5 Details About SRAM's Wireless AXS Components

Feb 7, 2019
by Mike Levy  
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After years of rumors and Instagram teasers, SRAM's wireless Eagle AXS mountain bike drivetrain is finally a real, live thing that will be on the shelves this coming April. 12-speeds, a few batteries and circuit boards, and most notably, no cables or wires to be seen. Instead, you push a button and the shifter tells the derailleur what to do via an encrypted wireless network. An impressive amount of work and technology went into moving the chain from cog to cog, but all you'll hear is a soft 'vvvvt' sound as it all happens between your feet.

It's as neat as it sounds, and also just as expensive as you'd expect; the XX1-level group goes for $2,000 USD and includes titanium bits and a carbon fiber derailleur cage. For reference, that's $500 more than mechanical XX1, around $500 less than an XTR Di2 group, and $100 more than the X01 Eagle AXS that skips the fancy materials used for the top-tier drivetrain. The wireless Reverb dropper uses the same technology, and it goes for a whopping $800 USD or more than twice as much as the Stealth version.

Want to know all the other details and specs? They're covered ad nauseam in my 'First Ride' article, but below are some of the stranger Eagle AXS facts.





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With six years of development behind it, there've been many AXS prototypes. This is just a select few.

#1 - AXS might have debuted a few years ago if Eagle didn't happen. It was only a decade ago that 2x10 drivetrains were supposed to be the way to go, and just six years since SRAM did the 1X thing... which, I'm told, is actually around the same time that they had a prototype 11-speed electronic drivetrain up and running. It was still very early days and the decision was made to put resources towards the mechanical 12-speed Eagle group rather than a wireless system.

SRAM says that they kept a small team beavering away on it, but who knows what we'd be riding right now if they had decided to go electronic five or six years ago?



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Because they're electronic, the AXS parts have to go through all sorts of certification that drivetrains without circuit boards don't require. This is the inside of the Reverb seatpost's head.

#2 - Like all electronic devices, SRAM has to have each and every battery-powered component certified in every country they want to sell AXS parts in. The certifications vary depending on the country and the device's specifics, too. What are there, circuit board police, or something? Not quite, but you may have heard of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the United States that test things like electromagnetic emissions and other science-type stuff.

SRAM has a guy whose only job is to certify electronic components in different countries, which often requires ten samples and a six-digit budget. It's also why SRAM went out of their way to make sure the AXS electronics were future-proof and versatile - they don't want to have to re-certify anything.



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In order to control the derailleur or seatpost's functions, you need to press a button on the component while pairing it with the AXS app on your phone.

#3 - No, you can't "hack" into your friend's derailleur to lock everything out but the 10-tooth cog, as amusing as that would be. SRAM has built-in some security features to keep your ''buddy'' or pesky Russian hackers from forcing you to high-post down Deadman's hill. To control the derailleur or seatpost's action, you need to have it paired to the shifter, and in order to do that you have to press and hold a button down on the derailleur or post - you need physical contact in order to pair the devices, and the serial number, too.



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See that small window on the side of the derailleur and those even smaller gold-colored gear wheels? That's a gearbox, too.

#4 - The rear derailleur has a built-in gearbox, and I'm not even trying to stir the pot with this one. The tiny electric motor hidden inside the derailleur spins at something like 80,000 RPM, which is neat but also completely useless when it comes to shifting gears because SRAM needed torque, not RPM. So that's where the even tinier gearbox comes in by gearing it down and converting it to torque.

The "gearbox" is really just a few very small, very precisely cut gear wheels that SRAM says will last the lifetime of the derailleur.


#5 - The AXS derailleur has TWO different clutches. There's the now-normal one-way clutch that helps keep the chain on, of course, but there's also something called the "Overload clutch." That important-sounding device isolates the tiny gearbox from the forces of you smashing the derailleur into a rock. Internally, it's basically a one-way bearing, a friction device, and a little cylinder that slides in and out to release the gearbox from the derailleur.

