SX on most of their sub 2k$ bikes. From their response, I expect it will be gone in 2021. It is price point. I upgraded to GX derailleur, shifter and new chain for $210.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm really enjoying the lack of idle "um"s between sentences and phrases. Makes the video flow so much better! Great work as usual, Cayley and team! PS: we want the full version of the blindfold testing!
Same response like I commented on the shimano drivetrain. Thanks again just what I needed. I do have the SRAM Red eTap which is the road bike version of electronic shifters really like them
The SX groupo I bought from aliexpress a few months ago came with the spindle attached to the drive side crank/cassette. I wonder why that was. It was all brand new mint condition, serial numbers intact. 175mm cranks, 32t chainring, Dub BB, 12spd chain, 11-50t cassette, shifter, and derailleur for $335 Cdn all in, shipped to my door in 23 days. I couldn't be happier, coming from a 3x7 freewheel.
I personally think that the gx alloy is the way to go. great price to performance, reasonably light but still alu cranks so it's not the end of the world if you bash them on a rock
My bike came with nx, shimano free hub... As the derailleur started to get some play after a year, I upgraded the bolt to a x01 for £20,now back to perfect shift. Then the jockies got worn so upgraded them... Gx this time again back to perfect. The moral is don't swap the nx just for the sake of it especially if money is tight, let it wear out then upgrade gradually
You always do a great job on explaining new products. I really appreciate your passion that you bring to this Rad sport we are in. Keep it roll’n guys!
Here in the Philippines, Almost every bike shop sells a full Sram SX. It is by far the most used drivetrain because here in PH, the more cassete and bigger teeth you have, the more you are a cooler your bike is. 50t cassetes are actually pretty cool looking.
Great vid, thank you. Over the last couple few weeks I've ordered some pcs parts from you guys. Fast delivery and items as described, thank you. My last MTB frame up build was last year, a new old stock trail 26'er, and I dabbled in out of my comfort zone of 10 speed. All of my other older rides are 9 speed. Recently I went a head and pulled the trigger on a 27.5 enduro frame, jumped in feet first and am going all in on 12 speed, way out of my comfort zone of MTB building. I'll be going with the Sram GX series. Very informative vid gentlemen, thank you again, Bonze3000
Great video as always guys. Only thing you forgot to mention is, SX Eagle doesn't have a clutch, and that contributes to SX being considerably noisier than NX or anything above. You're right saying there's a good reason for SX not being a full after market drivetrain, it's very low quality compared to the rest, and that comes from someone who bought a equipped with a SRAM SX Eagle.
@@liamwoods5353 I have one at home, it doesn't have the bearing clutch inscription where the rest have, neither was listed on the tech specs of the derailleur at SRAM webpage a month ago when I checked it out because I was curious about that fact after noticing the chain was noisier compare to my Shimano SLX drivetrain. It does have a strong spring, but doesn't have a proper clutch. Did anything change recently, a revised version or something?
@@Asthbendriel Hmmm, you could have a weird OEM version, but everything we have and what I can see does in fact have a clutch on the rear der, kinda a needed part to make 1x drivetrains work well..
@@liamwoods5353 well I may be wrong, but in this photo which matches my RD, you can see it has no "Type 3 Roller Bearing Clutch " inscription where the clutch is in the rest of the versions: www.sram.com/globalassets/image-hierarchy/sram-product-root-images/derailleurs---rear/derailleurs---rear/rd-sx-1-a1/blacksidel.jpg?w=1336 there is also no mention of the clutch in the SRAM page whatsoever, however the NX and further versions have the Clutch listed in the tech specs www.sram.com/en/sram/models/rd-sx-1-a1 I've seen other cheap RD run 1x based on pure spring force, so it is possible with the proper tension while going downhill. The part where the clutch lies is also different for SX compared to NX, GX, X01 and XX1 variants. I'd have to open one to be 100% sure (well, two, an SX and an NX Eagle to check if there is any difference, which is quite an expensive hobby I can't afford) but seems quite a lot of coincidences altogether adding the fact SX Eagle is noisier than a 1x12 Shimano SLX I also have at home which has the clutch on, used by the same rider on the same trails, it may be possible Shimano clutch is just stronger, but I don't know.
There are other differences when you upgrade from NX to GX. For instance, the jockey wheels for SX/NX have bushings where the GX has bearings. The derailleur cage for SX/NX is steel; for GX it’s aluminum. There’s other differences that imo made it worth the price to upgrade. The GX groupset is just smoother and more exact than the NX. It’s hard to describe.
