Compatibility Guide for SRAM MTB Components

SRAM MTB Component Lineup

SRAM’s mountain bike components are divided into three main collections:

1. Eagle Collection
2. Eagle Transmission Collection
3. Brake Collection

When the Eagle Collection was first introduced, all SRAM MTB components were unified under the Eagle name. However, with the launch of the Eagle Transmission Collection in 2023 — which is dedicated to wireless electronic shifting — compatibility across systems is now split.

For a detailed breakdown of SRAM’s MTB component lineup and grading system, check out the article below:

SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB

This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.

Compatibility Between SRAM MTB Components

SRAM’s MTB component compatibility is refreshingly straightforward:

1. Eagle Collection components share chain and cassette compatibility across the board.
2. Within the Eagle Collection, shifters and derailleurs are compatible only if both are mechanical or both are electronic.
3. Eagle Collection and Eagle Transmission Collection components are not cross-compatible.

The main factors to watch for are:

• Whether the group is from Eagle or Eagle Transmission.
• Whether the shifting system is electronic or mechanical.

As long as those match, components across different grades can be mixed and matched freely.

SRAM’s MTB brakes are independent of drivetrain systems. This means any SRAM brake system can be used with any SRAM drivetrain, regardless of the group or shifting method.

Eagle Components Are Cross-Compatible

Except for the newly introduced “Eagle Transmission,” all grades within SRAM’s Eagle collection are fundamentally cross-compatible.
This means you can freely mix and match components from different Eagle series.

For example, you can pair a GX Eagle crankset with an X01 Eagle derailleur and an NX Eagle chain—allowing you to customize your setup based on your riding style and budget.

THE FREEDOM TO MIX　THE FREEDOM TO MATCH

Eagle is a drivetrain ecosystem with more range than ever before. XX1, X01, GX, NX and SX Eagle share technologies that make them all cross compatible.

Eagle | SRAM

In other words, you can partially upgrade components from entry-level SX Eagle to higher-end models, or even switch to an electronic shifting system.

However, when upgrading to an electronic setup, you’ll need to replace both the shifter and rear derailleur as a set.

Also, keep in mind that only the higher-end models—XX1, X01, and GX—support a maximum 52T cog.
The NX and SX rear derailleurs are not compatible with a 10-52T cassette.

2021 MTB Components COMPATIBILITY MAP | SRAM

Affordable Way to Go Wireless with Electronic Shifting

The Eagle collection allows for shared use of chains and cassettes between mechanical and electronic drivetrains, and since AXS components are completely wireless, you can upgrade to an electronic shifting system simply by replacing the rear derailleur and shifter on your existing Eagle setup.

The most affordable electronic drivetrain in the Eagle AXS series is the GX Eagle AXS, which is available as a “GX Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit.”
This kit offers a cost-effective way to electrify your drivetrain without replacing the entire system.

Eagle Collection and Eagle Transmission Are Not Cross-Compatible

The Eagle Transmission collection uses a different standard from the original Eagle collection, including the chain and cassette, so you can’t mix or partially upgrade from Eagle to Eagle Transmission components.

Reference: AXS COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY | SRAM

No Mixing of Mechanical and Electronic in Eagle Transmission

While the Eagle Transmission series initially launched as an electronic-only drivetrain, SRAM introduced mechanical versions (EAGLE 90 / EAGLE 70) in March 2025.

Naturally, you cannot mix mechanical and electronic parts even within the same Eagle Transmission series.
Shifters and derailleurs must match in type (either mechanical or electronic).

However, cranks, chains, and cassettes within the Eagle Transmission series are cross-compatible regardless of shifting type.

Not Compatible with Shimano Drivetrains

Although older SRAM components were once rumored to be compatible with Shimano, the current Eagle collection is not compatible with Shimano drivetrains.

That said, SRAM offers cassettes compatible with Shimano freehub bodies, meaning some Shimano wheels can still be used with Eagle components.