SRAM Reviews and News

SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain first ride review

By Francis Cebedo June 08, 2017

SRAM’s Eagle 1×12 group has garnered near unanimous praise. And now it comes in a more budget-friendly package. Meet SRAM GX Eagle.

New SRAM Code DH brakes released

By Francis Cebedo April 26, 2017

Brakes have improved dramatically over the years, but the Code DH brake has largely been unchanged. Now, it gets Guide technology and robust construction to deliver powerful and consistent performance on the longest descents.

SRAM Roam 50 carbon trail wheels launched

By Mtbr January 24, 2017

SRAM’s trail wheel line-up has expanded, with a new carbon 29er rim joining the mix. Featuring the rapid engagement of the company’s Double Time hub, the new Roam 50’s stiffer, wider-profile carbon rim is billed as offering a new level of responsiveness, predictability, and speed. MSRP Price is $1298 for the set ($599 front, $699 rear).

5 hot mountain bike components for 2017

By Arts Cyclery January 23, 2017

The wheels of progress roll onward, upward, and then downhill, which is what keeps those smiles stuck on our faces after every ride. This year looks to be packed with cool new tech, and while we can’t guarantee the staying power of anything new in the cycling world, we think these five items will be just as cool in 12 months as they are now.

SRAM new co-title sponsor of double-Olympic champ SCOTT XC team

By Mtbr January 12, 2017

Reigning Olympic champions Nino Schurter and Jenny Rissveds headline the new SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team, which was officially launched this week.

It looks like a pie plate, but the 10-50t Eagle cassette means you can have the best of both gearing worlds.

Mtbr Best of 2016 Awards: Innovation of the Year

By Jason Sumner December 27, 2016

Yes, there are still plenty of holdouts who will argue otherwise, but as far as we are concerned the front derailleur is dead. And for that we thank 2016’s Mtbr Innovation of the Year.

Rotor engineers must consider how cranks and cassette affect chainline.

Matchmaker: Rotor shows SRAM Eagle compatible Q-Ring

By Mtbr November 03, 2016

To make a statement about its Q-Ring compatibility with components from other brands, Rotor Bike Components has rolled out the first video in a series on compatibility with its QX1 chainrings for mountain bikes.

The EX1 group is finished off with robust chain, shifters and brakes.

SRAM EX1 e-bike drivetrain review

By Francis Cebedo October 31, 2016

SRAM realized there was a need for a drivetrain and braking system made specifically for the higher demands of e-bikes. Check our verdict on their efforts here.

Eagle XX1 cassette and chain are in gold color, except for the 50t ring.

SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain review

By Francis Cebedo October 20, 2016

Many doubted the vision of 1×11 and the same is true for 1×12 SRAM Eagle. But spend some time with this drivetrain and it will disappear beneath you as you ride fast and climb high.

Although many riders have yet to try a 1x10 drivetrain, SRAM’s Eagle already goes to 12. Upgrade to a 1x system and find out why riders fall in love with the simplicity of a single front ring.

10 great upgrades for your bike — and more

By Gregg Kato September 29, 2016

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest. But it’s very possible your best option is not buying all new gear. Instead give one of these upgrades a try.

There is a rotor behind that 50-tooth cassette somewhere.

SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain first ride review

By Jason Sumner June 28, 2016

If you can stomach the small weight penalty and price hit, there’s no reason not to jump on this Eagle’s wide wings.

The entire SRAM GX DH drivetrain retails for under $200.

SRAM’s new GX DH drivetrain brings trickle down tech to gravity market

By Saris Mercanti June 02, 2016

SRAM’s latest is a seven speed drivetrain that brings World Cup DH proven tech down to a price point anyone can afford.

Lap after lap, rain or shine, that’s the reality of being a professional mountain bike athlete.

Riding for Real with Josh Carlson and Yoann Barelli

By Saris Mercanti May 09, 2016

Racing in exotic locations around the world may appear glamorous from the outside, but the reality is far different.

Look closely and you will see 12 cogs, including a 10t and a 50t.

SRAM launches Eagle 1×12 drivetrain with 10-50t cassette

By Jason Sumner March 24, 2016

Chicago-based component maker unveils SRAM Eagle, a 1×12 drivetrain system that boasts a 500% gear range thanks to a 10-50t cassette.

Originally debuted in 2013, SRAM's top tier carbon fiber mountain bike wheelset has received a host of major upgrades for 2016.

SRAM rolls out redesigned Roam 60 carbon wheels

By Saris Mercanti February 25, 2016

Originally debuted in 2013, SRAM’s top tier carbon fiber mountain bike wheelset has received a host of major upgrades for 2016. Same goes for the 900 series hubs.

