SRAM’s new S-1000 Eagle Transmission electronic, wireless derailleur is the latest addition to the 2023 chainstay components – but you can’t buy it as a cheaper transmission upgrade for your bike.
While the S-1000 aims to reduce the cost of components from the Transmission family, this latest set of mountain bikes will only be available as Original Equipment (OE) for now, at least.
This means it will be fitted to some complete bikes, but you won’t be able to go to your local shop and buy any specific S-1000 components or a complete kit to fit your current bike.
It’s also the first time SRAM has offered roughly the equivalent of NX-level components with AXS wireless technology, previously reserved for GX-level or higher. SRAM’s drivetrain tiers cover (from most expensive to least expensive) XX1, XX01, GX, NX and SX, and gearing levels now cover XX SL, XX, X0 and S-1000.
Trickledown technology of this nature is great for consumers. Hopefully this means we’ll see brands specifying electronic shifting on more affordable bikes.
SRAM S-1000 Eagle derailleur
For those who have seen the GX transmission, the look of the S-1000 derailleur will be familiar, mainly due to the horizontally mounted battery.
It also shares the same direct-mount design—which eschews the derailleur hanger in favor of mounting it directly into the frame’s bottom bracket—and adjustment-free installation, as do all other transmission components.
So is software “cassette mapping”, where the derailleur waits for a cassette ramp before shifting.
It is distinguished from the GX by the “unique black anodized finish” of the S-1000 derailleur and a clutch system that now uses a “tension spring damper”.
However, the S-1000 derailleur can still be equipped with a clutch or cage from any other gear level, be it XX SL, XX, X0 or GX, according to SRAM.
The convertible parts of the higher spec derailleurs are also carried over.
Both the outer skid plates and the two-piece outer link can be swapped out with common tools, and like other derailleurs, the cage is removed by twisting.
The derailleur is compatible with all AXS SRAM drivers and the AXS smartphone app.
SRAM S-1000 Eagle Transmission cranks
The S-1000 cranks are made of forged aluminum and are claimed to be robust and reliable.
Available in lengths from 155mm to 175mm, in 5mm increments, they work with any Transmission eight-bolt derailleur.
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 S-1000 cranks, but standard mounting is determined by the bike manufacturer.
There are also eMTB-specific cranks that are compatible with SRAM, Brose, Bosch and ISIS center console e-bike 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 other SRAM Transmission cassettes is also said to deliver better shifting under load.
Again, it is compatible with all other transmission components, including derailleurs and chains.
The cassette, which uses a standard Shimano HyperGlide (HG) freehub body, has room for a 10t cog thanks to its one-piece circlip integration.
SRAM said it is working on making the entire cassette available aftermarket.
Currently only 10-18t sprockets will be available as spare parts. The 10, 12, 14 and 16t sprockets are a welded group, while the 18t is a single sprocket.
No chains for S-1000
Chains are seemingly missing from the S-1000 series.
Only SRAM flat MTB chains are compatible with Transmission-style derailleurs, but there is no S-1000-specific model, so motorcycle brands will need to spec GX chains or higher on their S-1000-equipped bikes.
The DB8’s brakes get a Stealth update
Also on the market are the updated DB8 brakes, which were SRAM’s first foray into mineral oil plugs before the new Maven brakes.
While the DB8 caliper, brake pads, bleed kit and rotor compatibility remain unchanged, the Stealth update moves its reservoir and cable closer to the bar, similar to SRAM’s other Stealth brakes.
Retailing at £132 / $137 / €148 per end, according to SRAM, they are a relatively affordable means of accessing Code-like performance.