This is the all-new SRAM GX Eagle AXS, a 12-speed wireless gearing system that performs as well
as it looks and makes the price of top end wireless performance more affordable than
it ever has been.
In this video I'm going to take you through each of the new components and how the drivetrain
performs.
Let me know what you think of this new wireless system down in the comments section below
– and whether you think this technology is going to spell the end for cables sooner
rather than later.
When SRAM released their high-end XX1 and XO1 wireless drivetrains, not only were we
excited by the new technology but possibly more interestingly that it wouldn’t be too
long until that technology worked its way down to SRAM’s more affordable drivetrains.
GX EAGLE AXS is the perfect example of trickle-down technology – the performance on offer with
GX Eagle AXS is so close to the top end systems that many people will be wondering why they
should spend more.
I reckon there’ll be plenty of you out there who want a slice of the wireless action – and
if you’re already running SRAM Eagle components, upgrading to wireless with the GX AXS Upgrade
Kit, makes it all pretty straightforward!
The Upgrade Kit comes with a rear derailleur, battery, controller with clamp, charger and
chain gap tool – which is everything you need to take your wired SRAM Eagle system
to the next level, without having to splash out on a fresh groupset.
Let's talk a bit more about the brains of the operation, the rear derailleur and controller.
Not only is the GX Eagle AXS derailleur easy to install but in use it’s been faultless
so far in the mix of snow, rain and spring mud it’s been ridden in. The first thing
I did when this was all installed was to connect it to the SRAM AXS app and set up multi shift
- essentially enabling the rear derailleur to shift through the gears from top to bottom
or vice versa when holding the paddle down.
You can make other customisations within the app too – including for your other SRAM
wireless drivetrains if you have them.
Onto the trails and the wireless version picks up where the mechanical left off – with
accurate, smooth and flawless shifting at a tap of the shifter. Whether you’re cruising
up a fireroad before the next blast downhill or you’re multi-shifting in blind panic
a singletrack descent spits you into an uphill that you’re going to need the huge 52t cog
to haul you up to the top of – it’s taken care of easily without any fuss.
If you’re worrying about an electronic rear mech being in harm’s way, then SRAM have
built in a couple of features to protect it. Firstly there’s the battery cover, a lightweight
shield to protect the battery when it’s installed. Secondly there’s SRAM’s Overload
Clutch – an inbuilt system that’s primarily designed to protect the shift motor but in
turn saves your derailleur and derailleur hanger from damage. How? If the derailleur
takes an impact, the motor gearbox disengages so it’s free to move – it then returns
back to its position in an instant so you can get on with your ride.
For all the specifications and frequently asked questions on things like battery life,
compatiibility and chainring options just head to the Hub website via the link in the
description.