Are wireless bike parts ACTUALLY worth it? (GX AXS Review) 

I’m the opposite. I love mine! It’s fast, it’s easy to setup, it’s smooth shifting, way better to adjust on the fly… so many great things about it!

AXS changed my life, shifting underload is great, microadjust, easy install, so durable, and no cockpit clutter! Love mine

Gamechanger! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and this helped me shift without pain. Perfect for people with disabilities. Love mine!

@the loam ranger..every time i hit jumps im saying in my head.."stand up to the jump,stand up to the jump"" lmao..thanks ..but the advice is fantastic

I clicked this purely because of the absolute lack of clickbait in the thumbnail. Providing the answer in the thumbnail, mad respect.

Been running the AXS on my Wreckoning for the last 9 months. Love it. Super precise shifting all day, every day. Battery lasts a long time (Never ran out on a ride). So easy to set up for super fast multi gear shifts and no messing with a cable when they stretch or get jacked in a wreck. I also run XT on my Spectral and X01 before it. Standard shifting with those two is still excellent, just not quite as good as my experience with AXS. But after everything is said and done , the price increase from even GX AXS to a standard XT or even GX setup....is it worth it? For a majority of people I'd agree that answer is a no as $600 is a LOT and buys several XT Derailleur's.

I think this is a fair review, but I have the almost opposite experience. I have found the clutch to be stronger than my mechanical GX setup. I ride in pretty rocky AZ terrain. The fact that the mech will move out of the way when hit and move back is also a feature that I've unfortunately used. The cost is an issue, but not having to worry about cable tension and replacing the cable after a season is worth it to me, but maybe I'm rich ;) . I'm a big guy, I run DH casing tires on my enduro rig, I'm not worried about the weight. I've been running the GX AXS for just over a year on my two main bikes and I have to say I never worry about it. The charge last so long and only once have I ran out of battery or forgot the battery, but I've also driven to the trailhead without my helmet before so maybe that is me lol. Anyways, I always recommend the AXS to everyone, I love it and just added one to my wife's bike. To each their own and whatever gear gets you on teh trail and having fun is the right gear!

I couldn’t agree less. I upgraded to the GX AXS first on my own bike and now have it on two more in the family. I can agree that the shifter takes some time getting used to, but when it shifts perfectly every time you don’t need the feedback. Getting rid of wires that stretch or don’t run smoothly has made me spend way less time on tuning my gears, now I set it up once and it works perfectly both with SRAM and Shimano cassette, so there is really no need for micro adjust on every gear, that would just complicate things. The micro adjust also works very well with the shifter, just push pairing button and shift in direction you need to adjust, very precise and quick. I also find it one of the most robust gears I have ever tried, I have bashed it into rocks a couple of times and it’s full of scratches, but after aligning the hanger again it still shifts perfectly. As for the app, unless you are 80 years old that is really not an issue 😉 In Europe I get this for about half of what you are saying, so it is really not that expensive looking at all the other stuff we bikers spend money on. So I would argue that your review is terribly biased by personal preferences, this is a really god product for those who like hassle free gearing every day and a clean setup, it just takes a few rides to get used to.

Really enjoy the honest, no bull, reviews. It's nice to hear from a rider that you don't need the latest, most expensive, toy to ride and have fun. I'm looking forward to your next video!

I had the first generation GX Eagle, and it was such a complete disappointment. Sram 1x11 was so solid, so I was disappointed with the finicky setup of Eagle. I never felt like I got it quite right, and then it was always drifting on me; every couple of weeks, I'd have to reindex it. It was super particular about hanger alignment as well. When I moved to GX AXS, all of that went away. It took ten minutes to install and setup, and everything just worked. I have small hands--the dump lever has always been a big throw for me--so this solved the hand/wrist fatigue from long days in the saddle. I thought that not having the feel of cable tension in the shifter would mess with my shifting, but I got used to it really quick. The battery also lasts forever. But what if it dies? Yeah, well what if you break a shift cable? I roll with a spare battery the same way I used to roll with a spare cable. Aftermarket cassettes that change the spacing between cogs don't work well with cable actuated system, either; you just get used to overshifting slightly on downshifts to compensate. I've been completely happy with it. My experience could not be any different than yours.

