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#1 · Sep 16, 2020 I'm sure this has been addressed somewhere on this site before, but I just searched through a few pages on this specific Drivetrain thread, plus I did a search and can't find any specific answers. I'm buying my first FS rig sometime in the next 2-6 months (whenever I finally get my court settlement money, haha). And I'm just trying to do as much research as possible on here about the bikes, parts, shocks, forks, everything. And one thing I haven't asked about yet is Drivetrains and how important or not important they are? And how good or bad are the different levels? One thing I can tell you RIGHT off the bat is I don't care at all about how light weight or cool looking the drivetrain parts are. I'm not a weight weeny and don't care about the coolest looking drivetrain parts. All I care about is: does it shift well, does it feel solid, and does it last a long time? I have an old Specialized StumpJumper from the 90's that I used to ride all the time on trails and it has something like Shimano Deore or SLX, and it was alright. Mostly worked and only had a few times a ride when it missed a shift. But the one thing about it I never really like was it never really felt rock solid. it always felt kind of janky and like it COULD miss a shift when pedaling hard or going uphill. And I don't want to be spending 4-5k on a bike, that has a drivetrain that instantly will need upgrading. So it got me wondering, is it really a big deal to go from base model drivetrains like the Deore/SLX/SX up to NX, GX/XT, or X01, etc? Most of the bikes I'm looking at buying either come with the NX or GX drivetrains, so I'm just wondering how they compare to not only each other (NX vs GX), but other higher end drivetrains, and just in general, how good are they? I've read some reviews from different websites on them, but as usual, I don't really trust magazines and sites, as they get paid to sell ALL the gear that the companies make. And have mostly glowing reviews of everything. So I'd rather hear about it from people that actually ride all the time and use the gear day in and day out. The bike I'm getting will be in the 4000-4500 range (either a SC Megatower Carbon S, Trek Slash 8 or Specialized Enduro Comp), will be riding ALL sorts of terrain, from wet to dry, fast single trail, small climbs, roots, rocks, to long downhill bomb runs at bike parks. All the bikes I'm looking at come with either SRAM NX or GX. I WILL be upgrading parts on it over the next few years. But... I'd kind of like to just get a good, reliable, AFFORDABLE, solid shifting drivetrain right off the bat, and not have to worry about upgrading that stuff. So I really don't want to spend extra money on an upgraded drivetrain if I don't need to, and if the NX works well and is durable, than that is what I'd like to get. Spend my money on more important things I want, you know

So is the SRAM NX drivetrain a good solid setup? Is it durable and going to last 5-10 years? Does it shift solidly and feel good (not clunky and skip shifts)? Or do I need to step up to GX? Thanks See less See more Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Sep 16, 2020 It might be helpful if you tell people you're 6'8", 230lbs. That's the only significant outlier in your situation (and oddly-enough a thing you omitted in your post). Your delineated wants is pretty much what everybody choosing between NX or GX is looking for. Few people (except for the most-misguided) choosing between a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Tercel are looking for anything other than basic competence and durability... and how much you get at each respective price point. A manufacturer might add a little bling here-and-there and shave a little weight here-and-there for curb appeal when feasible (read: doesn't cost much to do so)... but you're still at a level where they're cutting corners on build quality (and hence overall competence and durability) to allow these reach a price-point. This is to say that at this level, the more you pay the more you get in terms of overall competence and durability. Whether a given level of build quality is going to be enough for your needs is personal to the rider... but at 6'8" and 230 pounds, I'd suspect that you'd be better-served at the highest level you can afford. In other words, the difference at your duty level between NX and GX probably isn't that NX is sufficient and GX is deluxe (I suspect this was what you had hoped to hear), it's more likely that GX is almost-competent and NX is slightly-less-almost-competent. And not that you said you're considering it, stay far away from SX. You don't get into material sacrifices for weight (i.e. compromises that make sense in the context of racing, and less-so for a daily-driver) and larger investments into bling/personal-totem until you get into X01/XTR above. #3 · Sep 16, 2020 IMO, GX is a worthwhile improvement over NX wrt solidity and longevity. In the SRAM lineup, GX is arguably the best value. #4 · Sep 16, 2020 Personally, and especially at the price point and bikes you mention, I'd buy GX. I'd pull the cassette unused and sell it. I'd replace it with XO1 and be confident on my money well spent. That's where the lions share of performance and build materials differentiate between all drive-train parts from XX1 through GX. Sent from my moto g(6) forge using Tapatalk #5 · Sep 17, 2020

