This year, SRAM has dropped a metric ton of new products. From suspension to brakes and a wireless downhill drivetrain, but lost in the wake of all these updates was a host of new derailleur and shifting options for those with and without UDH compatibility. This rollout shows that there is still strong demand for mechanical, affordable shifting options that won’t drain the bank account. And Eagle S-Series is here to cater to that demand.
SRAM
SRAM has spent the last decade dominating the wide-range mountain bike drivetrain market with Eagle. But let’s be honest, the “groupset soup” of XX1, X01, GX, NX, and SX has started to get a bit crowded, and now that Transmission drivetrains are here, the soup is now even more muddled. SRAM is finally cleaning house, consolidating that long list into a simplified, three-tier collection called the Eagle S-Series.
The S-Series is designed to make the choice easier for anyone looking to upgrade or rejuvenate their current rig, regardless of UDH compatibility or cable routing options. Here is the breakdown of how SRAM is rewriting its recipe.
The Hierarchy: S100, S200, and S500
SRAM
SRAM’s “cheat sheet” reveals they are replacing the old nomenclature with a numerical hierarchy that is MUCH easier to understand for the average rider.
- Eagle S500: Replaces all the AXS component lines.
- Eagle S200: The new home for high-performance mechanical shifting (formerly GX and X01, and XX1 mechanical).
- Eagle S100: The entry point, consolidating NX and SX components into a focus on durability and value.
Eagle S500: The Flagship Wireless
SRAM
If you want the best of the best, S500 is the move. It is built for riders who demand premium materials—think carbon crank arms and exclusive finishes like Gold or Rainbow.
Derailleur: $390 USD
Cassette: $545 USD (or $220 USD for the XG-1275 cassette)
Chain: $100 USD
Cranks: $365 USD
- AXS Ecosystem: It pairs with any AXS controller, including drop-bar shifters for gravel builds.
- Safety Features: The derailleur includes an Overload Clutch that disengages the motor gearbox upon impact, allowing it to move and then instantly return to its position.
- Range: It features a massive 520% range when paired with the 10-52T XG-1299 cassette.
- Upgrade Kit: Includes Pod, Derailleur, and charger for $599 USD
SRAM
Eagle S200: The Mechanical Workhorse
SRAM
For those of us who still prefer the tactile feel of a cable, the S200 is “the rider’s choice”. It’s a distilled collection of Eagle’s best mechanical components.
Derailleur: $135 USD
Shifter: $40 USD
Cranks: $80-$220 USD
Cassette: $220
Chain: $40 USD
- Reliability: It utilizes a Type 3 cage damper for quiet descending and rock-solid chain retention.
- Crank Options: The aluminum S200 cranks come in lengths from 175mm down to 155mm, proving SRAM is finally listening to the “shorter is better” crank movement.
- Backward Compatibility: It is designed to play nice with both 10-50T and 10-52T Eagle cassettes.
SRAM
Eagle S100: Robust Entry Point
SRAM
The S100 isn’t just “budget”, it’s built to be tough, specifically for high-torque E-MTB use and those who don’t want to upgrade a freehub body. This is definitely targeted more towards OEM, and I expect we’ll see this on plenty of “entry-level” bikes.
Derailleur: $70 USD
Shifter: $30 USD
Cranks: $50-$70 USD
Cassette: $85
Chain: $40 USD
- The “Half Mount” Innovation: The big news here is the UDH Half Mount derailleur. It integrates with the UDH bolt for extra security against side impacts. Note that, unlike the “Full Mount” Transmission, this still uses a derailleur hanger and standard adjustment screws.
- Value-Focused: It uses a splined driver body for widespread wheel compatibility and features replaceable E-MTB “speed limit” gears (11-15T) on the cassette to extend drivetrain life.