I reckon would help to show people how little 100 grams can really be, a bread roll most the time wouldn’t even weigh 90g so super helpful to show people where to save the money and put it into a set of tyres instead Love ya work guys. From Aus
Which is why I think anything about GX is complete waste, do you even get any advantages with shiflting like the double down shift going from SLX to XT shifter with Shimano. So many better places to spend your $$$ like suspension.
I got a 2018 trek remedy and thought "no way will this last more than a few months". 2 years and a titanium collarbone later and I have only had to replace the top cap of the shifter (an entire new 11 speed nx shifter was like $30...). I still can't believe this thing shifts as good as it does for so cheap.
This was great. I have NX and just broke a few pieces and wanted to know the difference while repairing. Honestly, GX carbon seems like the best bang for the buck. Though even in my case, just going from NX to GX without the crankset seems like a good deal, too.
I learned that SX is an abbreviation for "sucks". Had a terrible time with the SX rear derailleur on my Trek Marlin 8. It wouldn't shift consistently no matter how carefully it was adjusted. I did a warranty trade for a GX, and that thing has been rock solid.
@@boosha93 I can't seem to get an answer. My bike came with SX cassette and the rear hub it says: standard HG driver, not the XD from SRAM. Can I upgrade to a GX cassette with this HG driver?
@@boosha93 My local bike shop is not at all any good with upgrades. They can tune a bike and fix tires but not helpful at all on what will work with this or that. Joshua Tree bike shop.
Awesome video - super helpful for schooling noobs like me on differences between the models and drivetrains in general (and fun to watch...bonus!!). Thank you!!
I currently have an XO1 shifter and derailleur set up with Kogel Jockey wheels and XX1 Cassette. Gonna pick up a spare GX Eagle 10-52 derailleurso when it’s time to freshen up I’ll swap on my Kogels to the GX and then pick up an XX1 10-52 Cassette as well
I trashed a SX derailleur twice in less than 2 thousand miles. I immediately upgraded to GX derailleur and shifter and it feels and operates so much better. Crank and bottom bracket to GX next. Chain after trashing was done too because those 12 speed chains are mighty thin. Cassette and hub are a B list item.
I'm a roadie, I have no idea wtf is going on here at all. Shimano ftw (used to run sram on my road bike but had to many dropped chains), but I come here to support cycling channels :). Have fun, ride hard, and stay safe to everyone out there.
GX is quality and well priced. If I’m buying a fancy bike, I’d prefer that they spend the money on frame, suspension, brakes, dropper post and touch points. The drivetrain is a wear item and shouldn’t cost $2000 no matter how fancy it is.
Thanks Jeff. Can't even believe the 2000 dollar electronic is heavier. But I guess it makes sense. All cool stuff. GX carbon cranks are amazing, I bought a last gen Shimano XT M8000 gruppo, for almost that much.
Great video, very informative. I've also seen your Shimano version of this video but could you consider making a 2021 Shimano Vs 2021 SRAM comparison video? I'm considering a Trek Rail 9.8 which comes in GX and XT versions for the same price and I'm not sure which to get. Thanks
Great comparison, but there is one more factor - weather conditions. This applies to chains mostly, but I do have 2 e-Bikes, one with SX, second with GX and during the winter after a ride the cheaper chain is covered in rust and it barely moves and its more expensive brother despite being cold and dirty still works well. I don't know if there are other differences, especially in higher groups, but this one is noticeable. Should be mentioned in this video as well ;)
There's one other huge advantage beyond better feel as you spend more, the nicer groups are sooo much more durable. I broke sx within months, and same with nx. All warranty based stuff. On a gx now, hoping that it will last longer, which i think it will because the pivots are much nicer.
I got the NX kit from SRAM on my Stumpy. After the third ride (one trail ride and 2 bike park trips) it started creaking and clicking. Not only is the bike so expensive at first go I realize I have to have all the toooooooooools to service these parts and keep the bike and components working perfectly. Seems like every hobby I pick up is an expensive one, my wife must love me dearly. Edit*** I would go with the GX kit for better materials and “cheaper”
One difference at least between NX and GX derailleurs pulleys. NX uses bushings in the pulley wheels while GX uses sealed bearings. I believe they are the same size pulleys (12 and 14 teeth if I recall correctly), and I'm hoping that the GX pulleys I ordered will go into my NX derailleur. My NX pulleys have a fair amount of lateral movement at the teeth, which I think is leading to poor shifting. Hoping that the GX pulleys (with their sealed bearings) will have much less movement.
