SRAM Eagle Transmission
SRAM Eagle Transmission is a radically robust, fully integrated, interdependent wireless transmission. It uses no derailleur hanger or adjustment screws and lets you shift flawlessly under maximum power. All the Eagle Transmission components use the T-Type designation. If it’s marked T-Type, it’s compatible with all the Eagle Transmission T-Type parts, allowing you to mix and match between the groups. It is only compatible with UDH bikes.
UDH and Full Mount
It utilizes the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), and the Hangerless Interface allows Eagle Transmission to work around the one universal constant – the center of the rear axle. Utilizing the larger diameter of the Hangerless Interface, Eagle Transmission mounts to your bike with a super strong, super simple Full Mount design. Full Mount literally clamps around both sides of the frame itself and eliminates the need for a hanger. This super-strong connection eliminates variance and improper adjustment across frame designs. It also eliminates hanger failures and allows the derailleur to rotate backward in case of an impact.
AXS Derailleur
No more B-screw or high and low adjustments are required!
Engineered as integrated, interdependent transmission components, the T-Type derailleur mounts around the wheel axle itself, contacting the cassette directly with a first-of-its-kind Hangerless Interface. The new Transmission derailleurs feature the same intuitive pairing and setup procedure as our Eagle AXS derailleurs, and they feature an overload clutch and a tucked-in profile.
The derailleur houses its pulley wheels in what they call their Inline Cage, and it’s oriented to keep the top pulley in perfect alignment with the cassette throughout the entire gear sweep and keeps the bottom pulley at an optimum angle with the front chainring, all for superior chain management and better longevity. This design provides noise reduction, smoother running, chain management, and better longevity. The 14-tooth oversized bottom pulley in the Inline Cage is called the Magic Wheel because its outer ring rotates independently from the inner spoked hub. Magic Wheel takes over should a stick become lodged between the pulley and cage, and your chain can continue threading through the derailleur without a damaging jam or bind.
The significant differences between the GX, XO, XX, and XX SL derailleurs are materials and the amount of finish work, primarily for weight-savings. The derailleur is mostly serviceable/rebuildable, with replicable parts and coverings.
Cassette
The cassette still uses SRAM MTB standard 10-52t range, but it gets improved gear progression with the 38 and 44 tooth cogs (instead of 36,42), making for steps of 10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,38,44,52. The cassettes use narrow-wide X-Sync profiles, along with well-defined ramps and shaping. The shift ramps have been redesigned for improved inboard and outboard shifting performance under load, chain retention, and engagement. The one odd cog is their “setup” gear, which is indicated by a red plastic insert, and it’s used during their system’s initial installation.
The GX uses a Pindome design for gears 1-8 and a single-piece mini-cluster for gears 9-12. The XO and XX use hardened tool steel machined X-Dome design for the cluster, and stamped steel 38T and 44T cogs are pinned to the lighter weight aluminum 12th gear. The XX SL uses hardened steel X-Dome architecture for gears 1-9 and an ultra-lightweight, all-aluminum Spider Cog for gears 10-12.
Chain
The Flattop mountain chains are their strongest chains ever. The upper Flattop profile, along with the smooth-shift bottom profile, offers the ultimate in-shifting performance. The XO has standard pins and plates, the XX gets hollow pins, and the XX SL gets hollow pins and cutouts on the outer plates.
Crank
The cranks utilize a new 8-bolt direct-mount chainring interface instead of their current 3-bolt. The GX & XO are alloy cranks; the XX is Carbon with a foam core, and the XX SL is Carbon with a hollow core. The GX, XO, and XX have integrated bash guards on the chainrings and are correctly positioned and removable. They also have power meter options.
AXS Pod
The Eagle Transmission AXS Pod Controllers are intuitive, discreet, and programmable. Mount on the left or right, or which button shifts up or which one shifts down; configure your way on the AXS app. The Infinity Clamp gives you infinite mounting configurations for ultimate freedom, with a flippable design and 360-degree adjustability at both the controller mount point and the handlebar. The standard Pod has fixed concave button pads, while the Deluxe version has removable buttons with both concave and convex pads.