WHALENARD said: Personally, and especially at the price point and bikes you mention, I'd buy GX. I'd pull the cassette unused and sell it. I'd replace it with XO1 and be confident on my money well spent. That's where the lions share of performance and build materials differentiate between all drive-train parts from XX1 through GX. Click to expand...

In the same vein, the X01 chain, although more expensive... is supposed to be one of those components that are supposed to last >2x longer than the GX-and-lower-level components. Not that there's much of a market for a take-off chain. https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the...-and-efficiency-tested/#most-durable-12-speed 1 Reply #6 · Sep 17, 2020 Step up to GX whether 11sp or 12sp the performance and durability is noticeable. Not light years but significant. #9 · Sep 17, 2020 Awesome, thanks for sharing. Seems like GX is definitely the way to go over NX. I'm sure NX is alright and would do fine, but I'd rather pay a little more up front, and get a really solid drivetrain, then have to pay out a bunch more later on. Also, as Im such a curious person and always want to learn and know WHY, can any of you explain what parts of the drivetrain make the most difference for better shifting and why? I really want to learn why a certain part is ACTUALLY better and performs better, not just be told one is better than another. A good example would be the X01 vs XX1. It "seems" like they are both top of the line parts and would probably work the same, maybe even the GX as well. But the XX1 is all blinged out and super lite weight. But does it ACTUALLY shift better than GX or X01? And if so why? I would love for you guys to explain WHY a certain part in a certain line is better. Thanks #10 · Sep 17, 2020

SuperWookie said: ...Or do I need to step up to GX? Thanks Click to expand...

I'd also say GX with its XD driver. It's so much more solid that HG, gives you better upgradability on the cassettes, and the 10T small cog is significant in the calculated ratio spread -- 50/10 versus 50/11. #11 · Sep 17, 2020 Awesome, that sounds great. Being able to actually upgrade down the road or sooner than later is a HUGE plus. Getting a good/decent base is the first step, then riding the bike for a season, then assessing if I want something better, and being able to actually upgrade seamlessly later on, is a big deal. Thanks for your response :thumbsup: 0 Reply #12 · Sep 17, 2020 GX derailleur with GX shifter and XO1 cassette is 98% the performance of full XX1 with negligible difference in weight. Again the biggest outlier in performance and build quality across the entire group set (XX1-GX) is the cassette. After that the performance gained is extremely incremental. Sent from my moto g(6) forge using Tapatalk #16 · Sep 18, 2020

WHALENARD said: GX derailleur with GX shifter and XO1 cassette is 98% the performance of full XX1 with negligible difference in weight. Again the biggest outlier in performance and build quality across the entire group set (XX1-GX) is the cassette. After that the performance gained is extremely incremental. Sent from my moto g(6) forge using Tapatalk Click to expand...