My hardtail came with all sx, I sneezed by the derailleur and it bent. So now I have a x01 derailleur, gx shifter, sx cassette and crank. I may upgrade the crank to gx with a oval ring.. or just save my cash for a full squish over the winter. I cant justify going all in for the weight savings when im still 30lbs over weight. (Lost 25 so far) I can lay off twinkies for a month and be riding with a pounds less rather then grams. Put the saved money from upgrades and twinkies towards my next bike.
Thanks for video. As X0 derailleur owner (currently bike is 1x10 converted). Only reasonable upgrade choice for me: NX casette due to wheel hub (12s 11-50 is still better than 10s 11-46 in current setup) But with GX derailleur, chain and shifter. I'll stay with current Sram X5 cranks/BB and 32T oval ring ;) nothing wrong with it, and when BB worn out, maybe I'll switch for GX (carbon?) one.
Bought a bike with NX, but got a deal on GX AXS upgraded kit I couldn't pass up. Ran the NX cassette for a bit but then once I got new wheels went X01. Then bought Truvativ carbon cranks aka X01 cranks for $160 on sale. So for $1078 I have X01 drivetrain with GX AXS DR. The GX AXS kit is lighter than the NX DR, cable housing and shifter but the DR is heavier than the NX. For another $100 I can swap the DR cage to match the X01 AXS. But overall its a big weight savings and better system. Plus I went from 11-50 to 10-52. Sold the old barely used drivetrain for $200. Deals are out there just gotta look. Oh and honestly the weight difference between cranks was so little. Most the weight is in the steel chainring vs the alloy ring. If you simply swapped to a extra light chainring on the NX cranks it'll get you damn close to carbon cranks.
Drivetrain on my Specialized Enduro 2014: X01 Cranks Rotor Q Ring - amazing paddeling GX Casette and Cage 1 - 12 Speed (original X01 1- 11 Speed) XX1 Gold Chain SRAM runs like a cat. Love it.
PLEASE do a segment where you take the MOST EXPENSIVE BIKE & swap parts from an ENTRY LEVEL BIKE & then ask people to ride & react about what they felt, liked & disliked....WANNA BET SO MANY WILL SAY THE MOST EXPENSIVE BIKE WAS BETTER even with the entry level components!! Would be a great video imo!
Which SRAM drivetrain kit would you run on your bike?
GX 10-52 carbon-cranks
X01
Gx carbon
GX 11-50
XX1
Thanks for including SX as it comes on enough new bikes as an OEM component that its worth understanding so we can decide if we want to upgrade it (yes we do).
Absolutely ! Bikes Direct offers a hardtail for $1000 with an SX, and you can upgrade to a GX deraileur for around $200 making for an affordable 1 x 12 hardtail if you just want to try it. My Orbea is a 2 x 10 full suspension with Shimano XT components and I just wanted to experience a 29" 1 x 12 hardtail b4 I shell out 3 grand. I'll give the other one away or leave it as a loaner for friends that come to ride.
Remember when NX came on entry level bikes and now they sell SX on $4k bikes..
I was wondering if I didn’t tune it correctly or if it’s junk. I guess here’s my answer.
I have the NX on my Trek Fuel EX 7 and it's about a 90% sucks.. the rear cassette is a boat anchor and the PF DUB is crapOla as well within those upgrades may I shame myself >I should have gotten the EX7 XT and then just would have had to put a Sram GX shifter and derailleur on the bike.
@@deanmccauley1752 I too need to upgrade the cassette to GX as well.
i like the timestamps
Nice! Glad you noticed and appreciated those 👊🏻
40yr old getting back into MTB after years of non serious riding as a kid + & a decent time run in MX racing. Love new generation MTB and kit. Hate the complexity & number of variations. That until finding WWC. So good on all levels. Thank you.
Maximum bang for your buck on SRAM Eagle: X01 cassette and chain, NX cranks, GX shifter, GX derailleur.
The X01 cassette is the main factor responsible for the superior shifting on the X01/XX1 drivetrains, and both it and the chain have outstanding durability. The shifter, you want the GX for the match-maker and better clicks over SX and NX. It's also literally a $3 difference between an NX shifter and a GX one, so just get the GX one. The GX derailleur is better built than the NX one but still cheap enough to get smashed without brutalizing your wallet. NX cranks because cranks are cranks are cranks; you won't notice much of a difference among them unless you are incredibly well practiced, all of them have narrow-wide chainrings for retention.
