You don't need SRAM GX AXS

As usual, this video is sponsored by your like and subscribes! Today we take a look at the new SRAM AXS GX wireless upgrade system and find out whether $600 is finally worth jumping into.

[Wabit]

I’ve just moved over to a GX AXS because I wasn’t able to get the mechanical derailleur I wanted and I’m staggered by how much easier shifting is. I usually go for high-end derailleurs for their reliable shifting and durability and always managed to get them dialed in really well, but the AXS is simpler, smoother and more accurate. It’s a shame the price point is so high because I can see electronic shifting benefiting people who struggle to push down on mechanical shifters – kids in particular, or riders with less experience. It’s a fire and forget solution. If you’re a bike enthusiast, ride multiple times a week, it’s a no brainer. Only kicker - remembering to charge that battery ;) (but to add... its great to hear someone talk openly for a change since far too many youtube channels are just an extension of advertising - big thank you for your honesty!)

[garteaga]

Just took a maiden voyage on my freshly installed GX AXS and I have to say its worth it IMO - shifts are crisp and consistent no matter what the situation. I agree on the paddles taking some getting used to but i'll give it some more rides and if not try that (backordered) rocker paddle. I always wanted AXS but not for $1-2k; life is short enjoy what you love!

[aidenthwaits]

That title is 100% correct. It’s not going to stop me from running it, because I can’t make my cable shifting work well to save my life haha

[travelthenarrowtrail]

Really great work on this one, went straight to point, no fluff. Not sure everyone knows just how much work went into this, I do and I appreciate it.

[ravynx]

I just subscribed and saw you last posted 3 years ago, d'oh! I hope everything is good in your neck of the woods and I hope to see more videos from you sometime, cheers dude.

[tofikhabie]

Dammmm it’s been a while since u posted. Still put a smile on my face tho lol

[energt]

I had two faulty XT shifters (factory defect they purposefully haven’t admitted to… look it up), they took nine months to replace the first shifter. I had to buy the second out of my pocket to carry as backup since the failures were random and not due to wear. So I decided to upgrade and add the GX AXS shifter/derailleur set. I ended up getting new chain, ring, and cassette as well since they were worn. Perfect shifting and pretty cool to upgrade it with this kind of tech.

[Jose-rjoe]

Someone's not happy cause Sram didn't sponsor them 😆, but excellent video!

[daroob]

Thanks for this. Well, a few years after it’s been out and the biggest complaints I read about are having to remember to bring or charge batteries for a mtb. Ironically, none of the other daily maintenance checks seem to be a problem. Love my GX AXS on the full sus and still enjoy the AdventX just fine on the hardtail. ✌🏻

[RobertoConcheiro]

I laughed loud when hearing “or back order”. Great info, earned my sub! Thanks for the video.

[leesiongoutdoors]

First ride on my gx axs today and I can say, never going back to cables 🤘

[SemiSendy]

As always, no nonsense, logical, concise and well delivered. I've got an AXS GX sitting on the honestly, I don't know why. I've been thinking of reviewing it as well, but I would prefer fewer batteries in my life, not more.

[waynejones]

I don’t care if it’s not worth the money...I have it....and I love it!!!

And I’ve been riding since before indexed gears were invented.

[ab]

My order is on it's way. I will say this much - for me it is a must. I have run a GX for the last three years and have had on again off again shifting issues and have had 4 different shops tweak adjust (reline) etc and all provide different explanations as what/why is going on. Lo and behold none of it has fixed the problem. I am hoping this, will once and for all solve the problem - so for me I'm hoping it is money well spent. But agree for 90% of riders out there this is want not a must have (need) - cheers

[aidenzhou]

Never disappoints, also the analogy at 2:47 was perfect.

[eugene]

It's been exactly 2 years....
Where are you?

[didxogns]

great content! thank you for talking me out of axs. That being said, it sucks to see you gone I was interested in your next video

[oklahotb]

All around great points made in this video. I've got the Archer D1x wireless shifter. It works great and I'd like to try the AXS system to compare the two. This $600 price point makes it more realistic to do so rather than the $800-1000 price point, if I had an existing 12 spd drive train which I do not at the moment. While wireless shifting is pretty nifty, ( the ability to tune each individual gear with the Archer system is sweet), I don't think wireless shifting is a game changer like things such as droppers and tubeless are.

[evanyao]

I guess the main advantage in my opinion for wireless is that adjustment is easier, you dont need to fiddle with barrel adjusters, stretched cables, and improperly set limit screws with a wireless shifter.

[Patrikrumin]

Thought I would give my two cents after running the GX AXS for 3 weeks now.

I actually just returned my GX AXS since I was so disapointed in the performance of the system.
I ride enduro/downhill and there were two main factors that made it impossible for me to keep using GX AXS.

1. The biggest factor was chain retention, I think the reason why the chain retention is so bad on the GX AXS is because the cage is too heavy in relation to the strength of the clutch.
This results in the chain flopping around like crazy when going fast over rough terrain and the chain actually jumps around between cogs on the cassette when pedalling in these situations and this not while even trying to shift.
2. The second big flaw is the fact the the spacing between the gears on the derailleur does line up with the cogs of the cassette so after indexing the derailleur using the second biggest cog when moving down the cassette the derailleur no longer lines up with the smaller cogs. This results in lazy shifting when moving up the cassette from the smallest cogs.

This should not be happening, especially on such an expensive product.

I can assure you that I have followed Srams instructions perfectly and I'm a seasoned mechanic that has installed and adjusted multiple drivetrains throughout the years. I also installed a new chainring, chain and cassette when installing the upgrade kit so this is not the issue. I've now fitted my old mechanical derailleur and it works perfectly without any jumping of the chain and the spacing is perfect.

When using the system on smoother trails it works pretty good and is nice and quite so if this is the kind of riding that you do it could work for you but if you do any kind of downhill riding over rough terrain I can definitely not recommend buying it. My friend runs the X01 version racing enduro and he has had zero issues so maby go with that on instead.

Sorry to be a bummer but I felt I needed to put this out there for people thinking about buying the product, it will most likely get better further down the road but the way it is now I can't recommend it.