At the top is the Level Ultimate, which features a carbon lever and blade, titanium hardware, alloy backed pads to help reduce weight, and lever pivot bearings for improved feel.

SRAM Level brakes pack DH tech into XC/trail package

By Saris Mercanti February 23, 2016

SRAM’s new Level line-up of brakes takes company’s world downhill championship winning technology and brings it to a lighter weight package designed for cross-country and trail use.

SRAM's new X1 drivetrain is the most affordable 1x groupset ever released.

SRAM NX Review

By Saris Mercanti February 11, 2016

SRAM’s original 1x drivetrain was revolutionary, but it cost more than an entry level mountain bike. Their latest offering claims to offer similar levels of performance but at only a fraction of the cost.

Riding the magical Colorado Trail

By Mtbr February 09, 2016

Completed in 1987, and connecting Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail is 486 miles long and passes through eight mountain ranges. This trail provides some of the best access to the finest alpine singletrack.

Liv ambassadors serve for one year and are incentivized by discounts and Liv products for their service.Liv ambassadors serve for one year and are incentivized by discounts and Liv products for their service.

Liv unveils largest ambassador program in brand’s history

By Mtbr February 09, 2016

Sister brand of Giant Bicycles is dedicated solely to the female cyclist, and is launching a U.S.-based ambassador program with 125 ambassadors located across the country.

This small adapter converts your 10-speed shifter to 11 without the need to replace your derailleur.

Rapidé adapter converts SRAM 10-speed to 11

By Saris Mercanti January 26, 2016

A $12 component promises to convert your existing 10-speed drivetrain to 11-speed with minimal fuss. Find out how it works.

Charging the Vyron takes three hours, but it will last roughly four hundred activation cycles before requiring more juice.

Most innovative new mountain bike components of 2015

By Saris Mercanti January 10, 2016

The most innovative components of 2015 were almost equally divided between electronic and mechanical. Some are clearly the future of our sport. Others we’re not so sure. Check out the full list and then tell us what you think.

The Shimano Deore XT groupset has been a leader in the bang-for-your-budget category since it was first introduced in 1983.

Best new value priced products of 2015

By Saris Mercanti December 22, 2015

We love covering the latest and greatest, but the truth is, most of us can’t afford to drop 10 large on a mountain bike or 3k on an electronic shifting drivetrain. Here is our list of 2015 products that offered the best bang for the buck.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: For the crazy competitive cross-country racer

By Jason Sumner November 27, 2015

If low weight, speed and efficiency are what matters most, these 10 gifts should be on your holiday shopping list.

Mavic Crossmax XL Pro LTD Wheel-Tire System

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Hot wheels for your favorite mountain biker

By Jason Sumner November 27, 2015

No. 1 component upgrade? A set of shiny new wheels. Lighter, faster and stronger are all potential gains when you swap out your old hoops. And what better time to do so than around the holidays.

SRAM’s 1×11 groups have revolutionized mountain bikes. Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery

SRAM 1×11 Components: Where to spend your money

By Arts Cyclery November 13, 2015

With an assist from our friends at Art’s Cyclery, here’s a part by part breakdown of where you’ll find the best bang for your buck when outfitting your mountain bike with SRAM 1×11 drivetrain components.

There's arguably no more diverse and amazing place to ride bikes than Whistler, British Columbia. Photo by Norma Ibarra

Outerbike Whistler: Hot bikes, amazing trails, good times

By Jason Sumner June 19, 2015

Consumer-facing trade show in B.C. wonderland serves up biking bliss with hundreds of demo bikes, and access to the world’s most famous bike park.

News: SRAM RAIL 40 wheels

By Francis Cebedo May 01, 2015

SRAM has made huge strides in its wheel development. They’ve dissected every part of the wheel system and improved all the components. They’re not very wide yet but the engineering is now very sound with the RAIL line of wheels. Performance and affordability are in the forefront as well.

Video: SRAM GX ‘Far and Wide’

By Mtbr April 09, 2015

Austin, Texas is a city of diverse cultures and choices. With rugged trails around the city, riders can ride right out of their door to enjoy the outdoors. Follow these three riders, how they got started riding and why they continue to enjoy the sport.

First Look: SRAM GX Drivetrain

By Francis Cebedo April 02, 2015

SRAM knocks one out of the park by expanding the sweet spot of 1×11 drivetrains with this more affordable option. The gearing range flexibilities are increased too with 2×11 and 2×10 options.

The same four-piston caliper on the XO Trail is featured on the Guide RSC.

Review: SRAM Guide RSC brakes

By Kurt Gensheimer March 02, 2015

New Guide RSC brakes feature an all-new design, alleviating the bleeding and consistency woes of the predecessor Elixir product line. But are they better than Shimano?

