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I'm thinking about getting a 12 speed drivetrain for one of my bikes. Looking at the prices of things there's obviously a big price jump from the GX parts to the X01 equivalents, let alone the XX1 bits.
I'll be keeping my current cranks but are any of the other drivetrain parts worth spending more on in order to get something more than GX spec? Given it's a wear part I'm unlikely to shell out on an upgraded cassette but I may be tempted by an X01 rear mech or shifter if they'll make a difference.
You know what a tart I am, but I decided no, not with all the GX bits I needed at £200. It's possible I'll upgrade later to a higher end shifter depending on how it all feels, but it was cheap enough that I just got a GX to get going, it's no great loss if I replace it later.
I knew the cassette was going to be big but I still laughed out loud when I took it out of the box
The X01 shifter has a bearing vs a bushing, and the main lever is adjustable for position, which it isn't on the GX version. The cassette is about 100 grams lighter. Oh and the cranks, but then you don't have to stick with sram for them.
That's all I'd be tempted to upgrade, but honestly unless you're trying to save every gram possible...
I think I'm partly trying to justify not dropping the groupset level of my Mega's shifter and mech, which are currently 11 speed X01 bits. Obviously I'm also aware that this is a poor reason not to get GX if that's the better choice.
Shifter aside GX Eagle is as good as X01 in my opinion. Yeah the cassettes a bit heavier and may shift a tad smoother (same for the chain) but honestly back to back the only thing I really noticed was that the X01 shifter was far crisper, felt like it was better built and I do like the adjustability of the paddle. It is a fair bit more than GX though at around 3 times the price, but if you want the best compromise of performance vs price I’d say it’s worth it. If however you just massive range and great value, stick the GX as it is still pretty good.
which are currently 11 speed X01 bits
If you are looking to upgrade for the range, maybe consider just picking up the Shimano 11 speed 11-46t and a new chainring? Keep your lovely X01 bits.
I'd have to pick up a new rear wheel if I were to get a Shimano cassette. Besides, an 11-46 cassette has a 418% range, compared to the 420% range of my current 11 speed 10-42 cassette.
The articles I've seen online from when GX Eagle came out suggest that the X01 rear mech is made from nicer stuff than the GX one, but I'm not sure if that actually makes it tougher or longer lasting or if it just reduced the weight by a tiny amount.
If you have a SRAM XD driver, can you not switch to a shimano driver?
I'd avoid getting caught up in range, I looked at XT over Eagle as I fancied more of a bail out gear and didnt use my 10tooth that much, so was happy to compromise.
I’d avoid getting caught up in range
If I wasn't after an extended range I'd stick to the 11 speed drivetrain I have now. 🙂