I have been running AXS since it came out and have it on 3 different bikes, and I can honestly say the shifting is slightly better than mechanical when it's brand new with a fresh cable and easy pedaling, where AXS really shines ahead is over time and under load. Over time, it stays the same and the shift quality doesn't degrade like mechanical, where depending on your bike and its routing you have to go through the not big deal, to complete nightmare of replacing the cable and housing. I will also say that I have seen some issues with AXS shifting quality and non SRAM cassettes so that ethirteen cassette may be some issue. Also, the cost argument is a bit hard to accept with a set of $500 5Dev cranks on the bike. They are fantastic, and I have a set on my bike, but if we are talking bang for the buck, cranks are probably the worst place to spend your money.

I would add one more positive aspect: cleaning. I take my chain off and remove the derailleur and wash it in the sink. When I’m done I bolt it back on and there’s no fiddling with setting a cable and indexing. It picks up right where it left off.

I had electronic shifting on a cyclocross race bike. My experience with similar to yours. One morning I was about to head out to an event and the battery was dead, as in it would not charge. Shimano replaced it, but no bike event that day. I find mechanical shifting more reliable.

I thought that the weak clutch was a problem in my unit but I see that it is "normal". I agree that u can spend that money on other parts or lessons but it's cool though. I use mine with an NX cassette that comes with my status 2022 and it runs smoothly and really love it.

Darn, I really appreciated that breakdown, and it feels right inline with how I figured I'd feel - mostly bummed to hear that you can't do micro-adjustments between cogs! Thanks for that review :)

I’ve had the GX AXS for 12 months now on the Fuel EX8. The system has worked flawlessly and the micro adjustment feature is really handy when out on the trail. My experience is very positive with the upgrade.

My AXS X01 is the best shifting experience I've had. Great, consistent, shifts over time and with dirtier chains. I don't think using a non-SRAM Eagle cassette is the right way to review the system. My take is that a well adjusted cable derailleur and the AXS equivalent shift about the same for a couple of rides, but then the cable setup's shift quality just starts to degrade until you are forced to tweak it. The AXS version is just perfect until you wreck and bend the derailleur bracket. I also doubt there is much of an overall weight penalty, once the shifter and cable are accounted for. That being said, if you have to really cut corners somewhere else to afford, go cable (XO1). If you can upgrade to AXS with just a little extra penny pinching, I think you should do it, but plan on buying an extra battery just to be safe. Ranger, keep making great videos. I really enjoy them. Your how-to's provide a nice, new perspective. I really enjoyed the cornering and jumping videos. You should try and review the ShockWiz shock/fork setup tool. That thing has been super helpful for me, but I don't see much mention of it online. I think most average riders would really benefit from it.

I would encourage you to put a SRAM cassette on to see if there is an immediate difference. I’ve been running AXS since they released it and it sounds like you got a lemon 🍋. I have run e thirteen before and I was very happy with how it worked with my XO1 derailleur, I also found the cassette really wore faster than Sram or Shimano. All this is pointing towards your cassette.

Great ‘honest’ vid! I do follow other mtb RU-vid ers that use the system and I don’t recall hearing/seeing a focused review of it (maybe they’re sponsored). I am running a standard sram eagle drive train on my bike and I love it. I have considered the wireless system - for about 30 seconds, the cost settled that for me.

Thank you for keeping it real Ryan! It's honest reviews and straight talk like this that keep me coming back. Keep up the great work.

100% best upgrade I've ever done. I ride where the trails are very undulating, no downhill, lots of pedaling and shifting.

I've been running a GX AXS on my Spectal 29 CF9. It was specd on the bike, I didn't think much of it, nor was it the selling point of the bike for me - but simply put its a *really* nice to have. I like not having to worry about cable tension, the shifts are very smooth and I like only having to press a button as opposed to pushing through the shifter. If you have the cash, you'll love it. If you don't have the cash, you don't need it!

