SRAM AXS cassette/derailleur compatibility

I’m trying to figure out which cassettes I can use with which AXS derailleurs (of course SRAM doesn’t make this easy). Specifically I’m trying to determine if a new GX Eagle AXS derailleur will properly shift a force/rival 10-36 or 10-33 cassette. I feel like it will not, that the derailleur will somehow be too big for that cassette, but I don’t really know. Anyone have any idea?

Thanks

Oh that is great, thank you. I’m trying to determine my ideal gravel setup. Unfortunately I have an ‘old’ force derailleur, it will only shift a 10-33. Getting a new force/rival derailleur will give me access to a 36, but I was thinking it would be nice to get Eagle and have a 50T option for really big hills, but figured it would be overkill 99.9% of the time. That’s why I wanted to know if it would also shift the 36. Looks like eagle and rotor is a great option, 11-39 should be good for pretty much anything I’ll see in a gravel race, and with the option to go bigger.

2 Likes

A long cage Force/Rival 11 speed can do up to 46. I use an 11-46 with Force RD on my cross bike, and a 9-46 with Rival RD on my gravel/rigid MTB.

Edit: realizing you mean 12-speed. I do wish they had made a long cage version of Force AXS but I guess that’s what Eagle AXS is for, with the benefit of getting away from the flat top chain.

1 Like

Thinking about it more I might go 10-36 and possibly switch to a 38T ring rather than going rotor 11-39. I have to buy a derailleur either way, and 38-36 is basically identical to 40-39.

I’m sure they’ve already made the 10-40 cassette and are just waiting to release it with a BRAND NEW derailleur just as soon as I buy the medium cage.

3 Likes

If it is of any help, I have been using an Ultegra 12-speed cassette with XTR 12-speed chain and Force AXS rear and front derailleurs and working perfectly so far. My front chainring is a Rotor AXS 48/35.

This could be really helpful for people that don’t want to switch to XDR hubs from their HG 11-speed.

Next to test on my end will be a set of non-AXS chainrings and will update my findings!

4 Likes

Do you have more details on the exact setup you’re using? Including the frame it’s on.

Tried 12 Speed Ultegra Cassette and Force AXS RD - was a no go for me. Spacing was too different in between cogs.

I could be wrong, but I doubt that the frame makes any difference unless you have a bent derailleur hanger.

I have tried on two of my frames, both rim brake (Parlee Altum R and Madone 9.9), and in both it works equally good.
When I switch between wheelsets, one having a 10-28 Red Axs cassette and the other one an Ultegra 11-30 cassette, I just need to do some minor micro adjustments and that is it.

What chain are you using?

1 Like

Wondering if it’s a chainline or chainstay length issue that allows for it to work for you.

Strange as I have seen other people who have tried and not had it work either.

Full range of 12 speeds and no chain rub in any cog would be big news.