WebreaderShopNewsletterTop dealers & workshops

Operating aidNew rocker switch for Sram AXS controller

Sebastian Brust

 · 07.10.2020

Operating aid: New rocker switch for Sram AXS controllerPhoto: Henri Lesewitz
Operating aid: New rocker switch for Sram AXS controller
Soft and not very crisp: The operation of the shift levers of the electronic Sram AXS Eagle drivetrain was not everyone's cup of tea. An update brings back some of the familiar ergonomics.

The Sram AXS Eagle is currently the only electronic bike gear system that works without cables. The controllers on the handlebars send the rider's shifting commands wirelessly to the 12-speed rear derailleur, which then sorts the gears in fractions of a second.

And as is usually the case when something that used to be mechanical is electrified: The haptic feedback to the person is completely different. This was also the case with the Sram AXS shift levers. Bikers first had to get used to the soft and not very crisp feel of the controller and the unusually long distance for the thumb when reaching the upper shift paddle (BIKE reported here and here). Then - and with the correct setting - the AXS quietly shifted gear after gear to the desired sprocket, quickly and precisely.

The controller of the first generation Sram AXS Eagle. The operation of the electronic triggers was not ideal. Sram is now making improvements.Photo: Margus Riga The controller of the first generation Sram AXS Eagle. The operation of the electronic triggers was not ideal. Sram is now making improvements.

However, the switch to purely electronic controls with such a different shifting feel was too much of a good thing for many Sram customers. An update now gives the trigger a little more counter-pressure (different spring) and the rocker a new shape. The look and feel should thus be more reminiscent of the two-piece shifters of the classic mechanical shifting system.

"On the one hand, it has the familiar rocker switch with slightly different ergonomics and, on the other hand, it offers those switching from the mechanical Eagle an easier familiarisation with the new, lower control unit." Maximilian Topp, PR Coordinator MTB - Europe, Sram
More counter-pressure and a new shape: The new shift paddle for the Sram Eagle AXS is intended to bring back some of the feel of the "good old" mechanical gear shifting.Photo: Henri Lesewitz More counter-pressure and a new shape: The new shift paddle for the Sram Eagle AXS is intended to bring back some of the feel of the "good old" mechanical gear shifting.

The familiar trigger feeling - Rocker Paddle in the first ride impression

The rocker switch is now available as a spare part for 20 euros. You can also change it yourself with an Allen key. A new, complete rocker paddle controller costs 200 euros. About the AXS App each button on the Sram AXS controller can still be assigned individually. BIKE has already had the opportunity to try out the new Sram paddle shifters. Here is the editor-in-chief's verdict:

How do you like this article?
"The new rocker is much better because it's more intuitive. You have that familiar trigger feeling again. It's very smooth compared to cable controls, of course. However, you have to adjust and position the rocker well, as it is rather far towards your hand. Otherwise it can get tight and you can't grip the handle properly. All in all, though, it's a great piece and highly recommended." Henri Lesewitz, BIKE editor-in-chief
An Allen key is all you need to change the new Sram AXS Rocker Paddle.Photo: Henri Lesewitz An Allen key is all you need to change the new Sram AXS Rocker Paddle.

Sebastian Brust was born in 1979 and was originally socialised on his grandmother's folding bike, but has mainly been riding studded tyres since his fifth birthday. Loves all kinds of bikes - and merging with nature. Believes that disc brakes are much safer today than they were 15 years ago and thinks he has helped with his brake and pad tests. However, the trained vehicle technology engineer very much regrets that the bicycle industry is orientating itself on what he considers to be the wrong ideals of the car industry. At BIKE, he corrects, produces and organises digital content on the website.

Home

Most read in category Components