SRAM GX Eagle Derailleur [Rider Review]

Overall

I have been using the SRAM GX Eagle Rear Derailleur for about a year now and I am very happy with it. It is a great upgrade from my previous 11-speed derailleur and it works flawlessly with the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed cassette and shifter. Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:

Pros:

1. Smooth shifting: The derailleur shifts smoothly and precisely across the 12-speed cassette, even under load or on rough terrain. The clutch mechanism keeps the chain tensioned and prevents chain slap or drop. The derailleur also has a cage lock feature that makes it easy to remove or install the rear wheel.

2. Wide range: The derailleur can handle up to a 52T cog on the cassette, which gives a huge range of gears for any terrain. The 520% range is comparable to some 2x drivetrains, but with less weight and complexity. The derailleur also has a B-gap adjustment tool that helps to set the optimal distance between the upper pulley and the cassette.

3. Durable and reliable: The derailleur is made of aluminum and steel, which makes it tough and resistant to wear and tear. The derailleur can withstand impacts and scratches without affecting its performance. The derailleur also has a sealed bearing pulley system that reduces friction and maintenance.

4. Affordable: The derailleur is much cheaper than the SRAM XO1 or XX1 Eagle derailleurs, but it offers almost the same performance and quality. The derailleur is also compatible with other SRAM Eagle components, so you can mix and match them according to your budget and preference.

Cons:

1. Heavy – HAHA: The derailleur is heavier than the SRAM XO1 or XX1 Eagle derailleurs, which might matter to some weight-conscious riders. However, the weight difference is not very  - I think it’s ten grams. BUT – see Durability above. Whatever extra weight the GX carries, durability makes up for it in a positive way

I do prefer the XO1 cassette and XO1 shifter to the GX versions because they are lighter, quieter, and more refined. But that’s just my personal preference and it does not affect the performance of the GX derailleur. The GX cassette wears out too quickly and the XO1 shifter has some give and adjustability the GX shifter does not offer…good for when you crash. As for chains, the XO1 is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

The SRAM GX Eagle Rear Derailleur is a great choice for anyone looking for something less expensive than the XO or XX penthouse or a rider looking for a change from Shimano. It offers smooth shifting, wide range, durability, reliability, and affordability. It is better than the SRAM XO1 or XX1 Eagle derailleurs primarily because their looks are similar, the GX derailleur is less expensive, and the GX derailleur is more durable. I highly recommend this product to anyone who loves mountain biking.