Thanks for the “intervention” 😂 I’m a tech geek and was fully targeting a GX AXS setup. Going wired GX route for now and go wireless with the eMTB later. Big fan of your channel! Keep up the sweet vids! 🤙🏽

I've had GX AXS for about 10 months and I love it. Battery lasts for a long time. At first I was super paranoid about a dead battery but I've gone more than a month with riding 4-6 days per week and no issues. I do pull the battery when transporting to ensure that servo motors aren't going on during bumps etc. as some have reported. As some others have stated, what is nice for me is the consistency of the shifting over time vs having to readjust cable tension on a mechanical system. Also, in my experience it takes a whole lot of abuse. I've smacked it into rocks and it just keeps ticking. I haven't really noticed the weak clutch so much. It is worth it to me but probably not worth it to many others. Thanks for the review.

I bought my dream bike a couple of years ago thinking the high end derailleur would be super smooth as most reviews had claimed. Unfortunately this was short-lived and suddenly my rides which I thought would be enjoyable, became more frustrating due to regular cable tension issues which required me to adust the barrel adjusters every three or so laps (approximately 20km of riding). I endured this for a year and a half with time and effort troubleshooting (which I'm thankful for as it taught me some maintenance skills) as well as have had three different LBS try and resolve the issue. I lost some motivation to ride as I did not look forward to having to muck around with my rear derailleur. every time I took my bike out. My dream bike at that. Finally, I purchased a SRAM AXS X01 and the difference is night and day. 200% worth it. If you can afford it, yes, go for it. One less moving part that requires replacing, consistent shifting EACH AND EVERY TIME, and a cleaner cockpit. Having an en enjoyable ride each and every time, where I worry less about stretching cables, and spend time having fun outdoors and appreciating being out in nature, is worth it. Note: I am using a SRAM X01 AXS with a Shimano XT 12sp cassette. Works beautifully and shifts consistently each and every time.

Really appreciated the good, independent, honest review that really focus and explains in detail all the cons of the AXS system.

I got the GX AXS upgrade kit a month ago as a 40th birthday present. I love it. When my freehub grenaded on my bike, I switched my wheel from my other bike that had an I9 Hydra hub paired with Shimano cassette. Oddly enough, It worked better than with my GX cassette.

Little typo in the title, I think you meant “parts” instead of “parks”. Otherwise great video! 🤙🏼

I definitely agree!!! It’s a great system but there are so many parts on a bike that can be upgraded that actually make a big difference!! My favorite is a really good dropper post!! For starters:). Really good wheel set !! Tyres. I could keep going 😊. Good straight forward review 👍

I love mine. Run on a 2021 carbon Santa cruz chameleon and it's as smooth as butter. Never had a problem or issue.

Good review, unbiased, but could not disagree more. I think when you are opening the door to electronic parts on your bike, you should be ready to some acceptable compromises (such as charger, keeping an eye on battery level) as long as it does not outweigh the benefits. And yes, it is expensive but it does shift so much better. One big plus is how consistent it shifts across the whole cassette, unlike my old GX. Super crisp, up or down shifting. And with time, it will become a cheaper piece of gear

I have an SRAM XX1 Derailure , and Dropper. It gets OTA Software updates just sitting the kit on your coffee table! Expensive? Yes it is....but cutting edge tech always costs more . It shifts EXACTLY where you ask it too. To ignore the benefits is simply ridiculous!

I just recently moved over to using the GX AXS and have really enjoyed it. One consideration I had for it was using it on my hard tail that I can convert to SS. Going electronic makes this a fairly easy switch and one I can easily knock out. The only other question I had was regard to micro adjustments. I was under the impression that you could individually adjust each gear using the SRAM AXS App on my phone (iPhone for me). I have done it and at least it indicates you can make adjustments for each gear (24 per gear if I am not mistaken). As to your overall assessment, I have to say I think your comments are fairly spot on, when the system is dialed in it can be hard to tell whether or not something actually happened back there, where as, on my analog equipped bike it is much easier. Overall, I like it and would get it again.

