I'm sticking with cables || GX AXS Long-Term Review
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- čas přidán 25. 10. 2021
- Two questions:
Do you want wireless shifting? And if so...
Should you go with GX, XX1, or X01?
If you’re like me, you’ll have wondered what moving to SRAM's wireless drivetrain actually gets you. It’s not a departure from a traditional drivetrain in any significant sense, but it does have some significant differences that might make it the perfect option for you. Watch to find out why you might want to go wireless, and which tier is right for you: GX, X01, or XX1 AXS.
If you want to upgrade and you already have a SRAM (or Shimano) 12 speed cassette and chain, this is all you need:
www.fanatikbike.com/products/...
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#mtb #sram #gxaxs #enduro - Sport
Is Dan wrong? Have you tried AXS? Is getting rid of your derailleur cable a top priority? Let us know what you think!
Yes
I have right elbow tendonitis aka. medial epicondylitis. Avoided surgery because (I believe) the E-shifting relieves at least some of the repetitive use injury I have from riding. The winter riding is huge here in Toronto, but it's so rough despite studs and groomed trails.
I’m going to get myself a nice tall glass of refreshing water…
This was super insightful. I hadn't actually thought about a lot of the advantages you mentioned.
Glad we could help!
I'm running a XX1 and considering a GX AXS for convenience of no cable, but you're right, it would be heavier and my XX1 is working flawlessly on its second GX cassette. Computas is da wa of da futua.
Keeping my x01 mechanical 12spd working at 100% is about as much work as late 90s 8spd XTR. I am highly considering this, thank you for putting this video together.
just ordered mine, Cant wait!
I suspect you'll dig it! Holler at us if you have any questions.
- Dan at Fanatik
Just installed SRAM GX AXS & Reverb on my Trek Roscoe 6.. Amazing.. Great Review & New Subscriber.. 🇺🇸
Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it.
- Dan at Fanatik
Switched to GX AXS earlier this year (60 hrs of ride time) a MASSIVE Game Changer for me. Previously had GX derailleur and had nothing but challenges. Had taken it to multiple bikes shops at different times over 2 1/2 years and had repeated issues with shifting, chain jumping, etc.
Since I put the axs GX on I have not had one miss-shift or chain jumping cassette event. I'm 6'6" 235 pds and ride a xxl frame. If you are a big guy who had similar experiences like mine, the GX AXS is a safe bet to a better riding experience and well worth the money.
Hey Brook! There's a song about you: "A think called love" by Jerry Reed.
You'll be surprised!
strange... I use XT 11s with sram 10-42 cassette for 3y, no problems !
Dude. Your todays voice make stones screaming 😀
Very helpful, thanks.
Surprised so many people talking about *performance* upgrades with AXS ... I absolutely LOVE mine. It's a cool piece of tech, the app is great, battery lasts longer than I thought it would, and of course having one less cable is nice.
But performance? My X01 derailleur performed just as good, and TBH I've never noticed a difference in GX, X01 or anything AXS.
Yep, agreed. The pivots on the mechanical GX derailleurs seem to wear out a little faster than the nicer stuff, and X01 shifters feel nicer than GX shifters, but actual shifting performance differences are negligible, even between them and AXS.
- Dan at Fanatik
Thanks for your honest review. I recently built up an old frame with 26” rims using modern components including GX Eagle mechanical drivetrain, dropper post, EDC, tubeless.
I contemplated dumping big bucks on a new build with 29er carbon frame, rims and GX AXS.
But after watching this clip, it was clear to me that this new build is not necessary and is more of a wanting desire.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with my rebuilt 26er. It shifts perfect and rides exactly how I want it. I will ride it to the ground and THEN might consider the carbon 29er dream build.
If you're working with a budget, there are other places to spend money first. In my opinion, a solid wheelset is one of the best. That's not necessarily one with carbon rims and one million points of engagement, but one that's been build well and uses high quality spokes and nipples. My coworkers in the service department are expert at assembling wheels, and our Wheel Builder tool only includes high quality components. When the time comes, be sure to check it out! - Dan at Fanatik
Wheel Builder tool:
www.fanatikbike.com/wheel-builder
Bike Builder tool:
www.fanatikbike.com/bike-builder
I think it's more about more modern geo. I can't imagine how steep the head tube is on a 26er. That alone changes the ride tremendously.
@@craigstevens5146 My 26er has a 69 degree HA, is that considered steep for an XC? Specialized Epic HT, a modern bike, has a 68.5 degree HA.