News: Liv and SRAM join forces with Ladies AllRide Tour

By Mtbr February 19, 2015

Well-known cycling coach Lindsey Voreis running skills clinics for women all across North America.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Wheels for every type of cyclist

By Jason Sumner December 22, 2014

Our favorite wheels for enduro, cross country, all mountain, road, gravel, cyclcocross, and just about everything in between.

News: SRAM releases X-SYNC direct mount front chainrings

By Francis Cebedo December 16, 2014

1×11 just got better with the release of smaller, direct-mount chainrings. Now there is a solution for getting low gearing on a 1×11 drivetrain with chainrings that can go as low as 28t or even 26t.

Outerbike photo preview of 2015′s hottest mountain bikes

By Kent Robertson November 21, 2014

Events: Mtbr brings you a look at a dozen of 2015′s hottest bikes from the Outerbike demo fest in Moab, Utah.

Video: SRAM’s Always Summer Somewhere

By Mtbr October 31, 2014

Video: The SRAM crew sets their sites on New Zealand for their latest edit “Always Summer Somewhere.”

Best in Show: 30 cool new bike products for 2015

By Mtbr September 22, 2014

Best in Show: See the coolest new bike gear for 2015 as our crew of editors picks the best bikes, accessories, apparel and more from Interbike and Eurobike.

Interbike: 2015 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie cyclocross bike

By Don Palermini September 09, 2014

Interbike: UK-based KitBrix introduces modular gear storage and transport system at Interbike’s Outdoor Demo.

News: SRAM Rise 60 carbon wheels

By Francis Cebedo August 21, 2014

The Rise 60s are XC/Trail wheels that feature a carbon, hookless rim with 21mm internal width. Weight is 1390 grams for a pair of 27.5 wheels and 1430 grams for the 29er version.

Five easy maintenance tips for the non-mechanic

By Sonya Looney May 14, 2014

Pro endurance racer Sonya Looney takes us inside her toolbox and gives us five easy tips to help keep our mountain bikes rolling smoothly.

First Ride: SRAM Guide Brakes

By Francis Cebedo May 07, 2014

A full revamp of the Avid Elixir brake has resulted in the SRAM Guide brake. Find out what it’s all about how it did on our initial test rides.

First Ride: SRAM Roam 30 and Roam 40 wheels

By Francis Cebedo May 02, 2014

SRAM’s product release onslaught continues with Roam 30 and Roam 40—two high-value, low-cost wheelsets.

First Ride: New SRAM X1 11-speed drivetrain

By Francis Cebedo May 02, 2014

SRAM has unveiled a third, more affordable version of their wildly successful 1x mountain drivetrain, dubbed X1, featuring much of the same performance acumen of their higher-end 11-speed systems, but at much less cost.

Product News: SRAM releases new MTB brake system called Guide

By Don Palermini March 25, 2014

SRAM announces the release of a new, four-piston hydraulic disc brake system called Guide aimed at the trail/all-mountain segment.

SRAM family mourns the passing of innovator and engineering leader John Cheever

By Mtbr March 12, 2014

SRAM innovator and senior engineer John Cheever passed away last Sunday, succumbing to the brain cancer he battled for the past three years.

First Look: SRAM X01 DH Drivetrain

By Mtbr March 04, 2014

SRAM engineers have created an X01 drivetrain that is optimized to take on the demands of downhill racing.

Enduro Compare-O: The Mtbr test crew picks their favorite Dream Bike Spec components

By Jason Sumner February 28, 2014

Our test crew picks their ultimate, no-holds-barred component mix from the Enduro Compare-O in our Dream Spec feature.

Santa Cruz 5010 With SRAM XX1 Drivetrain

Reviewed: SRAM X01 1×11 – Evolution or Revolution?

By Francis Cebedo January 05, 2014

The XX1 group brought 1×11 gearing technology to the masses last year, and it has proven itself for both racers and consumers. It offers snappy quick shifting, lighter weight and good chain retention capabilities.

Video: Enduro World Series with SRAM – Part 1 and 2

By Mtbr December 16, 2013

Follow SRAM enduro racers as they take on rounds 2 and 3 of the 2013 Enduro World Series in Val d’Allos and Les Deux Alpes, France and the iconic Mega Avalanche in Alpe d’Huez to the final race of the Enduro World Series in Finale Ligure, Italy.

SRAM Roam 50, Roam 60 and Rail 50 Wheels – Sea Otter 2013

By Brian Mullin April 30, 2013

SRAM had three new wheels on display at Sea Otter, the Roam 50 and Roam 60, and the Rail 50, and they’ll all come in 26″, 27.5″ and 29″ sizes, and are UST compatible.