Dude, you're the best 😷. I never had the urge to buy or invest in wireless shifting. And after seeing your vid and hearing your experience (from someone who just wants to get outside and ride), I'm more convinced now that I'll stick to cable actuated shifters and derailleurs. I'm more of a Shimano boy but I've got nothing against Sram. Keep up the vids dude and god bless 👍🏿

I agree, the price is ridiculous however my experience with using it is quite different and that may be the difference in the cassette. I am also running XO1 which may be different as well. For over a year now my shifting has been spot on, and unlike your experience with the lever, I love love love the button. I hate the stupid levers and in some cases failed to get a shift in, either from stretch or because my finger slipped off when trying to push it far enough to do multiple shifts at once. With the button, no problem, and it's much lighter on my thumb, which is important for older riders with wrist tendonitis! For me it's super intuitive, very easy to program and everything is app driven these days and requires accounts be setup so very natural there as well. I find that I am much more easily able to get into the gear I want and know where I am in the cassette while I am riding. One of the best things, on my Wahoo roam is that I have it connected to AXS and can see what gear I am in on my head unit! I do agree though my bike is noisier because of that weak clutch and the cost still needs to keep coming down, but I couldn't recommend it more if you can swing the price tag.

Excellent video, I’ve toyed with this for months, you’re just confirmed and convinced me that it’s not for me. Cheers.

Personally, I think the system is awesome. My Stumpjumper came with one and have since added to another bike. Yes it’s pricey but it works perfect every time. I’ve only been running this for 10 months but have ridden a lot of miles with zero issues. Cheers!

Loved it, please continue with this kind of videos!

I currently run the gx axis on my bike I had it on my previous bike with a shimano SLX Cassette with no issues. I now run GX cassette on the new bike. I do agree with you on the cost and the feel of a regular drive train. But since I did pay so much for it I will continue to run it. But it also has some good qualities like you mentioned

Thanks for keeping it real! Wonder how the new Shimano wireless system will be compared to gx axs

Thanks for the info. I was ready to click order, but I was sceptical. Appreciate it!!

Good to see some positive comments. My experience was riding with a friend who forgot to grab his shifter battery and was stuck as a “single speed” for a very hilly ride. Fortunately for him, he was in an easier gear but it was still quite annoying. I feel like batteries are just one more thing to fail out on the trail, but good to hear some folks having good experiences.

I’ve had GX AXS on my v3 5010 since they released it and have had zero issues. Shifts amazingly. Easy setup. Cool website that shows all the shifts and other data, etc. Only forgot to charge the battery once. I feel like the cons list is being over exaggerated a bit. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thank you TLR! Very good review! None of the cons come as surprise to me...Well maybe one....the clutch strength, I didn't see this one coming...🙏

I’ve been riding my gx axs for just a few months now and I love it! I think some of your worries or cons are more just in your head. But to each their own.

Thanks for the honest opinion. I have been wondering if these systems are worth it and you did a great job answering this question of mine.

One of best MTB gear reviews I've seen! I wonder if an Eagle cassette would have shifted (pun intended), your overall impression of the system I like how you considered the added cost, and how it replaces other possible spendings, that have bigger impact (such as skill classes, etc)

As a person who had an issue where the hang point was slightly bent once and two different shops adjusted and verified the hang point was as close to perfect as they could get... but no derailleurs I bought would stay aligned for more than 2 rides no matter the break in period. I finally realized I had spent almost $450 on progressively "better" derailleurs with no change in longevity and said oh well and threw down the money for the AXS system. Never have had to make an adjustment since and only had the battery die on me once because I did not charge it for 3 weeks. I find it to be the second best upgrade I have ever done after a dropper post (which was much cheaper).

I was wonder if the wireless shifting would help prolong the life of the cassette and chain, and you had a good comment on that, thank you for your thoughts.

i recently changed back to XT after running GXAXS , i loved the quick and sharp shifting of the wireless but man the chain noise/slap was terriable compared to the xt.

Honestly not having to adjust the barrel Adjuster every damn ride to me is priceless! And not having to change the cable and casing 2 twice a year saves you money in the long run

To me this part saved my desire to ride. I had been having shifting issues on my bike for over a year and tried three different cassette and cable derailleur combos and was ready to quit. I put on AXS and I haven’t had a single issue in over six months. Only Had to charge the battery one time it lasts forever. This is the best money I spent on my bike

No, you don't have to create an account to setup the GX AXS. There is the "off the grid" option. I've did everything like that.

Love my AXS GX. I also just ordered the AXS Reverb Dropper as well. Is it a must have, not really but being able to adjust your derailleur on the fly is awesome. I have had nothing but a positive experience so far. Just picked up a whole spare kit on black Friday deal for $409.

