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I’ve been testing some e-bikes today, and the one thing I didn’t expect to be impressed by was electric shifting, but it was amazing
I tried 1 bike that had DI2 Shimano, and to be honest i didn’t like the shifter and it wasn’t as crisp as SRAM GX AXS
The SRAM bike had the 2 button ‘pod’ shifter , which I thought was great.
Couple of Q’s
The bike I’m going to buy is Shimano XT (manual).
1. Is it ok to use the SRAM system with shimano chain and cassette ? I’ve been told it is but want to check
2. When I look at ‘upgrade kits’ they come with a different shifter that looks more like a rocker
SRAM.COM This is the type I used today which I liked
TWEEKSCYCLES.COM But I can’t see it in any kits? Also batteries and charges, do they come with the mech or is it all sold separately?
Thanks
If you buy an eagle AXS upgrade kit, it comes with the old rocker style shifter, a battery and charger, and a mech, obvs. If you want the new pod style shifter, you need to buy that separately. (It’s part of the transmission groupset, not eagle) Not sure there are Transmission upgrade kits officially, but some shops may sell you the minimum required kit (which may include the cassette and chain)
If you buy a mech separately, it doesn’t come with a battery, charger or shifter.
Eagle will work fine with shimano cassette and chain.
The kits come with everything, but if you just buy a derailleur that won’t include a battery. Pretty sure you can use shifters interchangeably.
worth being aware there are two versions of axs. The later version ‘T-Type’ has better shift quality, particularly under load. It has specific chains and cassettes. It works fine with other 12 speed stuff, but the shifting isn’t as good (although my experience is it is still better than older style mechs).
Thanks both bikes I liked were indeed the T-type GX
That gets pretty dam expensive! You can get a T-type kit with mech, shifters and cassette but it’s £850 + !
May have to settle for DI2 it wasn’t bad by any stretch, just not quite as crisp. The shifter was no where near as pleasant to use.
I can get DI2 upgrade for £400
IIRC Di2 is due for a refresh pretty soon, so you may be more future proofed going for the more recently released T Type SRAM
You can get non T-type AXS for less (ahem, stealth ad, see the classifieds)
Probably not an issue but check that your bike has a UDH hanger not an "ordinary" single bolt one one. Transmission or T type need this. AXS works with a "normal hanger arrangement,
Probably not an issue but check that your bike has a UDH hanger not an “ordinary” single bolt one one
It’s going to be for a new bike, and yes it will take the T type
However the cost of going T Type is a lot, so going to go with Shimano DI2 XT which integrates with the Shimano motor
That brings the benefit of auto shifting (not that bothered) and free shift which does look interesting!
Just a shame their shifter is not as ergonomic as the SRAM system
You can get the Transmission upgrade here, just needs a shifter (either the old style axs, the one with the paddles or the new pod, they will all work)
Older GX shifters can have the paddle fitted, costs a few quid for the part, easy swap
The auto shift/free shift will need to be supported by your bike/motor too- I'd be very careful abuot that before buying, you might tend up in a world of software upgrade hassle - and Di2 requires a load of stupid wiring and fiddling, it's miles behind SRAM IMO
There ar ea few people on the Levo/Kenevo FB group running GX Transmission mech and standard 1275 GX Eagle cassettes. I asked here to and it does seem to be possible. I'd do some checking before going down that route but it could be a cost effective way of going.
Can I add to the numpty questions please? I’m running a v2 Hightower that doesn’t have UDH. Does this mean I can’t put the upgrade kit on aka
?
Sorry such a basic question but it looks like it does work, but then I’m not sure!
You don’t need UDH for Eagle AXS. Only Transmission/t-type.
That kit will work as it's not Transmission T Type, it's the older AXS that will attach to a normal mech hanger
For the GX Eagle upgrade you don't need a UDH, so you'll be fine.
Oh amazing team. Thank you so much! Have I cocked up tho in ordering a new cassette and chain that’s t type? I didn’t realise til I zoomed in
Youvd probably soent more than you need to, the transmission stuff costs a lot more, and isn't ideal for the mech you have, but will likely still work
Watch out if buying from Germany for import charges and UK vat. I was stung recently buying from Bikediscount.