Impressions
The new SRAM Eagle Transmission wireless electronic drivetrain is a wonder to ride, making cable-operated systems seem quaint. The Transmission is an entirely different beast than all cable and electronic systems (including their own), and this technology is truly unique and highly engineered. It offers quick and consistent shifting, and once set up, it requires no further adjustments. Under any heavy load, the action was buttery smooth and precise. On typical terrain, it shifted effortlessly, lightly rolling through the gears. The drivetrain was quiet, and the newly designed cassette cog ramps, chain, and derailleur worked in synergy for a swift and smooth gear transition without any clunking or hesitance, quickly and effectively moving from cog to cog. It was the first time I felt that SRAM had matched the highly engineered work of art ramping and shifting capabilities on the Shimano cassettes. The Pod offered crispy clicks as the system shifted gears. The derailleur battery got me through an average of 17 rides, 315+ miles, and 60 hours of usage. I always carry a spare backup when needed, but my usage statistics dispel the battery life anxiety.
Some other highlights of the SRAM Eagle Transmission:
- Wireless Transmission
- Full Mount design – due to Universal Derailleur Hanger and the Hangerless Interface
- Fully integrated T-Type system
- Simple and quick setup; no further adjustment required
- Derailleur – Inline Cage and Magic Wheel
- Configurable AXS Pod
WTB Devo
WTB is excited to introduce its e-bike-focused Devo saddle with a Pickup handle that provides a simple yet effective way for riders to lift and maneuver e-bikes while also being a useful grab point for pushing up rough sections of trail.
Pickup Handle for Heavy Lifting
The additional weight of e-bikes creates new challenges when it comes to lifting your bike onto a rack, moving it around the garage, or hoisting it over rocks and roots on unrideable sections of the trail. The new Devo saddle solves this problem with its Pickup handle, which aids in lifting or pushing an e-bike in both transport and on-trail situations. While they designed and tested the Devo specifically for e-mtb, its pickup handle has also proved helpful for urban riders who load their bikes with groceries or other heavy loads.
Unnoticeable While Pedaling
While it may look like the hole interferes with where you sit on the saddle, they placed Pickup behind the sit bone contact area to make it completely unnoticeable while pedaling. They’ve confirmed this through hundreds of hours of ride testing and pressure mapping. Pickup provides an easy way to lift, push, and transport your e-bike without sacrificing pedaling comfort.
Fiber-Infused Fusion Form Base
Their new Fusion Form base technology allows them to fine-tune the amount of fiber infused into the nylon of each specific saddle model to create a flex profile that balances comfort, support, and durability to match the intended use of a saddle. They reduced the amount of fiber in the Devo’s Fusion Form base, which improved base flex and damping to make it more forgiving and comfortable while pedaling over rough terrain.
The Devo features a medium level of padding thickness, eliminating pressure points in the sit bone area while still providing lasting comfort for quick laps and full-length adventures. The width outline of the Devo gradually increases through the front half of the saddle before quickly widening out to create the primary area for sit bone support. This allows you to stay seated in a locked-in position and crank hard without the insides of your thighs rubbing on the saddle edges. Its short 260mm overall length and rounded tail profile prevent the Devo from snagging your shorts while moving on and off the saddle, making it easier to return to a seated position quickly.
Availability
The Devo is available in a Medium (142mm) width, which is designed to best fit riders with sit bones that are 100-130mm apart. The suggested retail price of the Devo is $95.95 for Cromoly rails (HLX padding), $119.95 for stainless steel rails (HLX padding), and $142.95 for titanium rails (DNA padding.)
Measured – Stainless Steel weight 242 grams
Impressions => It was designed to help move and pick up heavy e-bikes, but it is excellent and highly functional for my standard Ibis Exie x-country bike. It was super helpful on hike-a-bikes on technical terrain, picking up my bike for maintenance, and tossing my bike into the bed of my truck. I never noticed the slot cutout while riding, and it felt like a standard saddle while pedaling. The shape and outline of the saddle were effective for maneuvering around, especially on technical stuff. I liked the blunt nose when you wanted to crank up on the saddle on steep climbs. It is a great functional and comfortable saddle.
Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S and Scorpion Enduro R
The Pirelli Scorpion MTB tires subvert the current paradigms by offering performance tires for each individual terrain type, with different solutions for every riding style. The innovative SmartGRIP Compound, the technological heart of the new tires, ensures mechanical advantage and grip in dry and wet conditions. The characterizing concept of the Pirelli MTB tires is the proposal of various models designed for various terrains based on their consistency, from the hard to the softer ones. Easily understandable and developed for each specific need, Scorpion MTB is accompanied by dedicated engineering for each individual size and version.
Scorpion Enduro S
Aggressive Enduro tire for extreme and loose conditions, from dry loam to sticky mud. The tall profile and widely spaced tread pattern cut into and grip any loose or soft terrain. The Scorpion Enduro S is the best choice for any Enduros with soft terrain where grip and reliability are key factors. It features the SmartGRIP Gravity Compound and ProWALL sidewall protection.
The SmartGRIP Gravity Compound is the racing-ready option of the Scorpion MTB range; it is a formulation derived from decades of motocross know-how and the precious feedback of former downhill World champions.
- Softer compound
- Tear resistant
- Better grip in any weather condition
- High stability and control at high speed
- Single-compound formulation
The ProWALL features a sidewall protection that enhances the puncture resistance and the handling at low inflation pressure. The sidewall is reinforced with an extra layer of nylon that increases the resistance against penetration and cuts while stabilizing the tire at low inflation pressure for a confident ride over any terrain. The ProWALL is a solid XC racing, trail riding, and endurance option when paired with different carcass constructions, namely 120 and 60tpi.
Structure.
Scorpion Enduro R
Rear wheel specific tire: special tread design engineered for traction and braking grip, the ideal rear tire for balanced and varied riding. Medium profile tread design with added traction and reliability for uncompromising performance over various terrains. The Scorpion Enduro R is the perfect rear tire when paired with a Scorpion Enduro M or Enduro S upfront. It features the SmartGRIP Compound and ProWALL sidewall protection.
The SmartGRIP Compound for the Scorpion MTB which blends together opposite features:
- Tear resistance for the maximum mechanical grip on dry and wet surfaces together with the maximum resistance against punctures;
- The chemical grip on wet terrain for unconditional riding in any weather;
Measured weights – 29×2.4, Enduro S 966 grams/Enduro R 859 grams
Impressions => I used the Scorpion Enduro S as my front tire and the Scorpion Enduro R as my rear, which I found to be an ideal combination. The Scorpion Enduro S offered excellent trackability, cornering, and steering capabilities. The Scorpion Enduro R provided traction, braking, and control on both loose and packed terrain, with an optimal amount of rollability. The Scorpion Enduro S/Scorpion Enduro R pairing offered a wide berth of functionality with a nice blend of traction, rolling, and control characteristics. They don’t rule in any category but provide a nice combination of all-aroundness with a decent weight.
Xpedo’s FELIX Flat Pedal
Weighing 340 grams for the pair, the Xpedo FELIX flat pedal combines the lightweight features of a nylon composite body paired with 20 removable metal G-Pins. The durable nylon composite body measures 109mm wide and 16mm thick, allowing plenty of ground clearance.
The 10mm high G-Pins offer superior grip in any condition.
FELIX features cromoly spindles with fully serviceable bushing and a sealed bearing system. At US$49.00, the FELIX is an excellent value pedal and is available in black, red, pink, or rasta.
Impressions => I used the Felix Flat Pedals a few times during the year when I didn’t want to use my typical clipless pedals, but I have been rocking the Felix regularly this winter on my Fat Bike. The Felix are light and durable, spin well, and offer superb traction with any shoe, though they work the best with sticky mountain bike-specific models. I love the color the Felix is offered in, and of course, my fave is the fun and bright Rasta scheme.
- Price: $49.00 USD
- Weight: 340 grams
- Body: Nyon
- Spindle: Cromoly
- Bearings: 1 Cartridge
- Pin: 40 metal G-pins per pair
- Colors: Black, Red, Pink, Rasta
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