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Two years ago, Sram presented its first AXS drivetrain. However, wireless electronic shifting was previously only available to e-mountain bikers who could afford the top models or were prepared to spend more than a thousand euros on the upgrade kit. As a result, Sram's AXS technology - as before Shimano's cable-based electric shifting Di2 - has not yet made it beyond a niche existence. But that is now set to change. With the new Sram GX Eagle AXS, wireless shifting will become significantly more affordable and attractive to a wider range of bikers. The upgrade kit - rear derailleur, controller, battery, charger and adjustment tool - for the electronic GX version will cost around 620 euros. This means that the GX AXS costs around half as much as the high-end XX1 AXS and X01 AXS versions.
Sram GX Eagle AXS - Components in detail
The biggest visual difference to the other AXS drivetrains is the battery cover, which is included with the GX AXS. It is designed to protect the battery from impacts and secure the battery better to the rear derailleur. Compared to the high-end AXS groupsets, the more favourably priced drivetrain is intended to represent something of a mid-range wireless drivetrain. At just under 620 euros for the upgrade kit - Rear derailleur, controller, battery, charger, adjustment tool - the GX almost halves the price of the high-end version. This is made possible by the use of simpler materials. For example, the derailleur cage is made of steel instead of carbon fibre and the ball bearings of the derailleur pulleys are also made of steel rather than ceramic. Otherwise, however, the GX AXS rear derailleur and the controller are almost identical to the XX1 AXS. Especially as all electronic components also come from the premium version, which makes sense in view of the advantages of series production.
How does the GX AXS shift? Is it worth switching from the classic GX Eagle? And can you feel a difference to the expensive high-end XX1 AXS version, at least in practice? >> You can read a first ride test of the new Sram drivetrain in this article.
Now new: connection to the e-bike battery
Every e-bike has a large energy source on board. It therefore seems unnecessary to have to use and charge separate batteries for add-on parts such as the derailleur. Sram has addressed this problem, at least for the rear derailleur. There is an adapter solution for the AXS derailleur that allows the gear shifter to be powered by the e-bike battery - via a cable routed through the chainstays, of course. However, we have to disappoint tinkerers who have already got their fingers wet. For the time being, this option is only available for bike manufacturers and exclusively for Bosch drives, but not for the aftermarket. We are looking forward to the first production eMTBs that utilise this technology.
Incidentally, the GX AXS is compatible with all AXS and Eagle components from Sram and will be available in stores immediately. However, only for retrofitting for the time being. The electric drivetrain will be available on complete bikes from model year 2022, i.e. from around autumn this year.
