SRAM’s T-Type or Transmission drivetrains bring very sizable benefits to mountain bikes, with even plenty of gravel bikes adopting the mech hangerless technology thanks to the wireless AXS protocols and XPLR systems. Having unveiled its long-awaited mechanical lineup last year, those with a penchant for curly bars who want to revel in the T-Type benefits have been left somewhat stranded. However, serial technology tinkerer Ratio has pulled the cover off its conversion kit for SRAM Eagle 90 and 70 drivetrains.
The kit enables riders to pair SRAM Apex 12-speed mechanical drop bar shifters with the brand’s Eagle 70 and Eagle 90 derailleurs. This enables drop-bar users to take advantage of T-Type mechanical’s known prowess when shifting under load (which makes lots of sense for gravel) and the known durability of the Full Mount derailleur hanger.

Without the conversion kit, what held mechanical shifting drop-bar users from adopting SRAM’s T-Type tech is the cable pull ratio. It’s simply not compatible.
Coming with a replacement link and ‘fin’, the kit is CNC-machined using 6082 aluminium, and it brings a rear-exit cable stop with an integrated barrel adjuster to the party. That fin makes the derailleur work with an Apex shifter, and the cable stop tidies up cable routing for gravel bikes while the extra barrel adjuster boosts adjustment.

In order to run this system, users will need a conversion kit and a UDH-compatible frame, of course. They’ll then need a T-Type mechanical mech, a T-Type-compatible cassette, and a T-Type-compatible chain. So if you’re coming to the T-Type ecosystem from another altogether, there’s still quite some expense to be incurred.
Ratio then notes that the kit isn’t compatible with SRAM 10 or 11-speed drop bar shifters that have the brand’s 12-speed conversion ratchets.
The Ratio Drop Bar Conversion for SRAM Eagle 70/90 can be picked up for £70.
