SRAM Groupset Levels Explained
Got questions about SRAM groupsets? This comprehensive guide has all the answers about the different levels of SRAM groupsets for mountain, road, and gravel. Plus, you can browse the wide range of components we have available within the SRAM groupset hierarchy.
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What is a groupset on a bike?
A groupset, sometimes called a group or gruppo, is a collection of bike parts designed by a manufacturer to work together to form the entirety of a bicycle's drivetrain and/or brake system. Usually this includes chainrings, cassettes, chains, derailleurs, shifters, brake calipers, and brake levers.
SRAM's offers various groupsets offer different levels of performance. You can purchase an entire groupset or you can just buy the individual component you need, but the group that part belongs to will tell you about the overall quality.
SRAM MTB Groupset Hierarchy
In this section we break down the different level of SRAM mountain bike parts so you can quickly get a sense for which level makes sense for you and the riding you do.
SRAM SX Eagle
SRAM’s entry-level groupset and the most affordable option within the Eagle ecosystem. Recreational riders can hit the trails with confidence and take advantage of the 12-speed gearing, a feature typically reserved for higher-end models.
- Style: Cross-country
- Gearing: 12-speed
- Shifting: Mechanical
- Weight: 2,328g
- Range: 11-50t
- AXS Compatible: No
SRAM NX Eagle
Another accessible entry point into Eagle groupsets, the NX Eagle comes with an upgraded 11/50t cassette that’s compatible with a standard 9, 10 or 11-speed Shimano HG freehub body. This makes the NX perfect for upgrading your MTB to a modern 1x12-speed setup or a first introduction to the Eagle ecosystem.
- Style: Cross-country
- Gearing: 12-speed
- Shifting: Mechanical
- Weight: 2,049g
- Range: 11-50t
- AXS Compatible: No
SRAM GX Eagle (AXS compatible)
The Eagle groupset that started it all, the GX is SRAM’s launch pad into higher-end drivetrains and is AXS-compatible if you want to upgrade to electric shifting. The GX Eagle features SRAM’s XD driver and improved 10/52t cassette with a wider range than the SX and NX groupsets. Lightweight materials and several color options have made the GX Eagle SRAM’s most popular mountain bike groupset.
- Style: XC, trail, enduro
- Gearing: 12-speed
- Shifting: Mechanical or electronic
- Weight: 1,754g
- Range: 11-52t
- AXS Compatible: Yes
SRAM GX AXS Upgrade Kit
This upgrade kit is SRAM’s entry point into wireless drivetrains and saves riders money if they already own the standard GX Eagle groupset. Take advantage of the impressive and budget-friendly compatibility across the Eagle ecosystem.
SRAM X01 Eagle (AXS compatible)
The X01 Eagle is the refined version of the already-tough GX Eagle groupset, making it the ultimate choice for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. The X01 features carbon fiber crank arms and a shorter derailleur cage for additional ground clearance. The strong construction and increased durability will stand up to even the hardest-hitting trails.
- Style: trail, enduro
- Gearing: 12-speed
- Shifting: Mechanical or electronic
- Weight: 1,534g
- Range: 11-52t
- AXS Compatible: Yes
SRAM X01 AXS Upgrade Kit
The X01 AXS upgrade kit expands your groupset’s capability and costs significantly less than purchasing a whole new drivetrain. Take your epic trail and enduro riding to the next level with all the benefits of electronic shifting and the AXS system.
SRAM XX1 Eagle (AXS compatible)
This top-tier groupset shaves 32g off of the X01 and claims the title of the lightest groupset in the Eagle ecosystem. The featherweight and fast XX1 setup is specifically designed for cross-country racing where grams make a difference. The XX1 is less robust than the X01, but stands out as an ultralight groupset with blingy chain and cassette finishes (rainbow, gold, or copper).