A word on the GX carbon cranks, though: they are basically TruVativ Descendant cranks with different decals. If I recall, the weight is even the same. They are a good piece of kit and one of the best ways to get into carbon cranks if you want them, IMHO.
You can replace the NX crank with the SX since they have a dub version 🤷♂️ And the XO1 shifter because of better adjustability. Even the NX Cassette with XO1 or XX1 chain works perfect.
Will it cost more to mix and match vs buying an entire group set on sale?
Thanks for this, going to be swapping out my NX for GX after borrowing my friends bike for a weekend, the difference in feel is absolutely crazy even for that small jump in price point! it's nice to know the difference in weighs etc 😊
He's right about the GX being the best value. I go back and forth from my hardtail which has GX to FS that's got X01 ... Do I notice a difference? Yeah, but not much. And NOWHERE near as much as when I went from NX to GX. They're both phenomenal drivetrains, and if you really want you could just get the X01 shifter. If keep the GX derailleur no matter what cause you'll inevitably break em.
Can confirm on the breaking of ders. Just upgrade shifter. 95% of the nice feel is in the shifter. Der is just weight and durability
@@SeaCowsBeatLobsters true.
That new GX is really sweet... especially on that verde SB150 at 4:09 😍
1st yr noob looking for a new bike, this was perfect to understand SRAM drivetrains. thanks!
You can make a SRAM Frankenstein Drive Train if you wanted to.
That’s what I had to to do with this years build because of parts availability. Truvative cranks, SX NX mixed parts and 3rd party chainring.
I'm waiting for my new bike to arrive (Orange Crush Comp) which comes with SX eagle drive train, could I upgrade to GX Eagle cranks, would it fit straight on with the rest of the SX running gear without issue?
@Bob Longhorn I would usually agree 100% with you, replacing brand new parts before they've even been used to sacrilege. BUT my brother in law has just bought a 4k enduro bike is swapping over the brakes, the cranks, the rear shock and handle bars, he's gone a bit mad, so the cranks off that are better than the ones on my Orange. Same with the brakes, I can have his Sram code R to replace Shimano 4100. Maybe I'll store it all untill I break what I've got.
@Bob Longhorn do the widths vary between bike for BB's? The GX cranks are coming off a YT Capra, onto an Orange Crush.
Don't think I'll change them straight away, keep them untill they start wobbling, appreciate them more that way.
I use GX Gripshift, NX derailer with GX sprockets, GX cassett and X01 chain.
Top video champ 🥊
I ordered X01 blacked out and when I unboxed it ,the ‘fit and finish’ was amazing.
The 520% back cassette and the cranks with the XX1 black chain are just sex.
Haha indeed 👌
Are you sure you've been doing sex right? (ha ha, just kidding! :-)
Then you ride and realise those black stuff is immediately gone. Thats what happened to my beautiful x01 cassette, 2nd one now.
@@AustinDesigner Just use a sharpie or something lmao
@@AustinDesigner Explain me please.
Well done. I love these comparisons. It mainly comes down to how willing you are to spend a lot of money for a little weight savings because they all perform well compared to each other.
when getting rid of a little body fat would save you lots of money... people could learn a lot from body builders or also boxers on how to do this
Where were you guys yesterday! I spent hours yesterday trying to figure out what to upgrade my NX drive train to. Ended up getting an xo1 shifter and keeping the nx derailleur. Anyway, good stuff. Keep it comin.
it shift better?
My bike came with X01 Eagle and shifting is super smooth. Since Sram had to add the Zero Loss technology to all the Eagle series, Im pretty sure they all shift really nice. Compare to the 11-speed systems, in which only the high end shifters had Zero Loss starting with the X1 model and above. The NX 11-speed feels horrible once youve tried 11-speed X01. In 12-speed all of them shift really nice its just an issue of excessive weight for the NX and SX cassettes. I wouldnt do less than GX.
12 speed drivetrain with an SX derailleur with NX cassette and GX shifter is the way to go for me
This is super helpful!! I have an NX group set, but have had so many issues with the NX derailleur being so finicky. I’ll probably swap it out for the GX! Thanks for making this video!
😁👊🏻👊🏻
I went from SX to GX and it's literally a world of a difference. Do it!