Great video! - Good to know! I was curious about AXS. I suppose it's at the same level as EMTBS? I predict in time they'll get everything right!

AXS was a game changer for me me. Mainly cuz the cable routing on the rear triangle on my 2013 Specialized Enduro got super warped I could never get it indexed for a whole ride. AXS solved that issue. I have noticed indexing is super sensitive to B-screw adjustment. I love the shifting speed. Correcting shifting errors (wrong gear) is super fast.

I enjoyed your review but don't agree with the value for money. I did for more than a year struggle with the cable version of X01 (fully) and despite multiple visit on repair shops and replacement of cables, I did purchae the X01 AXS. I don't have any issue with shifting anymore and now on trails it's smoothless. Never been happier

I have the GX AXS, and I have only experienced the one issue with the weaker clutch (it is definitely noisier)! The battery lasts around 21 hours of riding, and you get a warning when it gets low. Otherwise, I love it. It's very robust and if the derailleur gets hit, it auto collapses (which I think is a great feature). It's an easy set up, and once set up, that's it! Sure, it's expensive, but I'll take that for less maintenance and constant adjustments. The battery in the shifter lasts over a year and is super easy to change. I'm a convert. 🤙

Thank you! I'm glad for the honesty

i think you're right on point and i totally agree with you. the money can be used in much better ways,like you said. i would constantly worry about damaging the system somehow. great video bro.

Wireless Shifting and Dropper are some of the greatest inventions for the Mt Bike. Or no....maybe I would like to hassle old cables and constant adjustment rather than a set and forget wireless solution!

It’s simple, the GX Axs is a no brainer ! Overall for the price , bang for buck superb. I understand your thought process regarding the sounds , the feeling of not changing like a regular gearing system, it takes time to master and fully enjoy the wireless experience !

I prefer wired bike parks because you don't have to pedal uphill, but it comes at a cost.

oh man this channel should definitely have more views... nice job bro... great content. this is by far THE best review out there. keep it up

The axs derailleur has another great function you missed, and that is bash protection. If you hit it, it actually MOVES and then moves back. Protecting itself. Less likely to damage it or bend/break a hanger.

Excellent job. I have a dream build bike but do not use AXS because I don't like al of the excess needs (power, etc.). Your video even confirms my feelings.

Interesting video, thanks 🙏

I have been using the road etap since it came out in 2016 and the original x01 axs since it was released in 2019 and now I have had the gx axs on my long travel bike since last summer. Along the way I have been using both mechanical GX and shimano 12-speed. The best shifting feel is definitely from the shimano 12-speed stuff, I just kept breaking the shifters. On my long travel bike I kept the shimano chain and cassette when I brought the GX axs and it is definitely the best configuration that I have tried for the axs, even with sram cassette the shifting going into a harder gear can be very abrupt. However the shifting quality keeps very constant without the slow degrading of the shifting in a mechanical system (I don't change the cables and outers often enough). Both the x01 and gx merch is definitely more tough than de hangers on my bikes I have had to swap a few but have had no damage to the merchs. The battery in the shifter lasted me 3 years on the x01. If anybody is interested in the AXS stuff definitely get the paddle shifter it is much better than the original rocker.

I think you totally nailed it with the lack of feedback in the shifting. That is the reason I went back to a cable derailleur. I think the lack of shifter feedback takes away from the riding experience. Love the videos man, keep em’ coming!

Really enjoyed this Video, thank you!

Nice video! I was in the doubts of buying one because of the hassle with cables and tension etc. ... But with this review I think I might wait a bit longer. Side question: what is that crank you got there? Never seen it before.

Great thoughts! Thank you.