- Style: XC
- Gearing: 12-speed
- Shifting: Mechanical or electronic
- Weight: 1,502g
- Range: 11-52t
- AXS Compatible: Yes
SRAM XX1 AXS Upgrade Kit
Transform your existing system into the best electronic XC groupset on the market and stay within budget, too. Save weight and shift smoother with the AXS system for a podium-worthy performance every time.
SRAM MTB Brakes Hierarchy
Dive into the SRAM MTB brakes lineup and find the right brake for your riding style.
SRAM Level Brakes
Features two-piston brakes that can be more lightweight and affordable than their four-piston counterparts, depending on the model. Level brakes are great for general trail riding and for cross-country circuits where grams matter.
- Pistons: 2
- Style: XC, trail
- Models: Level, Level T, Level TL, Level TLM, Level Ultimate
SRAM G2 Brakes (formerly SRAM Guide)
G2 brakes are SRAM’s mid-tier option that hits the sweet spot between weight, stopping power, and adjustability. G2 brakes share a lot with the Level range, but have a stiffer caliper body, better pad material, and reinforcement for stronger braking.
- Pistons: 4
- Style: Trail, enduro
- Models: G2 R, G2 RS, G2 RSC, G2 Ultimate
SRAM G2 brakes are the second generation of the former SRAM Guide range and feature impressive upgrades to a fan-favorite brake. The redesign strengthened the calipers, tightened tolerances, and introduced a more powerful organic pad compound.
SRAM Code Brakes
It’s not hard to decipher that SRAM Code brakes are the best brakes available for conquering steep and chunky downhills. These top-of-the-line brakes impress with tool-free adjustability and a larger fluid reservoir for DH and enduro routes, as well as hefty electric mountain bikes.
- Pistons: 4
- Style: Downhill, enduro, ebikes
- Models: Code R, Code RSC
SRAM Road Groupset Hierarchy
Whether you're shooting for PRs or podiums, check out SRAM's road groupset lineup and find the right drivetrain for your riding goals.
SRAM Apex
Apex is the brand’s entry-level road groupset and has a wide gear range thanks to SRAM’s WiFLi system. Road riders can choose between 2x10 gearing or a more modern 1x11 setup with the Apex 1 group.
- Gearing: 2x10 or 1x11
- Max. cassette range: 11-32t
- Shifting: Mechanical
- Models: Apex, Apex 1
- Weight: 2,419g (rim)
- eTap AXS compatibility: No
SRAM Rival (eTap AXS compatible)
SRAM Rival squeezes in an extra gear than the Apex for a fast and smooth 12-speed system that’s a solid entry-point into SRAM’s performance groupset range. The Rival uses lighter materials and is configurable with eTap AXS to achieve electronic shifting.
- Gearing: 2x12 or 1x12
- Max. cassette range: 10-36t
- Shifting: Mechanical or electronic
- Models: Rival, Rival 1
- Weight: 2,349g
- eTap AXS compatibility
- Power meter: Available as an upgrade
SRAM Rival eTap AXS Upgrade Kit
The Rival eTap AXS upgrade kit is SRAM's most accessible way into electronic road shifting. Time and time again riders give glowing reviews about how they've been able to upgrade to perfect shifting without spending the extra money on a brand new group.
SRAM Force (eTap AXS compatible)
The next step up is SRAM Force that’s even lighter than Rival due to high-grade alloys and carbon fiber components that shave additional grams. Ideal for competitive road riding and available in multiple configurations, SRAM Force is in direct competition with Shimano Ultegra.
- Gearing: 2x11 or 1x11 mechanical / 2x12 or 1x12 electronic
- Max. cassette range: 10-36t
- Shifting: Mechanical or electronic
- Models: Force, Force 1
- Weight: 2,054g
- eTap AXS compatibility: Yes
- Power meter: Available as an upgrade
SRAM Force eTap AXS Upgrade Kit
The Force eTap AXS upgrade kit is a cost-effective way to get the most out of your drivetrain and ride like the pros. This package offers the key features of the higher-spec Red eTap AXS, but keeps electronic shifting affordable.