It's also worth noting that the AXS derailleur is shorter than the mechanical version, so there's more ground clearance, and it offers more chain wrap to boot.
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Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

211 Comments
  • 286 10
 OH GOD YEAH PLEASE MORE AXS ARTICLES DON'T STOP
  • 183 25
 Right?? AXS is amazing! My favorite thing about AXS is the profit margin, what's yours?
  • 84 12
 Team announcement would be nice for a change.
  • 14 24
flag sherbet (Feb 7, 2019 at 11:21) (Below Threshold)
 Making me Randy about it.
  • 50 4
 @sherbet: Oh yeah, got my post extended! But it was a reverb so it got squishy right away :-(
  • 33 5
 @xeren: margin on pricey stuff like this at retailers is actually pretty mediocre.
  • 48 4
 IN CASE YOU FORGOT IN THE LAST TEN MINUTES, SRAM PUT OUT A NEW GADGET GUYS!
  • 22 2
 @MrFogg: I stayed fully rigid for over 3 years back in the 90's.
  • 13 19
flag xeren (Feb 7, 2019 at 11:55) (Below Threshold)
 @seanondemand: i was referring to the margins for SRAM, who is paying for a bunch of ads on PB
  • 55 9
 @xeren: As does literally every other large company, from Shimano to Specialized to otherwise. How are you actually beefing the fact they're advertising something they want to sell? Like no shit they're advertising it. Welcome to reality.
  • 48 4
 @MrFogg It's like a non stop SRAM bukakke
  • 12 0
 So you can also purchase the $800 Reverb and the $300 carbon pedals to go with it.
  • 5 4
 The US Senators better call in SRAM for a talk.
  • 7 0
 @endurocat: why buy $300 carbon pedals when you can get the $450 gold titanium crankbrothers pedals?
  • 36 2
 So the gearbox lasts the "lifetime" of the derailleur. So does that mean that when it breaks, the lifetime ends?
  • 17 13
 @sherbet: banner ads are fine. a parade of SRAM ads masquerading as articles are not
  • 35 10
 Two things, fanboy;

1) An article can be an advertisement, it's not mutually exclusive.
2) Nobody here is under any illusions that this is a test or breaking ground on how well this will preform, it's a first look at the product.
3) Why are you even on this article if you resent it existing so much? For drama? Go away.
  • 8 34
flag xeren (Feb 7, 2019 at 16:28) (Below Threshold)
 @sherbet:

1) no, it can't.
3) yes, for the drama. or maybe because i would like better out of PB
  • 13 9
 An article can advertise something. I'm not sure if you're trolling or off your meds or something, but literally everyone knows that Sram pays to put their stuff here as advertising. That's very literally how this site operates business. Weird I didn't see you doing this on any of the Shimano posts. HMMM. And thank you for confirming. If you're just here for drama and have no point to be made, enjoy the downvotes and being ignored. We don't need pot stirrers.
  • 6 16
flag xeren (Feb 7, 2019 at 16:37) (Below Threshold)
 @sherbet: i was being sarcastic on that last part, obviously. work on your detection please, it will make discussions easier.
  • 6 13
flag sherbet (Feb 7, 2019 at 16:43) (Below Threshold)
 You're adding non-points to the discussion and getting shitty people are calling you on it? Nice. Go troll somewhere else.

Looking at most of your comments in your profile, you seem to have shit stirring as your prime objecting. Have some self reflection dude!
  • 6 16
flag xeren (Feb 7, 2019 at 16:45) (Below Threshold)
 @sherbet: creeping on my profile? i obviously have made you very mad.

i'm not trolling, but apparently i've accidentally succeeded at trolling you...
  • 6 13
flag sherbet (Feb 7, 2019 at 16:46) (Below Threshold)
 Me clicking your name amounts to stalking to you? Damn. Bit paranoid.

Sorry to anyone reading through us nattering. I'll stop now.
  • 5 2
 @xeren: this is literally pinkbike a business model.
  • 6 0
 @WAKIdesigns: surely Trek haven't finished announcing their team? I must have blinked.
  • 2 1
 @xeren: True, the perils of duopoly. Hopefully the competition will step up the game and the price will eventually drop.
  • 5 3
 @sherbet: SRAM press releases are much more in depth and frequent than shimano. sram is a major pinkbike sponsor
  • 5 5
 @aceface17: Correct. Nobody is disputing this.