@@GokkunGuru I guess when you are riding XC sure, but those small wheels will definitely get hung up a lot more than a 29er. But hey, as long as it's fun to ride. When I made the jump to 29" it was like a whole new world.
Just wondering, why did you go with a 26er instead of 27.5
There are tons of old 27.5's floating around now that people are making the jump to 29
Works with shimano drivetrains too. Hyperglide plus benefits with wireless shifting.
We're touching on that in our next video!
- Dan at Fanatik
E-13 make the best cassettes for this system. Comes with a 9 -50 teeth. Love my XX1
For the linkage, is there any material difference between the GX and X01? I’ve experienced several broken pivot arms on GX AXS now, and wonder whether to go for yet another GX AXS or maybe aim for the more expensive X01 AXS.
comprehensive review carrot top.
Thanks Andrew! It's actually Dan, but cheers!
I know all of these electrical devices are probably the future, but I'm an old-fashioned guy and a fan of well-tuned mechanics. Charging my phone and watch is enough. I don't want to charge other bike than an e-bike ;)
You have to charge the battery once every 4-5 weeks. Not too much trouble. I guess unless you ride hundreds of miles a month, then maybe 2-3 weeks.
So.. I'm sure you drive a car with carburador then am I right? Damn those electronics making life easier.
Personally I’ll go to axis if I break something major And need to replace it. Sometimes it’s like watching a new iPhone comes out and people lined up to get it for a small up grade with a hearty price. 🤦🏻♂️
Had AXS on my BMC URS and Niner - sold them both off again as I did not see much value add to be honest - went back to cable operated due to convenience - also micro-adjustment only works somewhat well on the top models not the "cheaper" (still 680 Euro) ones. I changed the cassette on my BMC at one point to a 8-52 (non SRAM) and with the AXS I never got it to run smooth . In general I never found it to shift "smoother" to be honest. Went back to Shimano XT as it is simple, it works and if I break the derailer - it won't cost me and arm and a leg to replace the unit. Also cable operated is in my experience less "binary" in adjustment...To each his/her own obviously but been there, done that and never going back again to electronic shifting.
Gx axs is amazing. I love it. But I just put Shimano xt on my hardtail and honestly, it's just as good as axs in my opinion. Mechanical all the way for me going forward!
From someone who's AXS just failed, it's great until the moment you're stuck. For me it was 2.5 years, for you might be 5, but someday you will be stuck on the trail in the middle of nowhere with a derailleur that goes dark (battery was charged) and is frozen in whatever gear it was in- can't move it. Good luck! I'm going back to cheaper, lighter, and dependable mechanical.
Sounds about as likely as a mechanical derailleur taking a shit on you in the middle of a ride.
But, to be fair, even a mechanical RD can get stuck, no?
the biggest negative is if you blow it up on a stick or rock and break non replaceable parts which is common with derailleurs. It will be much less expensive to replace a mechanical derailleur.
That is true. Admittedly I'm pretty lucky and have only ever blown up one derailleur on a rock. Typically I don't have issues with that so I have no problem running AXS. If you happen to munch derailleurs often, sticking with the cheaper mechanical options like a GX derailleur is probably your more cost effective move!
-Rich
Love my gx axs been runing it on my new canyon neuron. Had a lot of trubbel with my old cabeld nx system on the old bike
Glad to hear it! The NX drivetrain definitely has it's issues. That's one of the coolest things about AXS, is that you can upgrade to it without swapping your chain, cassette, or chainring!
Cheers - Dan at Fanatik
My Rocky Mountain doesn’t work in the short setting with a transmission from sram. I’m at peace with the slx cassette and derailer
I want see video with cleaning your bike)
I’ve been running a GX AXS for the last 900 miles and it has been trouble free. I think it and carbon fiber wheels are the two best upgrades I’ve done.
hell yeah muscles
Wheels by far in my opinion is the best upgrade
Why is nobody talking about the weak clutch on these? Ran mine for 6 months and the chain slap gradually got more and more intolerable till I ended up switching to a slx derailleur which quietened everything down and everything has been fine since. Same happened to 3 guys I shuttle with.
Never a good thing when such an expensive kit can't do one of its basic functions well. If it wasn't for the clutch I'd never have went back
Maybe Sram improved the clutch? I just got a new SC Megatower that came with the GX AXS and I have yet to hear any chain slap.
After about 10 rides on the GX T type, my only issue (it’s a really big issue to me). The rear cassette steps are pretty awful. Coming from Shimano XTR 10x2, the gear ratios for steep technical climbing offer so much more. The SRAM cassette goes in huge steps when you need finer steps. Perhaps just me, but I am actually thinking about getting rid of it and going back to cables.
