The Eagle groupset was just one of the many new features fitted to the test bike. In addition to the newly revised Roam 60 wheels, the 2017 version of the Reverb dropper seatpost was also fitted, as well as an updated version of the Guide RSC brakes and a cockpit with the new Truvativ "Descendant" groupset.

Sram Eagle X01 groupset

In a blind test, you would hardly notice in the first few meters that you are riding with a newly developed groupset. The shifting feel is crisp as usual, the gears change quickly and precisely. The quality of the new 12-speed Eagle groupset only unfolds over time. For some 1x11 riders, the current groupsets offer too little range; in other words, depending on the chainring fitted, you may be missing a lighter or a higher gear ratio. And this is exactly where the Eagle comes up trumps. If you've been riding with a 28 or 30 t chainring up to now in order to master steep or rough trails, you'll have to live with the fact that accelerating downhill soon comes to an end. On our 90-minute test ride, we only rarely had to resort to the large 50-tooth chainring - it was more of an emergency anchor on very steep ramps. You also have to get used to the eight-tooth jump from the second-smallest to the smallest gear. The short ride is not enough to draw a final conclusion about the Eagle groupset. However, if you need a wider gear range, the new 12-speed groupset is a crisp, precise candidate.

Sram Roam 60 wheels

The new wheels are initially only available in 27.5 inches, but in all current hub standards including Boost. In line with the current trend, the rim width of the carbon rim increases to 30 millimetres and offers an outer width of 35 millimetres. As expected, the wheels, which weigh around 1650 grams, accelerate very efficiently and shine with a pleasant ratio of stiffness and flex. On the sometimes very rough Lake Garda trails, the Enduro from Specialized could be guided precisely through the boulders without having to accept any losses from the often very hard carbon rims.

Rock Shox Reverb Stealth

The revised dropper post rides out with a clear, precise "click". The formerly fastest stage of the Reverb corresponds to the slowest stage of the new version. It rides out quickly, but not too quickly. It is also noticeable that the friction has been significantly reduced and the post extends and retracts very smoothly. Recently, the saddle mount also has no play at all, but it remains to be seen whether this will hold up in the long run. Whether the known teething troubles of the Reverb have been fixed with the new edition cannot be judged on the short ride. But you can tell from the first few meters that a lot has been done and not just cosmetics.

Sram Guide RSC brakes

The Guide brakes, which were launched just over two years ago, have recently been revised. Primarily, some of the technology from the Guide Ultimate was transferred to the more affordable versions. The brake worked flawlessly on a descent with around 1000 Elevation loss and the only noticeable difference to the current version is that the lever width adjustment is much more precise and the turns of the screw are acknowledged with a clear click. Otherwise, the brake was as stable as usual; only a long-term test would provide more information.

Truvativ Descendant carbon handlebars and stem

750 millimetres wide, seven degrees backwards and five degrees upwards - these are the technical values of the new carbon handlebars. On the rough trails, the handlebars have shown that they transmit steering movements precisely, but are not too stiff and have a pleasant, minimal flex. The stem held the handlebars firmly and with very little twist - there's not much more to report at the moment.

Photos: Victor Lucas, SRAM / Ride