That sounds great and like a good plan. But still not being explained WHY you think the cassette is the most important part of the drivetrain. I've read a few responses now saying it's made better. Ok, and? What does that mean? What does it being made better or out of better materials do exactly to make the shifting smoother, easier, smooth, and consistent? Can you explain WHY the X01 cassette is SO much better than the NX and GX? And WHAT does it do so much better? Like what exactly in the shifting with the X01 cassette makes it that much better than the others? That would be very helpful for me. I appreciate your candid response/advice, and don't doubt you. I will most likely get the GX bike and then sometime in the near future upgrade to the X01 cassette. But I like to learn things, understand WHY things work the way they do, and not just be told what is better. Thanks, and I appreciate all your help so far! 1 Reply #13 · Sep 18, 2020 I have an NX equipped chameleon. Overpriced bike to come with SRAM entry level brakes and NX 1x12 drive train. With that said, it shifts pretty darn good a year later (1100 miles) with zero adjustments. This is a 27.5 x 2.8" tire hard tail. I have a 2x10 full suspension stumpjumper. Whoops, I mean a converted stumpjumper to GX 1x12. GX derailleur, and GX shifter. NX cassette as it fits the freehub and NX cranks. Both bikes have the same NX crank, cassette, and NX Chain. It too shifts great, however I've only ridden that one 3 times. It is a bit more crisp, maybe. Both are super fast shifting and never miss a beat. The GX shifter feels more solid, but it's new. It may end up having a bit of play in the lever once it gets broke in. I remember something about my NX Chameleon shifter being very solid at the beginning. I haven't checked play in the pivots of the RD yet (never thought about it) but the NX has play. Feels cheap. I paid for the upgrade RD and shifter (to GX) on the conversion as I can't see paying for NX stuff when GX is the next step and costs almost nothing extra, in the grand scheme o things. The NX has worked well for me for a year. Hell, it's going to be 2 years in December. Anyway, I would not pay for NX on purpose if somebody asked which I wanted. I'd like to have the correct free hub for the GX so I could get the 10t high gear. But I'll survive with the 11t no problem. The Specialized is equipped with Shimano brakes and was stock with STX Shifter, XT rear derailleur. So far, I hate to say it, the NX 1x12 on the Chameleon has always shifter better than the Shimano 2x10. Disappointing as other Shimano drive trains I've had were always amazing and crisp. Chameleon is equipped with Level brakes. This weekend, the Chameleon is getting a brake upgrade, stealing the Shimano from Stumpy to the Chameleon and upgrading Stumpy to 4-piston Shimano. Both bikes will be Shimano brakes with SRAM drive trains at a semi-affordabe rate for all the goodies for 2 bikes. I have never touched a bike with better than SRAM GX to know if the money is worth the benefit, but again, I would not pay for NX on purpose. #15 · Sep 18, 2020

Forest Rider said: I have an NX equipped chameleon. Overpriced bike to come with SRAM entry level brakes and NX 1x12 drive train. Click to expand...

Seems to be a common problem/issue with most Bikes these days. Charging a small FORTUNE for low end components, low end drivetrain, as well as low end (soon to be replaced forks and shocks). I can buy a nice used car for just a few thousand more than a "mid" level MTB or Road bike! It's absolutely ridiculous how little you get for your money with bikes

