Pros and Cons of Wireless? Long-Term SRAM AXS Review
@SRAM's electronic Eagle AXS derailleur and RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post are as fancy as can be. Do they work better though? What's rad and what could be improved? Join Vital MTB Product Editor, Brandon Turman, for a deep dive into the world of wireless shifting, dropper posts, and his long-term impressions.
Eagle AXS Highlights
Wireless electronic shifter and derailleur
XX1 and X01 versions
Removable battery weighs 25g and is hot-swappable from derailleur to Reverb AXS
Overload Clutch
Trimmed and adjusted electronically
“Secret Sprint” paddle for quick shifts
Water and dustproof to IP69K international standard (withstands pressure washing & immersion)
Weighs 5 to 15g less than mechanical Eagle
MSRP: $700 USD derailleur, $200 controller
Reverb AXS Highlights
Wireless electronic dropper post and controller
Post stays activated/open while holding the controller paddle
System goes to power save mode when the bike is stationary
Check battery life by pressing AXS button
Single rail-retention bolt for quick saddle install and quick tilt adjust
Updated internals for faster (non-adjustable) return speed
Vent Valve Technology to reset post
Waterproof to the IPX7 international standard (systems that require regular pressurized cleaning)
Diameters: 30.9mm, 31.6mm, 34.9mm
Travel: 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 170mm
Length: 340mm, 390mm, 440mm, 480mm (same as regular Reverb)
Weighs within a few grams of traditional Reverb
MSRP: $800 USD, includes controller
There is no denying that these are luxury components and completely unnecessary to have fun on your bike, but man are they cool.
Overall, SRAM AXS works well as a system, combining wireless technology that is both reliable and nearly instantaneous to make things easier, faster, and a more natural extension of your body in many ways. You barely tap the controllers and the result is a more accurate shift or dropper adjustment. There are also fewer cables, which is sweet, and the potential for trickle-down is exciting.
For those who love data and devices, AXS is a dream thanks to AXS Web and various integration abilities. For those who don't, it's possible to use the system without thinking twice about it. While there are many conveniences when it comes to AXS, there are tradeoffs when it comes to dealing with batteries and apps.
After this test, the full AXS setup is going onto a new trail bike. I find that rides on the Transition Patrol are most often straight up, straight down, and after a year of riding it, I think the precision the AXS system offers – whether it's shifting under load or finding that perfect seat height – is much more fitting for a trail or cross-country bike where you see a lot of rolling terrain.
As for the Reverb AXS, is this the dropper perfected? It definitely seems like it.
Be sure to head over to https://www.sram.com for more details.
Video by Brandon Turman and John Reynolds
