While SRAM riders trust in and love the trigger shifters the company has offered over the years, it is safe to say that the reliability and precision has been taken for granted, despite the fact that the average shifter is used dozens of times every ride. The 1:1 actuation delivers quick, positive action. SRAM moved the design forward for 12-speed Eagle, with obvious changes to handle the 12-speed indexing and overall capacity. The X-Actuation 1:1 system has been carried over, as well as ZERO LOSS, which means there is no hesitation or lag when the lever engages. So you will be excused for thinking the X01 Eagle Trigger Shifter is just an updated model. In reality, the overall feel, ergonomics of the levers, and actual operation have all been improved and the combination results in quicker, cleaner, and even more precise shifts. And let's be direct here, managing the mechanical realities of 12-speed spacing, extreme chainlines, and the incredible range of the 10-50 or 10-52 Eagle cassettes cannot be minimized. The shifting HAS to be perfect.

Visually and functionally the physical shape and construction of the composite body has been changed from previous renditions. X01 Eagle is much smoother, with better integration of the levers to the body and the Discrete clamp mount set-up. The same can be said when used with the Matchmaker X mounting system. The lower housing is stronger and stiffer, to best match the performance of the advanced shifter mechanism and carry the composite cover. Stainless steel bolts are used to keep things secured without corrosion worries. The levers themselves feature advanced ergonomics that maximize the short lever throws with moderate rider effort and still deliver the positive feel that builds rider confidence that the shift has taken place. The pull-lever is adjustable, and the Matchmaker X mounting system offers great flexibility overall so you can find the ideal personal set-up with SRAM brakes and potential for dropper post or suspension remotes.

Eagle's 12-speed system truly requires SRAM's best effort at system integration. The shifter must be ultra-precise as the rear derailleur only responds to the cable movement dictated by the shifter. The 1:1 ratio delivers sharp, responsive shifts through X-Actuation technology that is built into the shifter and derailleur. Even riders who have long experience with SRAM's trigger shifters will be impressed by the results, and even more so when they look at the pure size and gearing range of the cassette. SRAM has accomplished this at just 125 grams for the trigger shifter. Eagle cannot function without every single component doing it's job, but to those who take shifters for granted, remember that once the drivetrain is set-up, the shifter initiates the action. A failure at the shifter cannot happen. And yet these small, comparatively delicate devices must produce accurate mechanical action for those dozens of shifts that govern your ride. The X01 Eagle 12-Speed Trigger Shifter works flawlessly and it truly has to, every single shift.