Levo Gen 3 Eagle 90 review, more of a quick note really

[Bazzer485]

I just installed the new SRAM Eagle 90 on my 2023 Spesh carbon Levo comp. I did the initial installation myself, but I had a problem with the T type chain jumping off the new chain ring. So I took my bike to my LBS, sports LTD in Redding CA who are a Levo dealer. They spent a long time trying to figure out the issue. They went through all the setup procedure again and discovered that the cassette was offset on the hub by a little less than one millimeter. This was with my standard hub, wheel and chainstays. It ment that when shifting into gear one ( the 52 tooth cog) it wanted to shift the chain into the spokes, not good! The only solution was to put a one millimeter thick washer between the hub and the drive side chainstay. Not an elegant solution but a hack that works.
As far as using the Eagle 90 I pretty happy with it. It changes every time regardless of which gear I’m in. Yes it changes easily under load. My only dissatisfaction with it is that it’s noisier than I hoped for. It’s very quiet most of the time but makes
A “clunk” every now and then. I guess my old three by xtr is so silent that nothing will ever beat it!
I would give it four stars only. Is it worth spending all that money over the old GX groupo? I can honestly say I don’t think so. But it’s on now!!
Baz

 

[Mikerb]

So given Eagle 90 is T Type and essentially the same as electrical AXS but cable operated i assume the set up is the same as for AXS Transmission?
ie 55 mm chainline, bike specific chain length, 21T set up cog and bike specific setup key ( all done at SAG)? I cannot think there is any need to alter the cassette position if that is all done correctly.

 

[Bazzer485]

So given Eagle 90 is T Type and essentially the same as electrical AXS but cable operated i assume the set up is the same as for AXS Transmission?
ie 55 mm chainline, bike specific chain length, 21T set up cog and bike specific setup key ( all done at SAG)? I cannot think there is any need to alter the cassette position if that is all done correctly.

I agree and that’s what I thought,
But after setting and re-setting up several times that’s why I took it to my LBS. the mechanic who worked on it has worked on several AXS groupo’s including his own bike. A second mechanic also looked at my bike and after a couple of hours and using a micrometer came to the same conclusion. I forgot to mention that they tried with a new identical wheel which appeared to work. I was faced with the decision to buy a new hub and wheel or go with a thin washer. Both hubs measured.exactly the same so it is a mystery why mine didn’t work. Maybe there is someone on the forum who has fitted an Eagle 90 groupset to their Levo and can comment if they had a problem? I might add that the rear triangle is new on my Levo. Mine had a suspected crack in it so Specialized replaced it under warranty. I’m not an aggressive rider being 80 years old and having a major health problem. I’ve been riding mtb’s since the eighties and worked as a mechanic myself in a New Hampshire bike shop for nearly a year. This is the strangest problem I’ve ever experienced!
Never to old to learn!!

 

[Mikerb]

the incorrect alignment could then only be as a result of either the new rear triangle being offset differently to the original or the hub offset within the wheel build being slightly out.

 

[Bazzer485]

the incorrect alignment could then only be as a result of either the new rear triangle being offset differently to the original or the hub offset within the wheel build being slightly out.

The hub being out is the conclusion we reached although is seemed to measure a he same as a new one. No one could figure it out, that’s why I went for the less expensive one millimeter washer instead of a new hub and the cost of rebuilding a wheel.
If anyone is in Redding and wants to try setting my bike up you are welcome to try!
Baz

 

[Romney]

Good to know. I am considering upgrading my 2023 levo comp to the t-type since I have gone through a few stock eagle chains and cassettes. The eagle 90 cable system looks like a good move over gx t-type and gx eagle.

 

[DylanJM]

Is it not possible to iron out any skipping/jumping with the barrel adjuster on the shifter on the cabled transmission stuff? Or was doing that throwing everything else out of whack?

 

[Bazzer485]

Is it not possible to iron out any skipping/jumping with the barrel adjuster on the shifter on the cabled transmission stuff? Or was doing that throwing everything else out of whack?

yes indeed the barrel adjuster is the only adjustment there is on the Eagle 90. I am not getting any “ ghosting or skipping” just some noisily changes particularly in the higher gears. I’m mostly happy with the Eagle 90 but I was expecting quieter and faster changes. I aligned perfectly using the sram setup procedure with the Allen key inserted and the chain on the correct ( red) sprocket. I use a pre waxed chain according to Silca. Which by the way. Is a great way to lubricate. It doesn’t pick up dirt or mud etc. After a ride it’s just about the cleanest thing on my bike. A quick rinse and it all looks new again. As a side note I’m going to apply grapheen to my bike all over! But of course this is an entirely separate issue to my Eagle 90 comments.
baz