Worth noting; Sram makes a lot of products, from suspension to brakes, so it's normal they'll turn up more often.
  • 4 8
flag aceface17 (Feb 7, 2019 at 19:48) (Below Threshold)
 @sherbet: that is true, they release products a lot more frequently and haphazardly than shimano, which is why they are less reliable.
  • 7 8
 @aceface17: It's weird that in both the recent Shimano and Sram press releases, people such as yourself have made a mission statement to shit all over their product. They've had several absolutely great product releases in the last few years, and they're genuinely doing well. Don't be a hater.
  • 2 0
 @chriskneeland: BWAHAHA!! This wins the interwebz for today.
  • 1 2
 @xeren: you obviously don't work in the bike industry....
  • 1 1
 @woofer2609: You should have talked to your doctor about that.
  • 1 1
 @gtill9000: yes it seems only logical that of the derailleur can't function without it, that by definition the gearbox lasts the lifetime of the derailleur... Either another part dies first or the gearbox stops working and the derailleur is at the end of its lifetime...
It is therefore a meaningless statement.
  • 69 3
 5 Reasons why clickbait titles are annoying
  • 101 7
 1.Robin Williams net worth is not really shocking
2.Brook Shields is not among the pictures of aged celebrities, even though she was featured on the thumbnail
3.They never show you the "how to get rich" youtube video that millionaires don't want you to see.
4.The method the single mother uses to make 3500 dollars a week working from her home, doesn't work for you
5.The video of elephant carrying a lion cub to the water supply is fake.
  • 127 3
 I miss Robin Williams.
  • 18 1
 6. The five things you might not know about SRAM AXS you obviously wouldn’t know because it was released yesterday.
  • 6 2
 @mikekazimer: underrated comment
  • 9 1
 @mikekazimer: Just watched Awakenings. 1) fascinating story, and precursor to tons of mental health discoveries, and 2) RW was an amazing actor
  • 9 0
 @kmg0: And a hell of supporter/fan of cycling in all its forms. Though he leaned heavily towards skinny-tired bikes, he was a super fanboy for those that do not know. Check out some of his collection here: paddle8.com/auction/robin-williams

I've been told he had a standing order with Park Tool. Anything new, he wanted it.

I also knew a guy when I lived in Seattle who worked at the hotel where RW was staying during a comedy tour about ten years ago. (RW was registered as Armand Goldman - very clever. Google it.) So when registering at the front desk, this guy got to talking with RW about cycling as it was known that Robin was into bikes. RW asked if there were any bike shops worth visiting, and was guided to nearby Elliott Bay Bicycles (RIP) so he could see the Davidson frame shop, as well as Gregg's Greenlake Cycles. RW returned to the hotel later in the day with two new bikes and a heap of new cycling garb.
  • 3 1
 @kmg0: nanoo nanoo
  • 5 2
 #6 The system is a bit lighter than mechanical but almost all of the weight is in the mech what places even more weight in the worst possible spot on the bike, the end of the swingarm.
  • 1 0
 @kmg0: I was going to mention that also. Wasnt my first pick to watch (wife picked it). But I found it pretty interesting once we were watching it. Kaz should watch it.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Brooke Shields eh? Respect
  • 44 1
 Can I upload my shiftpoints to strava? I want to show everyone that when I climbed that hill i was not on the top cog!
  • 15 0
 *New Message from Strava*: “Dont f*cking move we will be right there.”
  • 9 0
 Better yet can I upload a shiftpoint map to my AXS linked to my GPS so that it will shift automatically for me when I get to the hills?
  • 47 9
 #6. You'll never see it on my bike.
  • 41 7
 I already knew that.
  • 22 6
 @mikekazimer: something tells me that if Duncan Rifle showed up by Mike Levys house with a box containing the complete AXS group, he wouldn't make it back to the border by the time Levy would have traded it for new rims and exhaust to his Mini and a load of donuts...
  • 2 6
flag rockchomper (Feb 7, 2019 at 11:51) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!! friggin nailed it!
  • 3 0
 I would totally give this new stuff a try. Just need a winning lotto ticket. But I'd never say never.
  • 4 1
 You will on mine. And I'm not even a dentist.
  • 4 0
 FCC making sure the radio waves only affect your balls, not some guy's TV
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: As any self-respecting mini owner would have done. Oh, and twin 40 DCOE's on an Arden 8-port head. Razz
  • 50 15
 I’d like to take this opportunity to tell everyone I ride a seven year old SLX drivetrain that, in my expert opinion, is just as good.
  • 4 10
flag aceface17 (Feb 7, 2019 at 19:13) (Below Threshold)
 2018 deore, and Id still take it over the new AXS
  • 1 3
 I think I was actually making fun of this happening when I was seven years old, now I'm twenty nine years old, and it's happening. SLLLOOOOWWWW BURRRRNNNNERRRRR JOOKEEE ISSSS SSLLLLOOOOOWWWW.
  • 32 1
 Things I want to know.