I have ran the SRAM GX AXS now for one year, and I am currently thinking on going back to mechanical or maybe even upgrade to the SRAM Transmission.
The reason for that is quite simple, the GX AXS has becoming super annoying loud since the chainslap after one year has become very bad. It seems like the derailleur has lost a lot of tension after riding it for ~3000km. :(
That is a common complaint. The new GX Transmission is pretty sweet, but you have to get a whole new drivetrain. I'm always a proponent of mechanical, myself, especially where budget is a concern.
- Dan P.
Maybe change the spring and service the clutch? Just a guess, as that’s something you need to do with Shimano derailleurs after a while.
@@niklashbg People have tried that, as Dan mentions this is a common complaint. I suspect the next version they will change the clutch tension.
In regards to trim, can you do separate micro adjustments between all cogs, or is it just one global adjustment like the barrel is on a mechanical shifter?
You can microadjust every gear separately and its easy, intuitive and works. If the derailleur doesn't have play in the main pivot.
Good questions. That's a common misconception about AXS, one that I've unfortunately seen furthered by people who should know better. Trim adjustments are universal.
See here:
sram.uservoice.com/forums/923374-sram-axs-mobile/suggestions/38804131-trim-option-per-gear?page=1&per_page=20
Cheers - Dan at Fanatik
@@FanatikBikeCo Thanks Dan! Much appreciated. I'm as close as I've ever been to swapping out a perfectly functions GX system, but I still can't hit the confirm purchase button. lol
@@ThunderStruckMTB Well, I suspect you'll be happy with the purchase (it does work very well, and it's pretty cool), but if you decide to spend that money elsewhere, chances are you'll still be stoked next time you get on your bike :D
Cheers - Dan at Fanatik
While I’m pretty sure I know the answer. I might as well ask anyway. How about differences and appetite for the shifter? Specifically why would one run the GX vs. X01, vs. XX1? Cheers!
I'll let you in on a little secret. There is no difference between all of the AXS shifters! The GX AXS shifter is $158 compared to $215 on the standard AXS shifter...only difference, is the GX AXS shifter has a GX logo on it!
www.fanatikbike.com/products/sram-gx-eagle-axs-controller
I don't have an AXS. I was varsity interpretive dance all 4 years in HS. Actually, I was the only one, but I was still Varsity, just all by myself. My mom says you're just jealous.
I am jealous. I only ever made it to junior varsity.
- Dan at Fanatik
Hey man not hating on your voice, but a mate of mine sounded very similar to you and it ended up being throat cancer, young, doesn’t smoke ect. Keep and eye on it! Happy riding
One day I will tell my children about those days where we manually shifted gears, had to gently control our brakes without any AI-Anti-Slip-Brake-Control and actually knew what those rebound and compression knobs were supposed to do. Ah and I will hopefully tell them that for some time we put some disgusting fluid pared with overpriced noodles in our tires which was just a complete mess.
The current tech will still exist. Even cable brakes with rim brakes will still exist.
They even got ABS now :-)
One day, I'll tell my grandkids those days when we actually pedaled and steered our bikes and that, that was called mountain biking.
I can't believe that after 1000 miles you haven't any play in the pivot bushings. I am running my second GX AXS and the play is so bad that precise shifting is impossible after 1200 miles. The electronics are flawless but the bearings are crap and no spare parts available.
Hey Thomas,
So after Dan rode this GX AXS kit he handed it off to me, and I've been riding it since. I haven't noticed any significant play and I've probably put another 1200 miles on this same derailleur in this video. I've been running it with an XT Cassette/Chain/Chainring combo on my Dreadnought with little to no issue. I'll have to check it out this weekend in the garage to see if there is play in the bushings. I've not noticed anything when riding it though. I'll let you know what I find after this weekend
-Rich @ Fanatik
I'm sure he's a nice guy but damn can we get him a cough drop? 😆
I was listening on headphones and I thought he was the guy that says "I AM IRON MAN" on the Ozzy song. I think the mic on his voice box
No joke
Seriously I didnt even finish the whole video cause of it. Think there was a audio glitch maybe too. I dunno had me tripping out
Is my speaker distorting? What is happening?
I really don't miss replacing cables and housing or adjusting for cable stretch. For me the GX AXS was worth it on all my bikes.
GX AXS is great, I think it simplifies the drivetrain. Easier to adjust on the fly, no cables to wear out, shifts perfect every time. No brainer. I will never go mechanical again.
