Easy to follow video shows you how to build up and set up your SRAM Eagle
Alex Rafferty from SRAM shows us how to install a SRAM Eagle drivetrain from scratch.
What’s in the SRAM Eagle drivetrain box? A 10-50T cassette, a chainset with new X-Sync II chainring, new derailleur, new shifter and of course the new 12 speed-specific chain.
It’s arguably the chain that’s the most significant difference between Eagle and SRAM’s 11 speed systems.
There’s only really the GXP bottom bracket that is cross-compatible with previous 1×11 SRAM systems.
>>> SRAM Eagle XO1 groupset first ride
In this video we get to do all the exciting stuff – such as unboxing the stuff at the start and then going for a first ride on it afterwards – so poor old Alex is left to do the wrenching.
Which is perhaps just as well seeing as no one knows there way around SRAM Eagle like Alex.
Even if you’re a fairly experienced rider, this video will still contain one or two pointers and Eagle-specific setup tips that you won’t have previously been aware of.
Alex points out what exactly are the differences between XX1 and XO1 Eagle drivetrains.
Watch: We ride the SRAM XX1 Eagle 12 speed groupset
Alex also highlights a key stage at the start of the build where you need to be careful to align the derailleur to the frame hanger in a just-do location.
Before the cabling and chain goes on, Alex recommends roughly setting the limit stop screws on the derailleur. You don’t have to be super accurate but getting them somewhere in the ballpark will really help make things easier later on.
Another key point is where Alex shoes you how to thread the cable into and through the rear mech. It’s a bit different to other mechs, especially if you’re used to the way Shimano do it.
Generally the process isn’t too dissimilar to setting up rear derailleurs as you’ve always done but these few tips make things much easier and logical.
Perhaps the key bit of advice comes with Alex describing how to set the B-tension screw. This is the screw that dictates how far away the top jockey wheel lies from the cassette sprockets.
On 11 and 12 speed systems getting this distance correct is absolutely vital.