1) Regardless of what sort of IP rating it has passed, what salt spray testing and standards did it pass?
2) For the battery life, how long will it run for in sub 30F weather when the battery is new. How about after a hundred charge cycles? I assume the mech battery is Lipo.
3) Are the external power contacts gold plated as opposed to nickel?
4) Aside from a small gasket on plastic parts, are there any other moisture protection provisions a la membranes or conformal coating to ensure protection from moisture when some gets in, but can't get out?
  • 5 12
flag pedalhound FL (Feb 7, 2019 at 13:16) (Below Threshold)
 THIS! Also, if you are riding with a bunch of other people who are running the same system....what are the chances of interference? I am guessing that the encryption will take care of all that...but, wireless can get all weird sometimes and shit happens...lol...
  • 6 3
 Totally agree.
What are the shake 'n' bake tests ? Thermal / Vibration / Drop etc.
Also EMC tests including ESD (that's electromagnetic compliance and electrostatic discharge).
Water submersion tests as well would be good.
Throw in an earthquake test too. Oh wait that's for Telecom equipment !
  • 1 3
 Azor is currently building my next commuter. I've found this video on their website about how they're testing headlights from (potential) suppliers. First test is after the salt spray test, next test is the impact testing.

www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=cE_36Er2B1Q

I expect SRAM does at least subject their components to similar tests. Being a German company though, I expect SRAM to be a bit more scientific Wink .
  • 3 0
 @vggg: SRAM Road posted a video with some water testing a couple months back: twitter.com/SRAMroad/status/1059864641428484102
  • 3 4
 When your a kid and everyone has the same frequency RC car in the park and you cant race them.... @pedalhound:
  • 1 1
 @vinay: Azor Ahai ? The Prince that was promised ?
  • 9 1
 @pedalhound: Considering the zero cases of interference with Red eTap I'd say they have that figured out.
  • 3 0
 Yeah come on Sram, I always ride innsub 30 degree salty conditions and all my friends do too. I EXPECT ANSWERS dammit.
  • 5 0
 I only ride in high radiation areas, will this still shift. I don't want to miss shifts! What if the NSA takes over this frequency for nanobots? I demand to know the specs Sram!
  • 1 1
 @preston67: I'm not familiar with one of their models being called Ahai. Are there more bicycle brands called Azor?
  • 1 1
 @vinay: No its a Game Of Thrones reference.

I've never heard of Azor bikes, but they should totally make one called the Azor Ahai, but then HBO would probably sue them.
  • 1 1
 @preston67: Ah, I see. They wanted a logo of a goshawk and in Spanish that's Azor. Not sure why they chose the Spanish name but yeah, that's where the name came from. They don't make mountainbikes so that implies why you may not have heard of them. Actually they don't want to grow too big anyway because that implies they'd have to have board meetings and such nonsense. They'd rather just build bikes. I think they're cool though. They actually employ a couple of people with cognitive or visual disabilities (including people who are 100% blind) for the more simple tasks that still need to be done like preparing brake lines, placing the spokes in the hub for the wheel building machine. As long as the bike turns out fine, I'm all for that.
  • 28 3
 Do we really want the government to be able to spy on our shift points, i'd say that's a breach of my privacy! Smile
  • 10 0
 Whose gonna create the 3rd party app that maps shift points and gears for course segments? Strava's new feature for 2020...
  • 3 0
 Better yet, how about the EULA to use the software... To whom will SRAM be selling our data to?
  • 6 1
 @rodeoJ: In line with the ULA because we are now using software, for the $2k we spend on this do we actually own the hardware or are we just paying for the right to use it?

And will your shifter need to update 3x a week like adobe acrobat?

And like my car can i buy an aftermarket chip to mod my shift times to happen even faster?

Will I get sued if I use this on a road bike?
  • 3 1
 @Gasket-Jeff: The OEM version will only work if it can find the SRAM brakes that were on the bike when you bought it.

After offering the app for free to build the user base, SRAM introduces a monthly subscription program.