Only one thing I disagree with, I believe the AXS shifts better than mechanical. With both systems adjusted correctly the AXS shifts are faster and more accurate than a mechanical system.
I've upgraded my gx, which worked perfectly, to axs xx1 and boy do I regret it. The cable actuated derailleur worked buttery smooth, not much play on the pivot, and now the xx1 goes all over the play, you don't need micro adjustment, which is a nice touch, because the main pivot is so loose. Only 6 or 7 gears out of 12 work perfectly, the rest... well getting the gear ypu want Is like winning a lottery. Doesn't happen too often. Maybe the new gx axs is better but if I had to pay for xx1 I would be furious...
I love fanatik videos man but honestly listening to Dan is a double edge sword. His videos are very informative but on the other hand he sounds like he has 8 liters of thick phlegm unreleased.
You're not the only that thinks so. I have yet to find a solution. That's just my voice. I'm glad you find the videos informative though.
- Dan P.
I'm kind of weird in this regard. On my MTB, I really prefer mechanical shifting and enjoy servicing the whole drive train on a regular basis. But on my road bike, I would never go back to mechanical shifting but stick to Di2.
One of the main reasons is that I can feel which gear is active when I'm using mechanical shifting. In tight terrain which often requires fast shifting of several gears, I'm hitting the correct or at least intended gear better than with electronic shifting.
You do lose that "feel" of the gear shifting with wireless stuff for sure. Thats a bit of a mind melter at first but I think you get used to it pretty quickly.
I'm with you. I have E shifting on both mountain and road bikes. I can take it or leave it on mtb but I love it on my road bike.
Did anyone else notice missing part of self extracting bolt on the ds crank?
Those fall off all the time, there was a stretch where it seemed they didn't have any loctite on them from the factory. I happened to hear it fall off on the road, so just left it off in the drawer instead of putting it back on to have it disappear on me.
Best,
- Dan at Fanatik
i'm lost in a sea of Xs.
Dan, you need a cough drop pal?
One too many cigarettes that morning, huh.
.
.
.
.
.
To any kids out there (or adults), I don't smoke cigarettes, that was a joke. Don't smoke ciggs.
@@danp5812 may I recommend switching to Virginia Slims?
@@CCWclassic You don't think the Marlboro Red 100s are doing the trick?
I didn’t know Shaun white rides mtb
Gave up busting 540's for ripping single track
Damnit, now I have to spend an extra $1000 for the AXS
Sorry!
- Dan at Fanatik
The upgrade kit is on sale now until the end of the year. $460 for the shifter derailleur, battery and charger.
GX AXS plus XX1 rainbow cassette and chain FTW. Slap on some rainbow rotor bolts to match.
Don't forget the rainbow Code RSC brakes
how is long review? how it works after 1 year ?
This set up was great. Ran it for over a year with no issues.
I did recently roast the derailleur on a rock during a big ride. Was able to keep it in a single gear and limp my way home but definitely bummed. I'm pretty torn right now on my next move. Do I pony up the cash and replace the AXS derailleur, or swap back to my XT derailleur and shifter?
I'm really not looking forward to having to reroute cables in the frame but that is a lot cheaper than buying an AXS derailleur.
So its definitely a sweet set up running Shimano/SRAM hybrid, but if you do roast the derailleur like I did its not a cheap fix!
-Rich @ Fanatik
it shifts better. no doubt
"Is doesn't necessarily shift better!?" I've tested GX AXS, and shifts faster than the GX mech, possibly faster than the X01. If the money is not an issue, for sure it's the better option over the X01 just because of the evolution and dependability.
And yeah, your decision is biased a tailored to your particular situation having already X01, but for GX users, AXS GX is worth over upgrading to X0.
What I meant was that I wouldn't upgrade to AXS from a decent mechanical SRAM drivetrain. In my opinion, it is not better. In a few ways that I elaborated on in the video, I think it is worse.
- Dan P.
Decent means X01. Almost same price minus 100e than the GX AXS. See, that's why we prefer Shimano sometimes 😅
Is the gx axs going to work just fine with shimano cassette 10-51t? Thanks
You can run the AXS derailleur and shifter with a Shimano set up. You need Shimano cassette, chain, and chainring along with the AXS derailleur and shifter and it will work
@@FanatikBikeCo and some says even better with lower jockey wheel from shimano
Uhhh overdrive motor???
Come again?
Finally a dirty bike. Doesn't get any more real than that. Components are always shown tested on clean, shinny bikes. How do they work when the actual rising is happening with your bike getting used like it is supposed to. Not sitting shinny on a bike stand.
