SRAM introduces mechanical versions of the Eagle Transmission, specifically the Eagle 90 and 70 groupsets. Unlike their predecessors, only the Eagle 90 groupset is immediately available for purchase at £655.
SRAM Unveils the Eagle 90 and Eagle 70: Two New Mechanical Groupsets
SRAM Eagle 90 and 70 Transmissions (Credit: SRAM)
Headline NewsSRAM drops two new mechanical drivetrains onto the market – the Eagle 90 Transmission and the Eagle 70 Transmission – marking the first mechanical groupsets to adopt the Full Mount interface. These bad boys will also have options for e-bikes. The Eagle 90 groupset totals £655, but the Eagle 70 will be more OEM-focused and pop up on some new bike models, with the opportunity to buy individual components aftermarket.
Dive deeper into the full SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission review and discover how it fares, or stick around to learn the specs and prices of both new groupsets – and whether you can even attempt a stunt on one.
The Eagle 90 Transmission derailleur – built to be totally rebuildable
It's been a while since the shocking hanger-less electronic T-Type groupsets debuted a few years ago, so it's great to see SRAM whipping up a mechanical counterpart revolving around the same principles. While it'll still set you back a pretty penny, it's a slice of the price compared to the AXS T-Type setup, which could set you back a whopping £2k. So, what's the lowdown? What are the major differences – and are they worth the investment?
Here's what you need to know about the new SRAM Eagle Transmission groupsets:
- Two new systems launched: Transmission 90 and 70
- Both utilize the Full Mount system, ditching the derailleur hanger
- All parts are compatible with other T-Type components, AXS or mechanical
- UDH frame compatibility only
- £655 for the full Eagle 90 groupset
- Eagle 70 groupset is OEM-focused, but individual components can be bought aftermarket
Each groupset offers two shifter options – single or double-click. Your choice depends on whether you're on an acoustic or electric bike
What's new?
broadly speaking, the two transmissions pack plenty of the same trickle-down technology as the electronic versions, and boast options to work with e-bikes, too. The Eagle 90 is the premium option, ready for the aftermarket. In contrast, the Eagle 70 is OEM-focused, with only individual components available to purchase post facto. Of course, both drivetrains work seamlessly with the UDH dropout standard – 99% of modern MTBs are compatible.
New additions for the Eagle mechanical groupsets include the cable routing architecture, designed to run cables parallel to the handlebars to improve compatibility with certain SRAM brakes. Each groupset offers two types of shifter – a single-click option especially for eMTB, and a double-click for traditional bikes.
The flat top chain is also eMTB-friendly
Eagle 90 Transmission
Dubbed the "world's best mechanical shifting" by SRAM, the Eagle 90 Transmission drivetrain has a lot to live up to. It deploys the same Full Mount design as its AXS counterparts, and SRAM claims the Eagle 90 derailleur is the "most rebuildable derailleur ever." The brand even offers rebuild kits and skid plates for when you inevitably need to rebuild. It's priced at £180 – not cheap, but it's repairable, so you won't have to fork over the dough for a whole new derailleur after a crash.
The cranksets consist of lightweight aluminum and come in lengths from 155mm to 175mm for manual bikes and down to 150mm for eMTB cranks. Stamped steel chainrings offer durability, while aluminum exhibits less weight. There are also two removable, size-specific bashguards for extra protection.
eMTBs powered by SRAM, Bosch, or Brose can opt for the new cranks, available in crank lengths of 155-170mm.
The XS-1275 cassette boasts a 520% range, with larger 38 and 44 tooth cogs for superior gear stepping compared to other 10-52 Eagle cassettes, and employs X-Sync tech for better shifting performance under load. This is bolstered by nickel plating, supposedly resulting in a quieter and more durable cassette. The final touch? Some claim it's SRAM's strongest chain ever – and approved for eMTB use.
The full Eagle 90 Transmission comes with:
- Eagle Transmission XS-1275 Cassette
- GX Eagle Transmission Flattop Chain
- Eagle 90 Transmission Derailleur
- Eagle 90 Transmission Crankset
- Eagle 90 Transmission Shifter
£20View £20View No price informationCheck AmazonAnd here's the infamous pic, redone with the new mechanical groupset
Eagle 70 Transmission
SRAM aims for reliability and durability with the Eagle 70. Designed to have a broader OE focus, it still permits aftermarket availability of individual components, so riders can buy a new bike sporting the 70 but upgrade to the 90 should they wish.
The rear derailleur is £120 and shares the same Full Mount design as the electronic counterparts, but at a more pocket-friendly price tag, and offers replaceable skid plates like the GX, X0, and 90 options – albeit not as rebuildable as those models.
The crankset showcases 3-bolt chainring compatibility and a stamped T-Type chainring with optional bashguards. Options are available in lengths of 165, 170, and 175mm for manual bikes, and 160, 165, and 170mm for eMTB, complete with ISIS spindle interface compatibility.
The Eagle 70 is OEM-focused, so expect to see it on new bike designs.
The 10-52t cassette boasts black nickel chrome finishing, and gears 8-12 are replaceable in a cluster. It also features X-Sync tech like the 90 cassette, but prioritises durability over aesthetics.
The chain is rated for both eMTB and acoustic use, with a flat top profile and a smooth-shift bottom profile just like the Eagle 90 chain.
Lastly, the Eagle 70 comes with direct mount chainrings, available in a 30-34t range, and silver or black colourways (although bolt requirements vary).
Though you can't buy the Eagle 70 as a groupset, you can purchase replacement parts, including:
- Eagle Transmission XS-1270 Cassette
- Eagle 70 Transmission Flattop Chain
- Eagle 70 Transmission Derailleur
- Eagle 70 Transmission Crankset
- Eagle 70 Transmission Shifter
The Eagle 70 and 90 drivetrain components will be available for purchase starting in March 2025 at authorized retailers.
SRAM Website
- The Eagle 90 Transmission groupset, hailed as the "world's best mechanical shifting," is compatible with a variety of gadgets, including e-bikes powered by SRAM, Bosch, or Brose.
- Both the Eagle 90 and Eagle 70 Transmission groupsets have options for e-bikes, demonstrating the integration of technology in sports equipment.
- The Eagle 70 Transmission groupset, with its OEM-focus, offers a blend of features in sports and technology, making it suitable for bicycles that are built for various sports activities.
