Best SRAM Mountain Bike Groupset

An entry-level model in SRAM's drivetrain selection, X5 is by no means one to ignore. It's inspired by the company's more race-ready offerings, and delivers smooth and precise shifting to take your off-road riding to the next level. It's pretty common to find SRAM X5 parts specced entirely or mixed with other parts on many new hardtails and full-suspension bikes.

Things get more serious on X7, with trickle-down technology featuring heavily from higher up in the range. A Type 2 rear derailleur boasts SRAM's Roller Bearing Clutch and Cage Lock, all complemented by X-Glide shifting - all this translates to a new level of control, precision and reliability whether you're shredding your local trails or smashing the singletrack on a big mountain adventure.

A more lightweight, stiff and reliable option, X9 is the choice of many when upgrading to something that'll tick both the performance and price boxes. Clean and crisp shifting is the epitome of X9, which is built to last and will look after you on thigh-busting climbs, technical descents and all day missions in the hills.

Bringing one-by 11-speed shifting to the masses, SRAM NX is the popular choice for riders on a budget who want to take advantage of everything SRAM have learned from their higher range one-by system - trickle-down technology at its finest. SRAM NX promises sharp, dependable shifting every time.

A successor to SRAM's X7 and X9 component group, SRAM GX brings 1×11 (11-speed) shifting to the masses, using the innovation and engineering lessons learned from the company's high-end XX1, X01 and X1 groups. It's a perfect example of trickle-down technology with wide-range 10- and 11-speed 2X versions also available.

At the higher-end of SRAM's drivetrain collection, X0 offers dependable performance and maintains accurate smooth shifting for hundreds of trouble-free miles. A smattering of carbon, CNC machined aluminium and other weight saving features makes X0 the choice of performance riders. For the more gravity-oriented out there, an 'X0 DH', downhill-specific option is available here too - bombproof, lightweight and durable - ready for gnarly rides in the rough.

The X01 adopts the 1×11 gearing setup (single front chainring, no front mech and a large 11-speed cassette at the rear), and promises a similar level of flawless chain management, light weight and precise shifting as the more expensive XX1 group. Because of its versatility and durability, it's perfect for all riding styles.

One for the weight-conscious cross-country riders, XX is a feature-filled, highly adjustable group which comes with a top end price tag. Shift performance via the company's X-Glide technology is flawless, with a mix of carbon fibre and CNC-machined lightweight aluminium combining to produce some of the most crisp and dependable gearing you've experienced.

Using a 1×11 gearing setup (single front chainring, no front mech and a large 11-speed cassette at the rear) XX1 is the top end of the company's drivetrain collection. Simpler, lighter and more durable than anything before, XX1 is driven by a cutting-edge, single-ring carbon crank and delivers fast, precise shifting for 100% performance when the going gets rough.

SRAM XX1 uses an X-Horizon rear mech with Type 2 technology alongside a super wide range cassette.

The SX Eagle use similar technology to some of SRAM's higher end groupsets but the SX is at a much lower price point. Although on the lowest rung of the Eagle drivetrain lineup it still shares technologies most obviously the largest 50T sprocket cassette. The SX Eagle is a more common sight on complete bikes.

SRAM said their Eagle drivetrains are designed to work as complete systems, giving riders the ability to interchange XX1, X01, GX, or NX Eagle components as they desire.

NX Eagle shares technologies with its higher-end birds of a feather, making it completely compatible within the Eagle component ecosystem - good news for Eagle riders looking to replace parts for less.

GX Eagle was the first affordable bridge to 50t 12-speed from SRAM, and quickly became one of their most popular as a result. Using much of the technology from the top end groupsets without some of the weight-saving advantages of the elite XX1 and X01, GX is a reliable, high-performance groupset worthy of its place on any bike.

Released in 2017, SRAM X01 Eagle swooped to popular acclaim with its tight response, reliability, and sensational performance.

Built with a focus on trail riding, its quality won plaudits throughout the industry, and it remains a regular on top level bikes everywhere.

The original and still the gold standard, the SRAM XX1 Eagle is the envy of riders everywhere with its gleaming golden chain and cassette. Initially conceived with cross-country riding in mind, the XX1 Eagle offers incredible shifting quality in the toughest settings.

When SRAM released their high-end XX1 and XO1 wireless drivetrains, not only were we excited by the new technology but also that it could soon work its way down to SRAM's more affordable drivetrains.

GX Eagle AXS is the perfect example of that top-end tech trickling down to more accessible pricing levels. In fact, GX Eagle AXS is so close to the top end systems that many people wonder why they should spend more.

Even better, there's also an upgrade kit that comes with a rear derailleur, battery, controller with clamp, charger and chain gap tool - everything you need to take your cable-tied SRAM Eagle system to the next level without having to splash out on a completely new groupset.

X01 Eagle AXS features that stunning rainbow colourway cassette. It's designed for cross-country riding using titanium hardware, a carbon derailleur, and is a little lighter overall. It's also marginally more expensive than XX1 by around £50.

While not the first electronic shifting system for the mountain bike (Shimano XTR Di2 was released in 2015), Eagle AXS is the first completely wireless system for the trail. The XX1 version features a black cassette and is designed for trail and enduro riders. For this reason it uses stainless steel hardware and a tougher, alloy derailleur cage.

The XX SL version of the three Eagle Transmission groupset is the lightest of the three and built for racing. Its sleek black colour also makes it a great choice for those of you that have gone for a full stealth rig.

The XX version prioritises strength above weight, so ideal for gravity and downhill riders. Like the SL version, it has a list of additional features, including full AXS compatibility, a 'Magic Wheel' jockey wheel that keeps spinning even if a stone gets lodged in there, and an overload clutch. Unlike the SL, the XX offers replaceable skit plates.

This is the new pinnacle, the best of the best of the best. Light, rugged, shifting perfection. We're really running out of superlatives at this point. Basically it's the best bits of the XX SL and XX groupsets dialled from 10.5 all the way up to the full 11.