In five years, AXS parts are dirt cheap on Ebay because the Android app won't run on the current Facebook OS phones, and Android has gone the way of Windows Phone.
  • 2 1
 @dave-f: lol - subscription based. Isn't that the truth. I'm counting down the days when I can jettison my stupid Adobe products and their subscription.
  • 18 2
 If I cant hack into my friends derailleur and lock him into the 10 tooth cog I ain't buying it!
  • 11 0
 Just download the app and sync it to your buddy’s bike???????? then let the games begin!!
  • 2 2
 Was supposed to be Laughy faces not Question marks...
  • 13 7
 There is nothing that can't be hacked. Besides, you don't need to hack the system in order to mess with the rider using it. A simple 802.11 repeater is all you need to drop the connection between shifter and derailleur and then the derailleur will default to the lowest gear. Wireless is a terrible, terrible idea on machines that we entrust our lives with.
  • 2 1
 @TheRaven: I doubt they are using 802.11, they claim the protocol is proprietary and it’s probably something closer to ZigBee than 802.11 or even Bluetooth.
  • 9 1
 @shinook: Zigbee is 802.15, just a short range wideband variant of 802.11. An 802.11 repeater would be even more effective at disrupting 802.15 due to the 802.11 radio's power. They are using an 802 variant because that's the best that the tech world currently has to offer, and the only protocol that offers robust encryption. So all that's happening in this trick is wave cancellation in the 2.4ghz band.
  • 2 1
 @TheRaven: Fair point and makes sense if you are just trying to disrupt it, for sure!
  • 10 1
 Make dentist friends, go riding with them, switch their remotes while they're sipping trailhead cappuccinos, ride in the back and enjoy the show!
  • 6 1
 @TheRaven: Your life depends on your bike shifting?
  • 7 0
 @shinook: I think it's that new 28.99 frequency that was announced a while back.
  • 2 2
 @FisherFreerider: Have you ever been standing and pedaling, then had your drivetrain slip? It's not a pleasant experience and definitely could result in a pulled muscle or other injury.

While not life threatening, in a XC race, in tight quarters with other riders, or on a technical section, it could have safety implications. While I doubt anyone is going to die, it could change the outcome of a race or cause someone to fall over unexpectedly onto other riders or trail features.

It'd be more likely to have implications for the standings of an event, I could see someone meddling with it during an elite competition, but not much else.
  • 5 2
 @shinook: Now that we are no longer exaggerating, nobody is going to die. Never had my drivetrain slip either. It also has nothing to do with a derailleur being electronic. Stop making up reasons to hate it.
  • 2 4
 @FisherFreerider: The point was that you could interfere with it and cause it to malfunction, which is what I was having a discussion on with @TheRaven. I'm not claiming anyone is going to die or trying to come up with reasons to hate it.

The slipping was just an example of what it might feel like if the above happened, not exactly what would happen if it was messed with.
  • 17 1
 With SRAM owning Quarq, I wonder how far off Erg mode is. "Alexa, hold me at 200w."
  • 13 1
 Maybe we're the issue.

Maybe we should treat a bike like someone treats a guitar.

A cheap guitar, you'll be able to play, the Fret board won't be perfect the tuners won't always keep tune, the pickups may not be of choice but the basic qualities of the guitar will be there, and anyone who can shred will be able to shred.

Gibson has made guitars for years with electric auto-tuners and they are expensive too, and the sound beautiful, but do you need to have one?

Most people would settle for something in the $1000 - $2000 range and be perfectly happy.

For bikes new technology comes along like this and they tout it as the next evolution and step in bike drivetrains, but in reality it isn't. It's too antiquated, it's too complex to be of basic necessities to most people.

It's just going to one of those things, the pros will use it on stage and the collectors will have it locked away, shined and look at with admiration.

Meanwhile will all just keep playing the same tune as we did before.

(Hopefully this makes sense to someone other then myself)
  • 3 0
 Hopefully it won't be like a modern Gibson: mainly feeding off of a reputation earned in the past and not lived up to in the present...
A similarly priced PRS has 10x better QC and build quality.
  • 17 6
 Sram has obviously invested a lot of time and resources into getting this AXS launch to go well, good job sram
  • 16 4
 Just be glad they didn't take any cues from the Trek marketing dept.

First article: "There are five things you might not know"
Second article: "Thing one"
Third article: "Thing two"

By the time the sixth article is being released, they've already been through production issues, canceled part of the project and released a temporary black crank.

