SRAM GX Eagle AXS Rear Derailleur [Rider Review]

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Electronic shifting has become a highly debated topic, especially since SRAM put out their GX AXS that dropped the price on electric shifting. The biggest question is: "Is it worth it?" Our friend, Derek has put it to the test. Check out what they think!

Overview

I was hesitant to try electronic shifting, as I thought there couldn’t be a mind-blowing difference between electronic and mechanical shifting. Now that I’ve tried it, I can honestly say I don’t see myself going back to mechanical shifting.

First, there is not a mind-blowing difference from a shifting perspective. Still, the electronic shifting starts to outshine the mechanical action in the little things, like the ease of set-up, crisp shifting, lever shifting options, and up and down shift speed/options.

SET-UP/INSTALL - I have to qualify this by stating that I’m a novice bike mechanic at best. I am confident enough to do minor adjustments and part swaps, but significant or what I consider major adjustments, I leave to the pros. I took on the AXS install myself, and I was surprised by how easy it was to install. Once I installed the shifter and derailleur, adjusting the B-tension was a breeze with the adjustment tool SRAM provides. What’s incredible about the AXS system is that you can hold down a button on the shifter to make micro-adjustments to your shifting to dial it in perfectly.

LEVER SHIFTING OPTIONS - Another cool feature with the AXS system is you can adjust your shifting buttons and the number of gears you upshift/downshift. Specifically, utilizing the SRAM AXS app, you can configure your shifting rockers to shift up or down based on your preference. You can also make changes to how many gears your upshift or downshift when you hold the button down. It defaults up and downshifts three gears when holding the button down. SRAM allows you to increase the number of gears you change when holding the shifter button. I love this feature because I don’t have to press the shifting lever multiple times as I used to on the mechanical shifter. When I need to shift multiple gears before tackling a trail, I hold it down, and I’m in my desired gear in seconds.

The ability to shift your bike multiple gears is one of the highlighting features for me. There have been countless times in the past when I'm deciding down a trail, and all of a sudden, a punchy climb comes up, and I've had to jump off my bake because I stalled out due to not being able to get in the right climbing gear. This resulted in falls and the “you’re not riding unless you hiking” feeling.

Since switching to electronic shifting, this issue has virtually gone away. The sifting is quick and smooth and coupled with the multiple shift option, and I rarely encounter this problem.

Lastly, the electronic shifting cleans up the bike as you eliminate one cable. One cable is not much, but it is one less thing to worry about when finding those pesky bike rattling noises.

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoy my electronic shifting so much that I have it on both my bikes. I've also decided all my future bikes must have electronic shifting. It’s definitely a want and not a need, but I'm spoiled now. If you are on the fence, I would say jump; you will not regret it.