A couple of points to clarify around the micro adjustment. Yes I am not sure whether or not you can use with another cassette BUT Ryan must have done something wrong. Yes you use the second cog to calibrate the system but after that point all the other cogs move semi independently. I have used this to my advantage and it is for me the biggest selling point. You can tune every cog/ every single one of them to shift perfectly..... even in adverse conditions. So when riding and my derailleur hanger is bent. I normally kinda keep riding as normal because I am able to correct every gear independently. If it was one adjustment for all that would be impossible. In my opinion that is the value proposition. The money making feature is indeed micro adjust and truly independent micro adjustments and luckily AXS can do it. Furthermore. Lets accept this is all anecdotal, but in my experience AXS has beating all my previous derailleurs life expectancy by a lot. I got it from brand new XX1 AXS in 2019. And it has survived the worst crashes none of my other derailleurs would have stand a chance, put it in a different way, I have had derailleurs that have died with much much less of an impact that what AXS has endured. From both SRAM and Shimano. Lastly, that chain slap..... and lack of tension. I attribute this to poor installation. When I first got AXS, I have to admit... it was a rocky start it didnt blew me away right off the bat. It sucked balls! but then I realised what the problem was.... nobody knows how to setup AXS my bike shop was setting it up like it was any other eagle system it is not. It has its own way of measuring the chain length. and arm position. So in my opinion my experience with AXS only got decent or amazing to what it is right now. When I watched the SRAM videos and taught myself how to set and maintain the system. I am pretty certain there are a lot of mechanics with a lot of experience with them by now. So I wouldnt worry as much as I did when it first came out. Lastly, I am sorry to hear you didn't have a good experience Ryan. But entertain the idea that If I was going to call my AXS adventure off one month in, I would have been profoundly disappointed and not by paying 800 for an upgrade kit but when I had to pay 2k for the full XX1 set in 2019. A big part of the value of AXS is in the longevity and reliability of the system.... again as you ride and perhaps your chain is loose or your derailleurs is slightly bent. You keep correcting it on the go, without stopping pedalling, right from the controller, before you know it. You realise you have gone three years without any missed shift from a derailleur. That for me to this date is still worth 2k or even more. Yeah those issues you complain at the end. Are issues I really don't know existed and you made it sound like it was the end pf the world. The battery cover is an accessory. I have been running mine without from day one. I haven't ever needed it. Yes you need to charge the batteries. But also I never had to detach it unprotected for longer than 20 mins. On the one day I forgot to charge it in three years. I charge it 20 mins from the car and rode for another couple of months on that charge. Battery lasts between 3-6 months between charges. The shifter at 3 years is still using the original battery. Again more than any other drive train/shifter i have ever had. So yeah this shifter has never been damage through crashes like the other mechanicals I had did. Why? it has no levers no stick bits. It is solid. I don't know what else to say..... I think you are sounding like an old man my dude. I cant go back to a mechanical derailleur and complain about the cables. like it is a moot point. I have to talk about what I gain/what I lose by having them. It is clear that you have made your mind around it and it is fine. But please entertain the idea, you had a bad experience, and not even, but that your perception is clearly biased. Also I am dead certain the same way..... it happened with Road bikes. Like it or not. In 5-10 years time all your MTB will be electronic. So hate it for what it isnt and love it for what it is,; hearing you complaining about non-issues at the end. Made me feel sad.

Worrying about 60g on a mountain bike is ridiculous IMO.. given that most riders with DD casing or Downhill casing tyres could easily get away with stepping down a casing weight. Not only is it unsprung but it's also rotational.

I was anti wireless for a long time, just like you. However, on my singlespeed setup, I run dt240 hubs, so with a spare hub body, I can switch back and forth between gears and SS in 10 minutes

I LOVE mine! came on my new Stumpy EVO. The battery last crazy long, so long i'm not sure were it does go low our battery out. Im running Sram XX1 gold chain, XX1 crank set and Ethirteen rear cassette, shifts amazing. Been running this for 4-months now. I was a diehard cable only driven person, I like this new tech. Have fun ridding!

XX1 it shifts flawlessly, I feel you though have GX cable on two of my bikes. Zero complaints on those as well, I'm fortunate enough to be afford a splurge ( on at least one of my bikes 😅 ). I hear you 💯 though if your avoiding something to afford the splurge stick with what works and works well GX cable is awesome too.

I was able to try an xx1 axs setup on a rental and there were a couple things I noticed. The shifting was much quicker in both directions than a cable, not sure why but it felt good. The other thing was it seemed to be more consistent in all the gears, on my bike with wired shifting, there are a couple gears near the middle of the cassette that hang up on single shifts. I never noticed that with the axs. Could be that my parts are starting to wear out or something but it is something I noticed, i've tried tuning it out but can't get it perfect. Lastly, is it true that axs you can dial in each gear perfectly for chain centering? Where as a wired shifter you really can only set the limit screws and try your best to make sure the chain is centered on one gear, but if anything is bent that means other gears arent as centered making the rest of your shifting not as consistent.

