We’re used to top-end technology trickling down slowly, but barely a year after launching their 12-speed XX1 and X01 Eagle transmissions, SRAM have brought the concept down to GX level, at less than half the price. The cassette is pinned, not machined, to cut costs (though it’s still expensive, at $255) but offers the same massive 10-50t range. Depending on what size chainring you run, that means super-low crawler gears or a higher top-end speed without missing out on easier climbing gears. We’ve yet to find ourselves struggling, whether winching up or riding downhill flat out. The open design of the cassette means it doesn’t hold too much mud. Shifting is good, even during those mistimed crunches across the sprockets on nadgery climbs. The shifter is wellpriced ($45), but maintains that crisp, direct feel we’re used to from SRAM. As you head to the lower gears, it becomes a little heavier in feel, but the cheaper construction – it uses a plastic body, alloy main paddle and a b...