SRAM’s new electronic, wireless S-1000 Eagle Transmission is the latest addition to the hangerless components to hit the market in 2023 – but you can’t buy them as a cheaper transmission upgrade for your bike.
Although the goal of the S-1000 is to reduce the cost of components in the Transmission family, this latest mountain bike kit will, at least for the time being, only be available as Original Equipment (OE).
This means it will be fitted to some complete bikes, but you won’t be able to go to your local shop and buy specific S-1000 components or a complete groupset to fit your current bike.
It’s also the first time SRAM has offered roughly the equivalent of NX-level components with wireless AXS technology, which was previously reserved for GX-level or higher. SRAM drivetrain levels cover (from most expensive to least expensive) XX1, XX01, GX, NX and SX, and drivetrain levels now cover XX SL, XX, X0 and S-1000.
Trickledown technology of this kind is great for the user. Hopefully this means we’ll see brands offering electronic shifting on more affordable bikes.
SRAM S-1000 Eagle transmission derailleur
For those who have seen GX Transmission, the look of the S-1000 derailleur will be familiar, thanks in large part to the horizontally mounted battery.
It also shares the same direct-mount design—which eschews the derailleur hanger in favor of mounting it directly to the frame cover—and adjustment-free mounting, just like all other drivetrain components.
Also identical is the software-based ‘cassette mapping’, where the derailleur waits for a cassette ramp before shifting.
What sets it apart from the GX is the S-1000 derailleur’s “unique black anodized finish” and the clutch system, which now uses a “slide spring damper.”
However, the S-1000 derailleur can still be equipped with a clutch or cage from any other drivetrain level, whether it’s XX SL, XX, X0 or GX, according to SRAM.
The rebuildable parts on the higher spec derailleurs have also been carried over.
Both the outer guard plates and the two-piece outer link can be replaced using common tools, and like other derailleurs, the cage is removed by twisting.
The derailleur is compatible with all SRAM AXS controllers and the AXS smartphone app.
SRAM S-1000 Eagle Transmission cranks
Made of forged aluminum, the S-1000 cranks are considered strong and reliable.
They come in lengths from 155mm to 175mm, in 5mm increments, and work with any Transmission eight-bolt sprocket.
This means they are compatible with the same composite bash guards found on the GX and X0 level rings. Bash guards can be retrofitted to the S-1000 crankset, but standard fitment is determined by the bike manufacturer.
An eMTB-specific crankset is also available and is compatible with SRAM, Brose, Bosch and ISIS ebike bottom bracket motors.
SRAM XS-1270 Eagle Transmission cassette
The new S-1000 Eagle Transmission cassette has the same 10-52t range as all of SRAM’s XD Driver Eagle cassettes.
The same X-Sync design as the rest of SRAM’s drivetrains is also said to provide improved shifting performance under load.
Again, it is compatible with all other drivetrain components, including derailleurs and chains.
The cassette, which uses the Shimano HyperGlide (HG) freehub body standard, has room for a 10t cog, integrating it with the lock ring into a single unit.
SRAM said it is working on aftermarket availability for the full cassette.
Currently, only the 10-18t sprockets will be available for purchase as replacement parts. The 10, 12, 14 and 16t sprockets are a welded group, while the 18t is a separate sprocket.
No chains for S-1000
Chains are seemingly absent from the S-1000 range.
Only SRAM’s MTB chainrings are compatible with Transmission-style drivetrains, but there is no S-1000-specific model, so bike brands will need to spec GX or higher chainrings on their S-1000-equipped bikes.
The DB8 brakes get a Stealth refresh
Updated DB8 brakes have also been released, which before the new Maven brakes were SRAM’s first foray into mineral oil stoppers.
While the DB8 caliper, brake pads, bleeder kit and rotor compatibility remain unchanged, the Stealth update moves the reservoir and cable closer to the bar, similar to SRAM’s other Stealth brakes.
Retailing for £132 / $137 / €148 per end, according to SRAM, they’re a relatively affordable means of accessing Code-like power.