With that said, it shifts pretty darn good a year later (1100 miles) with zero adjustments. This is a 27.5 x 2.8" tire hard tail. I have a 2x10 full suspension stumpjumper. Whoops, I mean a converted stumpjumper to GX 1x12. GX derailleur, and GX shifter. NX cassette as it fits the freehub and NX cranks. Both bikes have the same NX crank, cassette, and NX Chain. It too shifts great, however I've only ridden that one 3 times. It is a bit more crisp, maybe. Both are super fast shifting and never miss a beat. The GX shifter feels more solid, but it's new. It may end up having a bit of play in the lever once it gets broke in. I remember something about my NX Chameleon shifter being very solid at the beginning. I haven't checked play in the pivots of the RD yet (never thought about it) but the NX has play. Feels cheap. I paid for the upgrade RD and shifter (to GX) on the conversion as I can't see paying for NX stuff when GX is the next step and costs almost nothing extra, in the grand scheme o things. The NX has worked well for me for a year. Hell, it's going to be 2 years in December. Anyway, I would not pay for NX on purpose if somebody asked which I wanted. I'd like to have the correct free hub for the GX so I could get the 10t high gear. But I'll survive with the 11t no problem. The Specialized is equipped with Shimano brakes and was stock with STX Shifter, XT rear derailleur. So far, I hate to say it, the NX 1x12 on the Chameleon has always shifter better than the Shimano 2x10. Disappointing as other Shimano drive trains I've had were always amazing and crisp. Chameleon is equipped with Level brakes. This weekend, the Chameleon is getting a brake upgrade, stealing the Shimano from Stumpy to the Chameleon and upgrading Stumpy to 4-piston Shimano. Both bikes will be Shimano brakes with SRAM drive trains at a semi-affordabe rate for all the goodies for 2 bikes. I have never touched a bike with better than SRAM GX to know if the money is worth the benefit, but again, I would not pay for NX on purpose. Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences and info. I appreciate that and it's really helping me to get a better idea overall of what is going on with these drivetrains.[/QUOTE] 0 Reply #14 · Sep 18, 2020 OP - X01 and XX1 casettes are machined out of a solid steel billet except for the 50t gear which is aluminum. There's a video online showing the manufacturing, it's interesting. They also have a hardened coating on them. GX casette is stamped steel cogs that are pinned together. NX is a bunch of loose stamped cogs with spacers. The performance and longevity of X01/XX1 casettes is far better. I had an XX1 11spd cassette (same as 12 spd just minus 50t cog) last 5k miles with chains swapped every 1k miles. My girlfriend weighs 120 lbs and killed a GX cassette/chain/NX derailleur combo on her Ripmo in 3 months. Replaced with X01 cassette, chain, GX derailleur and has been perfect for nearly a year and 2500 miles. To me this is probably the best combo. For shifters I believe the X01/XX1 shifters have some bearings vs bushings for more precise feel. Also can adjust position of shift paddle which GX can't do. #18 · Sep 18, 2020 Been searching on google and found some great threads from here from years past, discussing this exact stuff! Seems like most everyone agrees, the 12 speed GX is just as good as the X01, just not as light weight. But feels and shifts just as flawlessly. And the vast majority of people said, if they could only upgrade 1 or 2 parts of the drivetrain to a higher quality part, they'd all select a better shifter and then derailleur. They say those two parts make the biggest difference in shifting feel and smoothness. A lot of people saying they have the GX drivetrain, then bought X01 shifter and derailleur and it works like a dream! And saves a lot of money. They also say the better metals used on the teeth of the X01 and XX1 chainring and cassette's and better manufacturing process are slightly more durable. So they keep their original teeth shape longer, keeping the shifts better for longer. But all of them said 12 speed GX is virtually the same these days as the X01/XX1. That the X01 and XX1 are just lighter and slightly more durable overall. So it looks like it's a no brainer with all this info I have now, that GX is definitely the way to go, and IF I want to upgrade stuff later on, I can get some X01 parts when/if I want. Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the help #19 · Sep 18, 2020 You must be reading another thread/other pages, because a lot of the judgements you're supposedly summarizing do not bear-out in the contents of this thread.

Everybody here is saying given the framing of your original question ("GX or NX?"), you should buy GX.
A couple of people here are saying that for the cassette, you can reach a better "sweet spot" by going one step higher to X01, with testimonials of much-improved durability and performance.
I am saying the X01 chain is much better than anything below it, and I have included a link to an article with systematic testing.
Nobody here has said GX is "just as good as X01, just not as light weight". I think they have mostly avoided talking about weight because you said it was a non-issue for you. The only reference people have made to weight is the Tommy E's commentary that the NX cassette is heavy (and I'll second this judgement). The closest anybody comes to a statement equating GX to X01 performance is WHALENARD with his "98%" estimate. But you are missing the fact that he is talking about a GX setup w/a X01 cassette.
gasmanxj has mentioned features of the X01 shifter that imbues it with better precision and usability.
Nobody here has said anything about the X01 derailleur.

The population encompassed by my use of "everybody", "couple", "they" and "nobody" are clearly-defined as the participants in this thread prior to this post. Who are your "most everyone", "vast majority", "they" and "all of them" that you're speaking for, since they're obviously not present company? Some citations would be helpful.

SuperWookie said: But all of them said 12 speed GX is virtually the same these days as the X01/XX1. That the X01 and XX1 are just lighter and slightly more durable overall. Click to expand...

Personally, I find this a dubious and wishful judgement that also runs counter to what has been said in this thread. Look, I'm glad that you're deciding on GX over NX, which is the unanimous judgement of present company. But it needs to be made clear that the pre-purchase "summarization" in your last post also deviates significantly from what owner/users here are actually telling you. It sounds like you're reading only what you'd rather hear. 0 Reply This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread. Insert Quotes Quotes Post Reply

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