I agree. Shifting gears is such a small part of riding i can't see the value. A well maintained mechanical system gets the job done. I have written of a deraileur before when a stick went through my wheel. So glad it wasn't electronic

Great video buddy 👌

Very honest review! You like my self are very practical.

Just upgraded to the SRAM AXS system. Love it, for all the same reasons others have listed.

How do you like that cascade link? Having one installed on my ripmo right now. I wanted a little more pop back after switching to a coil.

Love a review that DOESN'T want me to go spend more money! 😆 As someone who apparently likes to smash my derailleur on every tree, rock, and wild donkey on the trails sticking with the best "value" option makes sense...

EXCELLENT REVIEW VIDEO! Seriously. Just saved me a bunch of money. All the hype review videos are cute, and as a marketer, I get it... Buuuut - this is why the internet exists! Thank you so much for this video! And that patreon's list WILL be balanced the other way, right? 👍👍

The GX AXS upgrade kit is now $430 US. And the mechanical GX shifter and derailleur is around $140 US. Does that change your opinion? That seems like a much more reasonable upgrade. Thoughts?

Great review BTW

Definitely a nice to have (I have it). But then again, so much of what we buy for bikes are just nice-to-haves.

I had my GX AXS for about a year. I loved the way it shifted with my XT cassette, it was nearly silent on about 70% of shifts. What made me finally sell it. It would ghost shift every trip to the bike park, and the bike park only. It would shift from gear 12 to hear 11 on its own. I'd land from a jump and not know how the pedals would feel. It was not user error. When connecting to my phone the derailleur would show to be in gear 12 and you could look down and see it was in gear 11. I would need to do and downshift and then another upshift to get it back to the proper location. This drove me mad at the bike park and was dangerous because I wouldn't always get the drive needed to clear the next jump. Now that I've gone back to full XT, I'm amazed at how quiet the bike is. The GX AXS clutch is too weak.

I have Shimano Ultegra Di2 on my Gravel/Cyclocross bike and absolutely love it, way different use case than MTB but having different programs on the L/R shifter for all up shifts on right and down on left is how I have mine setup on a 2x setup, if I had a cadence sensor I could do automatic shifting which I probably wouldn’t want unless on a pure road ride. The one part I totally agree with is the shifting feel, I have really mashed my gears a few times by shifting several gears with a bit too much pedal force or accidentally holding the shift too long and not pedaling fast enough.

Battery lasts a month and the app tells you when to charge it. And you never have to adjust shifting after initial setup. Flawless on a sram cassette. IMO it doesn’t make much sense to run axs if you ride primarily park. Maybe a long term review in a long day trail application might change your mind. Also, got mine at a huge discount so the price didn’t become a con for me. Good review though!

Interesting review. Thanks.

I've had nothing but issues with the 12 speed cable derailleur. Constantly having to make adjustments is annoying. It goes out of whack for me after 3 or 4 rides. Hoping this fixes that.

Great vid. I love technology, but only where it makes sense. I might still go the AXS one day, but all the comments in this video resonate with me.

Strongly agree with the weaker clutch. I also have issues with my derailer seemingly moving when I land before moving back. It's like it can't support it's own weight in hard landings.

Excellent honest review. The information like zero micro adjust is huge. .... not sure I'd even want to "win" this. lol

Glad that my assessment of the technology was bang on without having to try it. I mean, I still want to, but I'm shimano drivetrains all day. And even if shimano put out an electronic set I'll still be running an slx/xt mishmash because nothing works better for the money imo.

Thank you so much for this video! I had been thinking about getting the upgrade kit, but with having a Shimano cassette and not being able to micro adjust for each cog (as I thought you would be able to) and the lack of feel Im going to stick with the Deore thats on it and spend the money saved on beer and days riding and appreciating good old cables.

Very helpfull. 👍🏼. Thanks from 🇫🇷

As someone whose job is to fish cables through the frames of FS bikes just about every day, I gotta say that wireless could be cheaper in the long run if you don't do your own mechanical work.