Just be glad that you now already know what you might not know.
  • 9 0
 Most of those investments being made in Pinkbike ad space.
  • 12 0
 @vinay: just wait... this is only Day Two. Tomorrow's article is going to be "Knowing This Fact About AXS Could Save Your Life on the Trail".
  • 1 1
 @stevemokan: And help you lose 15 pounds!
  • 11 0
 Guys whats the best park/FR bike?
  • 39 0
 2008 Iron Horse Sunday.
  • 5 9
flag WAKIdesigns (Feb 7, 2019 at 11:50) (Below Threshold)
 Pole Machine.
  • 3 0
 2018 Commencal Supreme SX
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: What about the Session 10?
  • 2 0
 2019 Commencal Clash
  • 11 0
 The one you've got?
  • 11 0
 Darude Sandstorm
  • 4 0
 2003 Specialized Enduro SX
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: IM SO STOKED WITH THIS REPLY!!!!
  • 5 0
 Global certifications. Sounds expensive... Oh. That's because it isn't cheap to get lots of FCC certs. Then rechargeable batteries and IATA. Not to mention California state prop65.
Release a product. Want to make a change... EMC legislation just changed. Oh the joys. So much fun being an EE. 95% paperwork and compliance. 5% design.
  • 10 3
 NX eagle still doesn't work.
  • 4 0
 I already know the buddy that's going to jump at getting this right away, he's the same buddy that'll be at the trailhead like "Shit, I left my battery in the charger at home!"
  • 3 0
 I like how when you ht the derailleur it makes a little electronic sound and come back for another whack, even though it knows it's going to get another one.

Question is: Is the derailleur being defiant or is there a great big hulking robot overlord taking names for latter?
  • 6 2
 "..precisely cut gear wheels that SRAM says will last the lifetime of the derailleur. "

Sramspeak translation : about six rides before you need a new 500$ derailleur.
  • 3 0
 I would like the guy with a moustache from Park Tools who I think is called Kelvin to strike this Sram rear mech with a rock like he did with that poor Shimano mech in his gear adjustment video,
  • 13 0
 Yes, that's his name. Kelvin C. Fahrenheit.
  • 6 0
 Came here for the article...stayed for the comments. (As usual.)
  • 4 0
 Well I think that the silver eagle chairing and the diesel chain look sick, I wonder if that'll be on sale separately (and affordably)
  • 2 0
 Wow this certainly got people's attention. Do you think it is as useless as a smartphone when its really cold. Fortunately I won't have to worry as fat bike frame broke - I guess I was too fat - is that false advertising
Last summer I was at Canmore and I saw a sign on the trail "No Fatbiking" - I at first thought they were discriminating against me because I had gotten so out of shape
  • 6 5
 Most importantly you should know that no matter how much encryption there is wireless devices ARE PRONE TO JAMMING ...so I would strongly advise never ever to use this component on any kind of serious competition level. Roadies are aware of this and almost all pro teams abandoned SRAM.
  • 3 0
 Why is everyone so worried about hacking of these things?

I mean sure. Almost anything wireless can be hacked or jammed if you try hard enough or brute Force secure keys.

But what's the point? It's not like there's enough money in this stuff and you can just reset to your paired phone. You could do it during racing I suppose to hurt your competitors but everyone would know really quickly if that was going on.

Most "hacking" of things happens for one of 2 reasons: 1. For fun to explore protocols and systems or 2. For profit. (For example get password and then access bank account).

I don't see any profit in hacking someone else's rear derailleur so if someone takes the time/effort to break into this its probably because they want to customize it.
  • 1 1
 Just to add one more point I don't know the technical details of the protocols and security keys they use but it would be roughly the same order of difficulty probably to connect to your phone via Bluetooth and download your "private" pictures.
  • 2 0
 @DrPete: Please point me to the quote that mentions "abandoned bikes" in that article. All that it mentions is that there are two SRAM sponsored teams and both are waiting for the SRAM red eTap that launched along with the mountain group.

"The big news though is SRAM stepping up its sponsorship by adding Trek to its existing support of Katusha. There are strong rumours of a new Red eTap groupset coming possibly this year, and it might also be 12-speed..."

I would not equate changing sponsorship with dropping because they are hackable. In fact, I'll do you one better by pointing to another article on that site on the topic of SRAM eTap being safe. road.cc/content/news/119275-srams-wireless-shifting%E2%80%94-saboteurs-dream
  • 1 1
 @bsavery: You don't unerstand the difference between jamming and hacking. I am sure they are not hackable...but that is not important. Much more interestingly they are prone to jamming, which can take it out of order and that's good enough to ruin your race. If I were a high profile racer (knowing all the bad stuff that goes on) I would stick with cables. Remeber Nino's mysterious mechanical? m.pinkbike.com/news/nino-schurter-and-malene-degns-wireless-electronic-drivetrains-albstadt-world-cup-xc.html
  • 2 0
 @IluvRIDING:

I'm not going to quote my resume but I assure you I know the difference Smile . But for the purposes of "screw up someone's shifting" there is no difference.