@@mekanismen 2 rides in on my sx it broke have gx rn that isn't doing to terrible. can at least take a beating or two
@@hunter2519 i have broke 2 SX, is NX recommended? because i can't find any better on my city
@@jorgearevalo03 had nx as well was totally fine. definitely liking my gx tho. if you can find it id get a gx if not anything is way better than sx shit
Thanks for this overview, really comprehensive. Both this one and the Shimano drivetrain comparison kind of confirm what I was thinking - that both Shimano XT and Sram GX are flawless drivetrains and you'd have to be a weight and/or performance nut to spec anything above that on your bike.
Glad you guys mentioned the lack of a cable guide on the SX, has caused so many problems on my bike it's ridiculous
Been hearing about this in the comments for forever and its finally hear! Love it!!
Terrific video! Likely the best explanation of the SRAM drivetrains on the interwebs. Well done!
NX is good aside from derailleur if your not super concerned about weight. I think the new GX is the sweet spot in the lineup. Great video!
Please do one of these videos for Shimano
We already did 😝 th-cam.com/video/5uUqYofiYVc/w-d-xo.html
how did you not know that? ive watch that one 3 times already
That search function is difficult to use, huh¿
I love how devoid of any BS your videos are. Even as a seller you tell it like it is. Respect brother ✊
You guys are the best I ordered a gx shifter and it came in 3 days and free shipping and I will say the gx shifter on an nx derailleur is so good for 3 dollars more definitely recommend that combo.
👊🏻👊🏻
Thankyou. The SRAM lineup has been a confusing mess for me for a long time. Could you do one on brakes and Rockshox forks too, please?
It would have been nice if you talked about the SX a bit more, especially in terms of longevity - I read a few comments in MTB orums by people saying theirs broke within 3 months due to the cheaper build quality, so I avoided buying any bike with the SX. If that really is the case, it would be worth mentioning for your viewers because a lot of bikes come with the SX, and when you're paying $3k+ for a bike, bits shouldn't fall off within 3 months! (FWIW my NX has been pretty robust, it's taken a few hits and is still working fine, although the screw that holds the derailleur onto the derailleur hanger keeps coming loose. Time to get the Threadlock out, methinks.) Great video, love knowing about this kinda detail - at some point I'm gonna have to replace something and now I know what to buy! Thanks WC.
I think most people with SX if they break the derailleur just upgrade it to NX or GX.. its compatible so not a huge price to upgrade.
I wrote Surly a nasty gram about SX on most of their sub 2k$ bikes. From their response, I expect it will be gone in 2021. It is price point. I upgraded to GX derailleur, shifter and new chain for $210.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm really enjoying the lack of idle "um"s between sentences and phrases. Makes the video flow so much better! Great work as usual, Cayley and team!
PS: we want the full version of the blindfold testing!
Same response like I commented on the shimano drivetrain. Thanks again just what I needed. I do have the SRAM Red eTap which is the road bike version of electronic shifters really like them
You guys have done a thousand of these sram DT vs. videos and I have seen every single one. Each more entertaining than the last 👍
The SX groupo I bought from aliexpress a few months ago came with the spindle attached to the drive side crank/cassette. I wonder why that was. It was all brand new mint condition, serial numbers intact.
175mm cranks, 32t chainring, Dub BB, 12spd chain, 11-50t cassette, shifter, and derailleur for $335 Cdn all in, shipped to my door in 23 days. I couldn't be happier, coming from a 3x7 freewheel.
Amazing video! Blindfold test was classic 😅
I personally think that the gx alloy is the way to go. great price to performance, reasonably light but still alu cranks so it's not the end of the world if you bash them on a rock
2 x 10 to GX was the best move I ever made!
Running the GX it is great, amazing video guys as always, would be good if you review the YT capra shred.
He Always Break It Down So It Isnt Rocket Science
Because he he dropped outta high school and still makin bank
My bike came with nx, shimano free hub... As the derailleur started to get some play after a year, I upgraded the bolt to a x01 for £20,now back to perfect shift. Then the jockies got worn so upgraded them... Gx this time again back to perfect.
The moral is don't swap the nx just for the sake of it especially if money is tight, let it wear out then upgrade gradually
You always do a great job on explaining new products. I really appreciate your passion that you bring to this Rad sport we are in. Keep it roll’n guys!
Here in the Philippines, Almost every bike shop sells a full Sram SX. It is by far the most used drivetrain because here in PH, the more cassete and bigger teeth you have, the more you are a cooler your bike is. 50t cassetes are actually pretty cool looking.
