Transmission: Why SRAM’s new drivetrain matters

I never liked SRAM AXS. It doesn’t shift better, it’s not much easier to set up, and it’s not more durable. It’s also way more expensive.
I've got to admit, at first I thought Transmission, SRAM's new electronic drivetrain, was just another meaningless update to get us to spend more money.
But then I realized that although it's still a derailleur, there are real performance improvements. After spending time on it, the fact of the matter is that SRAM Transmission is the best derailleur that I’ve ever used.

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#mtb #sram #review

[driver_]

These pricing points have hit such a level that the general mass of bikers could no longer find it reasonable to purchase one at such a price.

[Salvotation]

I don’t see why the improvements can’t be applied to cable operated ones. My entire life is electronics biking is my escape from that and I want to keep it that way

[alexdi]

Let's not sing the virtues of replaceable parts until we know how readily available they are, if they're documented, and what they cost. You broke a slim portion of the upper part at 5:43 in your impact testing, but if it only comes with electronics, it might well be $400. Very few brands have a good track record for this. It's a marketing bullet point until proven otherwise.

[WilliamrikerNCC]

I always love new tech, but I’ll stick with my SLX derailleur and XT shifter for the foreseeable future. About $210 all in, CDN, for that combo. I don’t know why people want batteries on everything these days, I just want to ride my bike about worrying if multiple batteries are charged, ie, seat post, drivetrain, etc.

[GokkunGuru]

I always knew the existing AXS’ limit screws were there just because. They served no purpose. I’m glad Dan confirmed that.

[soy_leche]

The main thing that changed so far is the price point going even higher.

[HavyHaulr]

my sram gx axs coming up 2yrs of regular almost daily use has been so reliable with trouble free shifting….theres no chance a cable derailuer will be on any bike i own in the future

[keirfarnum]

As an old mountain bike racer from the 90s who spent a lot of time riding in the backcountry of Alaska, I can’t help but agree about preferring simple equipment. I don’t even like the idea of hydraulic brakes; I would use a high end cable model (like the Paul brakes) if I was still riding in Alaska because I prefer fixable equipment that can be dealt with anywhere, anytime. I still am not sure about these electronic derailleurs.

[henryvaneyk]

SRAM has made a solution to a problem that has never really been a problem. I ride on many trails around here that is ridden on the Cape Epic every year and have yet to replace a derailleur hanger. I had my current bike now for 6 years with it's XT group set and my previous bike with XTR for 5 years before that.

[huntergibson]

Why is everyone complaining about pricing? This is a top end flagship component. This is designed for the people who have disposable income to spend on the most expensive parts for their bikes. The rest of us peons need to wait for this to trickle down to their GX (hopefully cable actuated) model spec. This is how it has always been, and always will be. After initially being suspicious, it seems that this is actually a consumer friendly design, so I am excited to see the cheaper models of this design come out in the next few years. UDH was an amazing move, and this seems to be a continuation of that with replaceable derailleur parts. Derailleurs designed to be serviced, and last the life of your frame should be celebrated with gusto!

[Wallstreetavarice]

I loved the old AXS so I'm sure these improvements will just make me love it more

[philhunt]

When asked about longevity SRAM had this to say:

"We have given the new X0 and XX Transmission chains the designation of our strongest chains ever produced, and this is due to a few design factors. Moving to a flat top design has allowed us to add material into areas of the chain where strength is crucial. Additionally, we were able to increase the thickness of the cassette cog and chainring teeth, to improve overall lifespan. The new Flattop chains are available with the same coatings as our XX1 chains to help improve resistance to corrosion and wear.

Warm Regards,

Max.

SRAM Rider Support"

[Montblanc]

Dan must have been paid a lot to talk this stuff up so much

[mtbboy]

A thing I loved with Archer D1X trail was I could use any mechanical rear derailleur, and set it up for any speeds. So the con of transmission is you can't, you have to use their cassette, rear derailleur, chain.

[TherealKG.]

Pricing is horrendous, and that's where they go wrong.. my GX axs works flawlessly and most likely be a bargain to buy soon..

[bushflyr]

"At the end of the day this is the best derailleur I've ever used." And it still sucks compared to a Pinion transmission.

[bendu]

Love u guys. Refreshingly honest, entertaining and informative.

[Scatology]

Can't wait to get these new features in the GX non-wireless line!

[bikebudha]

So he never did reveal the smash test results. Did the frame get bent? (The derailleur hanger was never for the derailleur - it's always so you don't trash your frame)

[dansteinbach]

Just for the record, I did get a stick into the lower pulley on my Eagle derailleur and it bent the whole thing. I know others that it happened too. Maybe we just have more sticks lying around here...