Maybe I'm slightly less conspiratorially minded and dont seeing someone being that hostile to do something like this purposefully. Maybe in the road scene but there's not that much money in Mt bike racing. And if you're caught...
  • 1 0
 @bsavery: point was that pro teams don’t appear to be abandoning SRAM, and several are running current eTap.
  • 4 0
 C'mon now... U know you want it..
  • 6 2
 I know one thing, it’s not for me..
  • 3 0
 They should've left the small window. That would be the geratest of all in this.
  • 4 1
 Loving the deals I'm finding to build an 11 speed XTR drivetrain right now.
  • 2 1
 Soft pass. As in...until cables no longer exist. Only battery I care to see on my bike is for powering lights or a dropper post that goes down without body weight.......and that's a maybe....
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy does it have the same clutch technology as previous 1X drivetrains? The new Red E-Tap seems to have a different speed sensitive clutch that does not rely on a roller bearing clutch.
As Type 2 and 2.1 clutches seem to lose their strength without retightening them and Type 3 doesn't seem to be adjustable as older versions this would be another useful upgrade.
  • 4 1
 All the Anti-EBIKE luddites will be very confused by this. The derailleur has a MOTOR!!!!!

Gateway drug?
  • 2 2
 Sram, my friends and I ride exclusively in frozen salt mines where mechanical derailleurs work *just fine*. Does your fancy "battery" technology hold up to these conditions? Does the wireless radio operate properly in high radiation conditions? I doubt it, and I don't want to lose a shift just cause I'm riding past a small ore deposit. Personally I will stick with tried and true cables for now, but please Sram release the full specs so I know how this thing I'm never going to buy will work in my absurd riding scenarios.
  • 1 2
 I can’t wait to buy my Unno Dash frame with full AXS drive train and dropper, fox live valve suspension , drift pedals, and ENVE rims, stem and bars. I will have to sell the house, wife and kids or buy a dentists drill off eBay. Sadly I’ll still ride like a Joey.
  • 4 5
 1 question at the (maybe drunk from organic craft beer) designers: Who dont you integrate the battery around the bar / in the bar? If you crash you wont snap the expensive trigger... I see zero sense in that bulky trigger.

Other than that- if it works cool, way too expensive for me.
  • 3 4
 So, wait, for #3 it sounds like you are saying your phone has to be synced for the system to work. Is that true or is that just to adjust the function of the shifter keys and configure it?

That also really doesn’t address someone that can send messages directly to the mech, they seem real focused on preventing someone from messing with this system via their phone over the Bluetooth interface but haven’t really talked at all about the security around the communications between the shifter and mech. The fact they are proprietary and encrypted doesn’t really mean much on it’s own.
  • 5 4
 SRAM's marketing department "Hmm people don't seem to like it yet........I GOT IT!!!! post 10 more articles!"
"No? that didn't help? well I've done all I can do....
  • 4 1
 Yes but where can i get the rainbow chain from?
  • 4 1
 And... can you run the rainbow chain without having all of the wireless shit? You know, just so you look like you have a wireless drivetrain?
  • 3 0
 Do "I" want it? Not really, but it's cool that it can be made.
  • 3 1
 ...But can I swap in the steering servo out of my RC crawler in a pinch?????
  • 2 3
 Well, you can not avoid this new release even if you tried - it is everywhere, one thing I hate is a co-ordinated marketing product releases, every youtube channel, store, sponsored rider, my mother, .. everyone is following order like good little minions - Damn - I am in a bithcy mood this morning .. its just unwanted overexposure to SRAM .. I shall take my medication and try block it out
  • 1 1
 Hmmm, for that price point I would expect the battery to be regenerative using the kinetic energy within the derailleur. Im a cut cables freak so love the idea but to pricey.
  • 1 1
 Just put my pre-order in at Fanatik (XO1 Eagle AXS Non-Boost Groupset, ETA April 22/19)...can't wait, I'll be shifting smoother than Sram Butter.
  • 2 3
 "SRAM has built-in some security features to keep your ''buddy'' or pesky Russian hackers from forcing you to high-post down Deadman's hill. " - well so did bookface and look what hackers did to it.. !?
  • 2 4
 "who knows what we'd be riding right now if they had decided to go electronic five or six years ago?"

I'll tell you: we would be riding cable actuated derialleurs, like we will in 5 years from now.

