SRAM’s new Eagle 70 and 90 are mechanical T-type drivetrains, plus DOT fluid has gone the way of the dodo, as has the venerable Code brake.
We were always hoping it would come, but SRAM have now dropped two versions of their T-type drivetrain with good old fashioned cables, whilst their braking line get a revamp.
SRAM Eagle 90
Key features:
- UDH frame compatibility only.
- Black and silver finish.
- Available in SRAM/Brose and Bosch specific chainring and crankset offset variants with “Gap Cap” for a seamless between crank and ring.
- Forged aluminum crank arms available in 160mm, 165mm, 170mm lengths. Includes clip-on guard.
- 34t 104bcd variant available without crank arms for compatibility with all other drive unit manufacturers.
- Eagle 90 shift lever features stealth architecture, and MMX compatibility. Cockpit tidying Shift Housing/Brake Hose clip included.
- Shift lever is built with modern shift ergonomics and a premium textured aluminum lever touchpoint.
- Dedicated single-click variant required for E-MTB use.
- Black XG-1275 features 10-52t range and full X-SYNC technology
- Full Mount Eagle 90 derailleur is the most rebuildable Eagle Transmission derailleur.
- Includes GX Eagle Transmission Flattop chain with solid pins.
- £655.00 RRP (groupset)
- SRAM.com
SRAM’s new Eagle 90 is the mechanical derivative of their successful AXS T-type Transmissions. All the bits you liked about those transmissions now come without the price penalty but they aren’t the lightest. Shifting under normal conditions is less crisp, offset by better shifting under load. You will need a bike with UDH compatibility too.
That said, for anyone who simply couldn’t justify the asking price of the GX, XO and XX Transmissions, this is indeed good news. At £655 for the groupset, it’s far more of an attractive prospect compared to the wireless offerings. The Eagle 70 is a cheaper version but will only be available on complete bikes.
The direct mount mech keeps things aligned for smooth shifting, and the mech is designed to move out of the way of strikes. It’s also almost entirely rebuildable too. You can, if you feel the need, swap out the relevant parts with AXS parts to upgrade your drivetrain that way.
Compared to the standard GX Eagle, Eagle 90 is both heavier and more expensive, and even more so than Shimano XT. You do save £300 against the GX AXS T-type though, so if T-type is your bag, then this might well be the one for you.
SRAM Motive
Key features (Motive Ultimate):
- Stealth body design
- Heavy-duty power in a modern XC package
- Tool-free reach adjust
- Titanium hardware and carbon lever blade with bearing pivot.
- Anodized finish with polished machined edges.
- Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Oil only.
- Designed for use with SRAM Mineral Oil Bleed Kit only.
- Caliper features Bleeding Edge bleed port for drip-free maintenance
- £270.00 RRP
- SRAM.com
In one fell swoop, SRAM’s DOT fluid line comes to an end, with the Code, G2 and Level meeting their maker. Maven now is the brake for all gravity and ebike use, whilst the new Motive replaces the G2 and Level for general trail and cross country applications.
At 265g for caliper and lever, they’re no heavyweights, but there’s now no 2-piston brake in SRAM’s line up for anyone who is all about keeping the weight low. The new three-brake DB series (BD8, DB6 and DB4 will likely be the OE brake of choice where lower price points are required).
Motive Ultimate and Silver both get a lever pivot bearing whilst the Bronze gets a bush. With different bolts used depending on spec, from Ti to stainless and then plain old steel. Brakes are available individually or as a complete set that includes the new mineral oil bleed kit.
Like the other SRAM levers, the master cylinder sits parallel to the bar and the Motive Ultimate is SRAM’s only brake to be offered with a carbon lever blade. Direct Link replaces Swing Link which keeps the pressure consistent through the lever stroke too.
