SRAM X01 Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

SRAM's wireless drivetrain, Eagle, has quickly risen to the top of everyone's wish lists. The bougie, clean looking drivetrains are the wave of the future but there is more to them than just good looks. They offer the next level in performance and durability and just about nothing is as durable as the proven X01 AXS kit. Our buddy David recently purchased an upgrade kit, lets see what he thought:

David's Review

I need to start off by saying when I bought my first full-suspension mountain bike I did not fully understand the problems that could come with the stock derailleur, which was the SRAM Eagle NX. I was constantly trying to fine-tune the shifting and always trying to adjust the derailleur on the fly. I could not tell you how many times I missed a gear in a very technical spot I know I’m capable of completing. I was becoming super frustrated and became extremely tired of the aggravation of getting off of my bike only to look up only to see I fell way behind the pack.

After some extensive research, I found there could be two problems; 1. My hanger was bent (which it did not appear to be) 2. my derailleur cable was constantly stretching. After some further research, I found the electronic AXS X01 which came with no cables whatsoever which seemed to be the best upgrade for my situation. Although it was certainly pricey, I wanted to remove any cables so I didn’t have to worry much on the trails. The other appealing aspect was freeing up some space in the cockpit. I wasn’t too keen on going carbon (SRAM AXS XX1) due to the way I ride. I tend to barrel through things more so than finesse, so I’m more prone to dings and dents and I did not feel the Carbon XX1 suited my riding style.

After purchasing the product, Worldwide Cyclery was able to get me my new derailleur within about a week. I wasn’t in a rush being in Massachusetts and having snow on the ground but nonetheless, this was a great turnaround time especially with me being so impatient. I was like a little kid waiting for Santa Claus to bring me my presents on Christmas morning.

The derailleur came in probably 4 boxes which is no joke but it made me feel secure the product I had purchased had made its journey safely to my home.

The setup was super simple. Directions were clear and to the point (it helps if you know how to read). I think the worst part about the situation was removing my previous derailleur and remembering to charge the X01 as soon as I got it. My buddy and I installed the new system in about 1.5 hours which was a vast majority due to too much time spent bending my hanger to the correct specification. The X01 shifts like absolute butter. It took a couple of minutes to adjust but it was 100x easier to adjust than any mechanical derailleur. When you’re adjusting the mechanism, you can physically see it moving whereas any mechanical derailleur you’re mostly going off of feel. Once everything was set up I ripped through all gears, essentially trying to find a spot where the shifting would bind up, and it did not.

Conclusion

"I haven’t had a full season or any real serious rides on this product yet so I cannot say how this product acts in all forms of terrain but so far this product is super amazing. If you’re looking for a derailleur upgrade and are thinking of possibly removing the crappy cables, I say do it! I wish the X01 wasn’t so expensive but this is one purchase I am thrilled I made." - David