Explainer: SRAM Eagle Powertrain | Tech overview
SRAM expands into the eMTB game and ramps up the tech with a holistic offering. So what is Eagle Powertrain and what does it do?
Eagle-eyed fans of Enduro racing may have noticed SRAM’s test riders and engineers using some saucy goods at the 2022 and 2023 Enduro World Series. It turns out they were developing and race-testing an entirely new eMTB system, to be known as Eagle Powertrain. The media embargo has lifted and we’ve got the scoop…
At the heart of Eagle Powertrain is a Brose motor which has undergone some power tune tweaks creating what SRAM is calling more controllable power in a more natural delivery. As you might expect, Powertrain incorporates the brand’s AXS Technology and Eagle Transmission drivetrains, making it a wireless system that is operated by their Pod controllers.
It is a full-power system with up to 90Nm of torque and 680W of peak power. Available battery sizes are a compact 630Wh that weighs 3kg or the 720Wh that tips the scales at 4.1kg. The motor weighs 2.9kg. There’s also a 250Wh range extender available. It either mounts directly to the frame or slides into a water bottle cage.
Keeping things simple, Eagle Powertrain will only have two support modes, and each of them can be adjusted and customized to suit individual rider needs. You’re either in Range or Rally mode. Range conserves power and is ideal for longer rides on easier terrain. Rally is for shorter rides or whenever riders want to access all the power. Everything is controlled through the AXS pod controllers meaning the cockpit is free of the usual eMTB add-ons like bar-mounted displays, extra wiring, et al. By running everything off of the AXS ecosystem, there are more possibilities for personalizing the system.
Two new features include Auto Shift and Coast Shift which SRAM says contributes to better range and safer riding. Auto Shift, which is customizable (or can be turned off) manages shifts up and down the cassette to maintain a consistent cadence when riding. It also shifts into an easier gear for restarts resulting in less power drawn from those high torque / low RPM starts. Coast Shift, allows the rider to shift without pedaling which may come in handy during braking and terrain changes. I think it might also help prevent pedal strikes. Interesting! Powertrain is not an aftermarket product but will be available on a slew of new whips coming soon. Yeeow!
“Our focus is always on the rider first. The goal of the system was to provide the rider with a complete, wireless, integrated E-MTB system tuned specifically for performance mountain biking. We simplified the ride allowing the rider to focus on the trail.” – Michael Hemme, eMTB Category Manager at SRAM