SRAM's XO1 Eagle XG-1295 is the second-tier machined cassette in the Eagle mountain lineup, sitting just below the XX1's titanium-coated flagship and well above the pinned-and-riveted GX. It's the piece riders reach for when they want most of the weight savings and shifting quality of the top-shelf option without paying the XX1 premium — and when the XG-1275 on their GX build has finally worn through and it's time to upgrade rather than replace like-for-like.

X-Dome technology machines the smaller cogs from a single block of steel, with only the largest climbing cog pinned separately. That construction is the entire reason this cassette exists at the weight it does. Instead of stacking individual steel cogs on a carrier, the machined dome removes material from the inside out, leaving open windows between the cogs. The open design aids in mud clearance, giving you cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.

Two ranges are offered: 10-50T for tighter cadence steps and 10-52T when you want the bailout gear for loaded bikepacking or genuinely vertical climbing. The 10-52 configuration provides a 520-percent gear range for brutal steeps and avoiding hike-a-bikes. The 10-50T version comes in at 500-percent range, which is still enough to make a front derailleur feel redundant on most trail bikes.... Read More