Dan says he's never had problems with a 'properly adjusted' mechanical drive train. Well duh! The entire point it getting it 'properly adjusted' and keeping it that way.
I guess my point being that people frequently lament about their Eagle drivetrains not shifting nicely, and in the same breath talk about how much better AXS is. It's misleading. They both shift equally well under the right circumstances (proper adjustment, nothing bent), and don't differ significantly in difficulty of making those adjustments.
- Dan at Fanatik
@@FanatikBikeCo Thanks for clarifying. I wonder if it's easier adjusting the shifting with an app instead of the barrel adjuster on the lever?
@@netposerx Adjustments are more intuitive the way it's done with AXS, but I wouldn't describe them as easier. In both instances you adjust the position of derailleur's pulley wheels in fine increments. Takes the same amount of time, and both are done at the remote.
- Dan
Liked the video, but without sub-titles, it was hard to follow the speaker, although he seemed to have presented the material in an easy-to-follow flow, I had to listen carefully to make out his words, due to his raspy voice. Other than that, great video, although I did have to view it twice to fully understand him.
Thanks for the feedback. Glad found it helpful, despite my raspy voice.
- Dan at Fanatik
can't get gummed up like a mechanical, sure it won't
Tactile feel cannot be replicated.
So many people jump on these new gadgets because they have not figured out what their own needs are, in which they simply choose to follow trends. Just look at the electric motorcycles that so many have jumped on, because they want others to think they are doing something right physically. So many of these people actually have started to believe the lies like they are doing the full work themself, and it's just a sad sad thing.
It's just trends that come and go, and so many jump on it because they want approval of others so badly, that they time and time again just purchase some crap that have been pushed hard to be a trend, as if it's an instant success of what ever. How many of such individuals actually ask themself if they really need that thing...
Happiness cannot be bought, except it is being marketed all over the place every single day. Try to find your own true needs instead, and it'll be easy to reject all the extra crap that are being sold that you just don't need.
To me wireless is overpriced, also a more expensive derailleaur does not make much difference, you only go lighter and pay more money if your a professional racer.
The Eagle AXS derailleur is HIGHLY PRONE TO DAMAGE. It sticks out too far and if you set your bike on the ground it may pivot on the derailleur and damage the pins and rivets which ruins the shifting quality. I had this happen and ZERO help from SRAM after 2 rides!!!!
Hmm I've been rocking it for almost a year now with no issues with it catching on anything and getting damaged. Dan actually had it on his bike before giving it to me to ride. So well over a year on it at this point and no issues! Definitely make sure when I'm setting my bikes on the ground that I'm setting it on the non drive side. I do this with mechanical and the electronic stuff because I don't like banging the derailleur around. Sorry to hear you are having issues.
-Rich
My god take a drink of water!!!
Hi Christopher,
Unfortunately, that's just how my voice sounds after I've been talking for a while. I keep a big ol bottle of water right off the screen for in between takes, but have yet to find a way to mitigate my voice deteriorating into a gravely sound after a few takes. And believe me, I've definitely tried (someone comments on it almost every video).
Thanks for watching - Dan at Fanatik
Good info, but too much vocal fry. Have a glass of water.
Hi Steve,
Unfortunately, that's just how it sounds after I've been talking for a while. I keep a big ol bottle of water right off the screen for in between takes, but have yet to find a way to mitigate my voice deteriorating into a gravely sound after a few takes. And believe me, I've definitely tried (someone comments on it almost every video).
Thanks for watching - Dan at Fanatik
Why do so many professionals in the bike industry think SRAM has an H in it?
because they want to sound german
dude sounds like my nan
Hahaha quite the compliment! Cheers - Dan at Fanatik
Hoy paos lampus tka kron
Just clear your throat bruh! (thanks for the review tho)
My pleasure! That's just how my voice sounds unfortunately, I haven't found any solutions to make it less gravely.
- Dan at Fanatik
Why you talk like that bro 😂
Are you getting sick? Your voice sounds super froggy.
Okay but his voice is getting on my nerves
Sorry about that. Next time I'll keep my mouth shut!
- Dan at Fanatik
I was anti AXS, and anti Ebike. I now own a Kenevo SL with AXS, and will now never own another non Ebike or a bike without AXS. Try new things.
Out of curiosity, what changed? That is, why did you have those opinions before and what allowed them to change?
- Dan at Fanatik
Argh...your voice.
Ridiculous, is like saying that you will keep buying cds instead of bluetooth