This is simply stupid; shimano's was (is) stupid, and this even more (because wireless). Seems more like a cold war/showcase thing than a real world project.
  • 2 1
 Meanwhile, back in the real world of Yorkshire in the UK, we say, fuck it, shred what you've got, and, ENJOY IT!
  • 1 1
 I'm all over this ISH if you can program the dropper length. They could make 1 dropper, and you could adjust the stop from 130-200. take my money.
  • 4 2
 Wasnt cool yesterday, still not cool today
  • 4 1
 Is it EMP proof?
  • 1 1
 I waited so long for internal cable routing, now it's obsolete. Guess I need a new $5,000 frame to go with the new AXS groupset.
  • 2 2
 That would be the dash Unno with drift pedals and fox live value suspension for you sir. A splendid choice.
  • 1 1
 It be funny to swap shifters on two different axs bikes and see who could climb to the top first using each others shift levers
  • 2 1
 Pinkbike 2019 Prediction: Videos of @mikelevy punching components will quickly replace suspension compression videos
  • 1 3
 I didn't read every comment, so perhaps it was mentioned, but does it require that you have to have your phone with you on your ride for it to work, or just sync? I've smashed my phone crashing on multiple occasions (twice racing). That would make for a crappy time, stuck in 1st with the seat up at the top of your descent...
  • 1 3
 Can I still ride without my phone always on ? What if the battery of the phone runs out, is there a safe mode that drops the post and shifts into the largest cog ? honestly, traditional shifting is working so well, why should I bother myself with battery life and apps and stuff. I really like the simplicity of a fully mechanical bike . . .
  • 1 1
 Instead of doing R&D on a lightweight internal gearbox that would sell like hot cakes, let’s keep putting expensive lipstick on outdated pigs.
  • 2 1
 Where's the "service derailleur soon" light?
  • 2 1
 The technology is really gearing up nowadays.
  • 1 1
 Any word on what the price of the shifter and derailleur will be? Would they play nice with a non AXS eagle drive train?
  • 1 1
 Steps back into reality ..........All this reminds me of silly overpriced hi fi tech of the eighties
  • 1 2
 If you were pedaling your ass off in high gear and someone changes it down to about 2nd gear your probably gonna crash hard
  • 1 1
 Reasons 6-100000, capitalism, win. Looks great but I gotta eat man c’mon.
  • 1 3
 Wait??!! I get to have a wireless version of a dropper post that doesn’t ever work right??? Oh boy, I can’t wait to bolt on a $1000 derailleur, hit a blind drop and have it sheered offby a rock!
  • 1 4
 So basically they just integrated and RC car servo onto the derailleur. A servo cost about 80 bucks retail and the nicer ones even have steel or titanium gears inside, not brass gears like the ones in the Sram derailleur. So what costs them probably less than a couple hundred to make, they sell for 2g. Quite a mark up. I don’t see a lot of people spending that much. Plus, it probably weighs more than a standard derailleur shifter combo.
  • 1 1
 I just want the Oil Slick Chain. Sorry I meant NEED. Cant. Stop. Staring. So Beautiful. I wanna touch it.
  • 2 2
 Checking if it’s the 1st of April..........
  • 5 5
 Neat-O... My dentist is gonna love this option.
  • 2 2
 lol would give you more props but the dentists won't allow it!
  • 1 3
 A day will come when someone will lose a world cup because his derailleur got hacked. I seriously doubt that Sram invested that much on the encryption.
  • 5 5
 I need to read at least 28.99 articles per day about AXS.
  • 5 4
 What, Dub jokes don't play anymore?
  • 1 4
 "Instead, you push a button and the shifter tells the derailleur what to do via an encrypted wireless network".... In today's world there is no such thing and your a fool to think so lololololol!
  • 1 2
 ...over load clutch. Servo saver saving the steering servos for decades of bashing RC trucks.????
  • 2 2
 what's even the point if you can't f*ck with your buddy?
  • 1 1
 I think it’s funnt how they dissed the Russians
  • 1 2
 electronic and wireless this gonna be funny, just grab some popcorn and watch.
  • 1 1
 They dont want anyone who can only afford NX running that Reverb do they?
  • 1 2
 SRAM moustache guys are very expensive lately, barber's fees have gone up !
  • 1 2
 Just because its got a chip and motor in it, it doesn’t mean going to better.
  • 1 1
 Hahaha sram is total ????
  • 1 1
 But where can I get one of those silver chainrings...
  • 1 3
 Another Beta prodict from Sram... i wonder when they going to fix the road version
  • 2 4
 Eagle is dumb. Can I get this fancy shifting with only 11 speeds?
  • 3 5
 Do they wirelessly shift as bad as the normal SRAM derailleurs?
  • 1 2
 #needITwantIT
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