Great vid, thank you. Over the last couple few weeks I've ordered some pcs parts from you guys. Fast delivery and items as described, thank you. My last MTB frame up build was last year, a new old stock trail 26'er, and I dabbled in out of my comfort zone of 10 speed. All of my other older rides are 9 speed. Recently I went a head and pulled the trigger on a 27.5 enduro frame, jumped in feet first and am going all in on 12 speed, way out of my comfort zone of MTB building. I'll be going with the Sram GX series. Very informative vid gentlemen, thank you again, Bonze3000
Great video as always guys. Only thing you forgot to mention is, SX Eagle doesn't have a clutch, and that contributes to SX being considerably noisier than NX or anything above. You're right saying there's a good reason for SX not being a full after market drivetrain, it's very low quality compared to the rest, and that comes from someone who bought a equipped with a SRAM SX Eagle.
SX Eagle does have a clutch, you can see pictures in the blog of the SX eagle with the clutch :)
@@liamwoods5353 I have one at home, it doesn't have the bearing clutch inscription where the rest have, neither was listed on the tech specs of the derailleur at SRAM webpage a month ago when I checked it out because I was curious about that fact after noticing the chain was noisier compare to my Shimano SLX drivetrain. It does have a strong spring, but doesn't have a proper clutch.
Did anything change recently, a revised version or something?
@@Asthbendriel Hmmm, you could have a weird OEM version, but everything we have and what I can see does in fact have a clutch on the rear der, kinda a needed part to make 1x drivetrains work well..
@@liamwoods5353 well I may be wrong, but in this photo which matches my RD, you can see it has no "Type 3 Roller Bearing Clutch " inscription where the clutch is in the rest of the versions: www.sram.com/globalassets/image-hierarchy/sram-product-root-images/derailleurs---rear/derailleurs---rear/rd-sx-1-a1/blacksidel.jpg?w=1336 there is also no mention of the clutch in the SRAM page whatsoever, however the NX and further versions have the Clutch listed in the tech specs www.sram.com/en/sram/models/rd-sx-1-a1
I've seen other cheap RD run 1x based on pure spring force, so it is possible with the proper tension while going downhill. The part where the clutch lies is also different for SX compared to NX, GX, X01 and XX1 variants. I'd have to open one to be 100% sure (well, two, an SX and an NX Eagle to check if there is any difference, which is quite an expensive hobby I can't afford) but seems quite a lot of coincidences altogether adding the fact SX Eagle is noisier than a 1x12 Shimano SLX I also have at home which has the clutch on, used by the same rider on the same trails, it may be possible Shimano clutch is just stronger, but I don't know.
There are other differences when you upgrade from NX to GX. For instance, the jockey wheels for SX/NX have bushings where the GX has bearings. The derailleur cage for SX/NX is steel; for GX it’s aluminum. There’s other differences that imo made it worth the price to upgrade. The GX groupset is just smoother and more exact than the NX. It’s hard to describe.
I bought from you guys a GX set . its freaking rad
I reckon would help to show people how little 100 grams can really be, a bread roll most the time wouldn’t even weigh 90g so super helpful to show people where to save the money and put it into a set of tyres instead
Love ya work guys. From Aus
Which is why I think anything about GX is complete waste, do you even get any advantages with shiflting like the double down shift going from SLX to XT shifter with Shimano. So many better places to spend your $$$ like suspension.
This was a very well organized explanation comparing Sram Eagle. Thank you so much!
currently running a nx 11 speed drivetrain :D
I got a 2018 trek remedy and thought "no way will this last more than a few months". 2 years and a titanium collarbone later and I have only had to replace the top cap of the shifter (an entire new 11 speed nx shifter was like $30...). I still can't believe this thing shifts as good as it does for so cheap.
Just got my trek roscoe 8 with 12 speed nx first time using sram
The whole table with the drivetrains probably costs as much as 5x my bike 😂
This is simply an EXCELLENTLY done video. Nice work, and thank you!
literally yesterday i looked for this video to see if you made it
This was great. I have NX and just broke a few pieces and wanted to know the difference while repairing. Honestly, GX carbon seems like the best bang for the buck. Though even in my case, just going from NX to GX without the crankset seems like a good deal, too.