SRAM Red eTap AXS
SRAM’s most advanced groupset is Red eTap AXS with electronic 12-speed shifting, and it's without a doubt the crème de la crème of lightweight road groupsets. With multiple Tour de France victories, SRAM Red delivers pro-level pace with lots of carbon fiber parts, titanium, and ceramic bearings.
- Gearing: 2x12 or 1x12
- Max. cassette range: 10-36t
- Shifting: Electronic
- Models: RED eTap AXS
- Weight: 1,778g
- Power meter: Available as an upgrade
SRAM Gravel Groupsets
While you can definitely run any of the road groups on your gravel bike, SRAM has designed a new, entirely gravel-focused groupset called XPLR that revolves around a 12 speed drivetrain.
SRAM XPLR AXS
This is SRAM’s dedicated gravel groupset with an impressive 10/44t gear range and a tough 1x AXS rear derailleur available in Red, Force, and Rival builds.
- Gearing: 1x12
- Max. cassette range: 10-44t
- Shifting: Electronic
- Weight: 1,778g
What are the different levels of SRAM road brakes?
SRAM Apex Brakes
Apex brakes feature a high-performance dual pivot design that’s approachable for amateur road riders. This entry-level brake is a great value and comes with mechanical rim brakes or hydraulic disc brakes.
- Brake Type: Mechanical rim or hydraulic disc
SRAM Rival Brakes
SRAM Rival goes up one spec level with extra clearance for tires up to 28mm and a high-quality SwissStop pad compound. This mid-tier brake shaves off a few grams and stays within budget.
- Brake Type: Mechanical rim or hydraulic disc
SRAM Force Brakes
SRAM Force brakes are even lighter and include titanium main pivot bolts as well as an indexed quick release lever. The rim model has skeletonized arms and a powerful return spring and the Force 1 groupset runs hydraulic disc brakes for all weather stopping control.
- Brake Type: Mechanical rim or hydraulic disc
SRAM RED Brakes
These top-of-the-range brakes are engineered to be more aerodynamic and leverage extra braking power. SRAM Red can be configured with disc brakes. or rim brakes that feature SRAM’s AeroLink arms and specially designed quick release lever have a sleek profile in the wind.
- Brake Type: Mechanical rim or hydraulic disc
Shop All SRAM Parts
If you don't need a full groupset, you can still shop for the individual SRAM parts that make up the group. Some groups can be mixed and matched so you can invest in the parts that matter most to you.
Or click the appropriate section below:
SRAM FAQs
Why is it called SRAM?
SRAM is an acronym made up the name of the brand’s founders, Scott, Ray, and Sam.
What is the SRAM lineup?
There are various SRAM component levels available within the brand’s mountain, gravel, and road groupsets. These options range from entry-level to professional specs.
Is SRAM as good as Shimano?
SRAM vs Shimano is a common debate— SRAM tends to lead the high-end bicycle componentry market whereas Shimano provides a large share of entry-level and mid-tier parts to other manufacturers.
What does AXS mean for SRAM?
SRAM AXS (pronounced “access”) is the brand’s wireless component integration that builds upon eTap electronic shifting technology. AXS-compatible parts connect to a mobile app so users can customize component behavior, measure performance, monitor battery levels, and more.
What is the difference between eTap and AXS?
eTap refers to electronic shifting and AXS elevates that technology with additional software and app to monitor bike stats and component settings.
Is Eagle AXS worth it?
Eagle AXS is a worthwhile groupset for dedicated mountain bikers who prioritize smooth, consistent shifting and don't mind paying the premium for electronic gearing.
Is SRAM Guide the same as G2?
SRAM G2 is the upgraded version of the brand's mid-tier mountain bike brake range formerly known as SRAM Guide.
What are the levels of SRAM Eagle?
SRAM Eagle is available in the versions (from cost low to high): SX, NX, GX, X01, XX1. The three higher-end groupsets are compatible with AXS wireless shifting.
How do I order SRAM parts?
SRAM parts can be purchased on our online store or at any of our five California locations. Shop All SRAM Parts