I learned that SX is an abbreviation for "sucks". Had a terrible time with the SX rear derailleur on my Trek Marlin 8. It wouldn't shift consistently no matter how carefully it was adjusted. I did a warranty trade for a GX, and that thing has been rock solid.
i got to say my SX set on my trek rosecoe has greatly impressed me so far
I thought the same on my roscoe until i bent up the derailiure at the first bike park i went to. upgraded to GX and its actually a big difference!
@@boosha93 I can't seem to get an answer. My bike came with SX cassette and the rear hub it says: standard HG driver, not the XD from SRAM. Can I upgrade to a GX cassette with this HG driver?
@@LarryRichelli I’m not sure. I just took it to the closest bike shop and they did it all for me
@@boosha93 My local bike shop is not at all any good with upgrades. They can tune a bike and fix tires but not helpful at all on what will work with this or that. Joshua Tree bike shop.
Great video and great explanations man. It’s much more clearer now. Appreciate and love these videos.
Awesome video - super helpful for schooling noobs like me on differences between the models and drivetrains in general (and fun to watch...bonus!!). Thank you!!
I currently have an XO1 shifter and derailleur set up with Kogel Jockey wheels and XX1 Cassette. Gonna pick up a spare GX Eagle 10-52 derailleurso when it’s time to freshen up I’ll swap on my Kogels to the GX and then pick up an XX1 10-52 Cassette as well
I trashed a SX derailleur twice in less than 2 thousand miles. I immediately upgraded to GX derailleur and shifter and it feels and operates so much better. Crank and bottom bracket to GX next. Chain after trashing was done too because those 12 speed chains are mighty thin. Cassette and hub are a B list item.
Thanks for the walkthrough. Going for GX Carbon.
Nice video! Definitely one of the reasons why i also started my own biking channel, keep it up!
I'm a roadie, I have no idea wtf is going on here at all. Shimano ftw (used to run sram on my road bike but had to many dropped chains), but I come here to support cycling channels :). Have fun, ride hard, and stay safe to everyone out there.
Most helpful drivetrain video I have seen. Thank you!
I wish you would compare all of the carbon SRAM cranks to include the TRUATIV and TLD cranks.
I think truvativ is pretty similar since sram own them
Such an informative video! Thank you so much!
Taiwan as the 51st state this would be good for mtb
Wouldve liked to see the gripshift options discussed
GX is quality and well priced. If I’m buying a fancy bike, I’d prefer that they spend the money on frame, suspension, brakes, dropper post and touch points. The drivetrain is a wear item and shouldn’t cost $2000 no matter how fancy it is.
Will there be a Shimano vs SRAM drivetrain comparison video?
Really love your vids, ride safe always!
Proudly with SX9 for the first MTB and it's been good!
Thanks Jeff. Can't even believe the 2000 dollar electronic is heavier. But I guess it makes sense. All cool stuff. GX carbon cranks are amazing, I bought a last gen Shimano XT M8000 gruppo, for almost that much.
Great video, very informative. I've also seen your Shimano version of this video but could you consider making a 2021 Shimano Vs 2021 SRAM comparison video? I'm considering a Trek Rail 9.8 which comes in GX and XT versions for the same price and I'm not sure which to get. Thanks
Great comparison, but there is one more factor - weather conditions. This applies to chains mostly, but I do have 2 e-Bikes, one with SX, second with GX and during the winter after a ride the cheaper chain is covered in rust and it barely moves and its more expensive brother despite being cold and dirty still works well. I don't know if there are other differences, especially in higher groups, but this one is noticeable. Should be mentioned in this video as well ;)
There's one other huge advantage beyond better feel as you spend more, the nicer groups are sooo much more durable. I broke sx within months, and same with nx. All warranty based stuff. On a gx now, hoping that it will last longer, which i think it will because the pivots are much nicer.
great review, you are doing excellent job there. keep it up!
I got the NX kit from SRAM on my Stumpy. After the third ride (one trail ride and 2 bike park trips) it started creaking and clicking. Not only is the bike so expensive at first go I realize I have to have all the toooooooooools to service these parts and keep the bike and components working perfectly. Seems like every hobby I pick up is an expensive one, my wife must love me dearly.
Edit*** I would go with the GX kit for better materials and “cheaper”
The good thing is you can mix and upgrade. well done SRAM, great video thanks
True, my personal favourite combination is: SX derailleur, NX cassette, GX shifter
@@Fred_the_1996 How did you upgrade to the NX cassette because the SX has the standard HG driver, not the XD from SRAM?
One difference at least between NX and GX derailleurs pulleys. NX uses bushings in the pulley wheels while GX uses sealed bearings.
I believe they are the same size pulleys (12 and 14 teeth if I recall correctly), and I'm hoping that the GX pulleys I ordered will go into my NX derailleur. My NX pulleys have a fair amount of lateral movement at the teeth, which I think is leading to poor shifting. Hoping that the GX pulleys (with their sealed bearings) will have much less movement.
You can buy them on eBay for like £10, as long as they are not ceramic ones. They are unsealed.
Found this late but thx. Going from Shim Deore to NX with GX-Upgrade Kit.
Great video. Thank you. Find all component videos so good for understanding what differences are. Thank you!
I start the video and immediately start laughing. The blindfold really blindsided me!
Excellent explanation of the parts for a novice rider like myself.
My hardtail came with all sx, I sneezed by the derailleur and it bent. So now I have a x01 derailleur, gx shifter, sx cassette and crank. I may upgrade the crank to gx with a oval ring.. or just save my cash for a full squish over the winter. I cant justify going all in for the weight savings when im still 30lbs over weight. (Lost 25 so far) I can lay off twinkies for a month and be riding with a pounds less rather then grams. Put the saved money from upgrades and twinkies towards my next bike.
Wow thanks for the great content and info!
Needed this exact video! Thanks guys
No I never wondered about the differences in SRAM Drivetrain variations but I watch anyway
Thanks for video.
As X0 derailleur owner (currently bike is 1x10 converted).
Only reasonable upgrade choice for me:
NX casette due to wheel hub (12s 11-50 is still better than 10s 11-46 in current setup)
But with GX derailleur, chain and shifter.
I'll stay with current Sram X5 cranks/BB and 32T oval ring ;) nothing wrong with it, and when BB worn out, maybe I'll switch for GX (carbon?) one.
Gx all the way
Gx axs + gx cassette has been amazing
my cocktail setup - X01 shifter, nx derailleur, truvativ cranks, 36 oval absol blk, gx cassette 10-50 :)
Bought a bike with NX, but got a deal on GX AXS upgraded kit I couldn't pass up. Ran the NX cassette for a bit but then once I got new wheels went X01. Then bought Truvativ carbon cranks aka X01 cranks for $160 on sale. So for $1078 I have X01 drivetrain with GX AXS DR. The GX AXS kit is lighter than the NX DR, cable housing and shifter but the DR is heavier than the NX. For another $100 I can swap the DR cage to match the X01 AXS. But overall its a big weight savings and better system. Plus I went from 11-50 to 10-52. Sold the old barely used drivetrain for $200. Deals are out there just gotta look. Oh and honestly the weight difference between cranks was so little. Most the weight is in the steel chainring vs the alloy ring. If you simply swapped to a extra light chainring on the NX cranks it'll get you damn close to carbon cranks.
Excellent! Thanks for putting this together.
Ronnie Coleman ? You, my friend, just got a sub.
Drivetrain on my Specialized Enduro 2014:
X01 Cranks
Rotor Q Ring - amazing paddeling
GX Casette and Cage 1 - 12 Speed
(original X01 1- 11 Speed)
XX1 Gold Chain
SRAM runs like a cat.
Love it.
Original chain 😳😳
Thank you for the informative video! Good riding to you!
Xlnt presentation. I run Gx and love it! Thanks!
Awesome video 💚 I'm going to mix the xo1 derailer and shifter and gx cassette and carbon cranks, thank you
There is an SX eagle groupset currently which works with HG hubs and now the NX has moved to the XD hubs.
This is what I have so this means I can't upgrade to a GX cassette with that standard HG driver?
Hi, enjoyed this vid & the shimano one.
How about a comparison between Shimano & Sram?
Prices, weights etc.
XT=XO1?
Thnx
Love the blindfold test!
PLEASE do a segment where you take the MOST EXPENSIVE BIKE & swap parts from an ENTRY LEVEL BIKE & then ask people to ride & react about what they felt, liked & disliked....WANNA BET SO MANY WILL SAY THE MOST EXPENSIVE BIKE WAS BETTER even with the entry level components!!
Would be a great video imo!
I love you for putting Ronnie Coleman in!
I say get one of each level of Eagle, then you wont have to choose. Best of the best
One of the best videos ever. Thanks!
About to scrap my SX derailleur and upgrade to GX. Having so many problems getting it to shift smoothly and stay adjusted.
I loved the Index THANK You, also the content, it was ver helpful