Electric Mountain Bike Shifting | Archer Components D1x Electric Shifter

[@michaelhare6489]

Love the way your video was clear and concise. It followed you description perfectly and I came away knowing it a really easy install.

[@automotivedistributors9708]

It’s crazy how much tech exists I have never heard of. I love learning about new products!

[@rgmtb]

HAHAHAHA! So many cool gadgets to play with ;-)

[@Esteb858]

I gotta say that's pretty cool! I wish it had a traditional paddle style shifter instead of those buttons or at least buttons that are lined up vertically instead of horizontal like that. It doesn't seems very ergonomic.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Gene, Very cool, but for me, less is more. Just more time not having to worry about one more thing. I do like the drive you have to bring all this great stuff to "US" regular guys!!! Remember to LIVE-LIFE-LOUD!!! You are doing great stuff!!!

[@beardedmtbr]

This is sweet! Curious to see if more of this hits the market

[@grantfeddema5332]

Looks like the wave of the future Gene! Looking forward to hearing more about how it works in the field.

[@Kerobinson15]

That's so simple. Stoked to see how you like it on the trials homie

[@teamhuber]

Looking at this. Your video is too when I search. Thanks for the review.

[@rgmtb]

I've just installed this in my latest bike build and I'm really happy with it! If you do plan to get one you can use the RGMTB code and save some cash ;-)

[@goneforwater7547]

Great vid rgmtb. Definitely looking forward to a ride review.

[@brauljo]

4:33 *Ferrules

[@otr-mtbandfitness]

Great install video. I'm stoked to watch more as you test the D1X. I'd like to hear about advantages and disadvantages. Does it net reduced weight, provide a more reliable robust shift? Etc.

[@rgmtb]

More details to come my friend!

[@MTBGarage]

These look seriously cool!

[@jonmarshall1502]

What’s the latest on this gizmo? I’m curious as to how it’s performed. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@aaronfletcher9590]

I'll be waiting to see the long-term test results. The first thing that I wonder about is battery life. Their website shows you can buy extra batteries. How easy would it be to change the batteries? Do you have to remove the batteries to charge them? I'd hate to get to the trail and realize I left the batteries in the charger at home. I've done this with my camera, so I could see myself doing with these. Ultimately it comes down to what are the real benefits to replacing a time tested mechanical shifter and cable with this electronic version.

[@rgmtb]

Very good points. Yes, the batteries have to be removed and a topic I plan to discuss with Archer. Plenty of testing to come :-)

[@TheBillrx561]

Battery life really good by me. 1000's of shifts on first charge and batteries still haven't had to be changed. Batteries must be removed to be charged (in the charger included). They're easy to change, but need the proper size allen key. If you are low battery, it goes to "get home" gear (which you set...basically a gear that you can pedal without concern).

[@kevinjacobs4244]

This is the similar to the Xshifter which i have setup on both my rear and front derailleur and the work well. i noticed you didnt say anthing about it being able to be used on the front derailleur, can it as i presum it depends on the least amout of cogs it can be setup for

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

To add to the fray, where is the follow-up on the app, and use? Did the shifter perform as expected, or did you return it and go manual?

[@jarrodwesterlund464]

I kinda dig it but I too worry about the receiver being taken out be rocks or other trail stuff. I think it would be safer down low on the seat stay. Would it fit there?

[@rgmtb]

You can fit it in other locations. I'll be doing some testing on this and clearance testing.

[@livefreeandshred9818]

That's awesome. My inner bike/tech nerd wants one. Can you speed up the speed of the actual shifts?

[@rgmtb]

You can't speed it up but you can pre-set a set a number if gears to jump if the shifter button is held in for a moment. So mine is set to 3 down and 2 up. I'll have to get moving faster on the follow up videos because you folks are really digging this bad boy!

[@MTBGarage]

I would be interested to know what the fail-safe mode is, if the battery dies or just stops working, can you manually change into a gear, or is it stuck in the last gear you chose, thanks!

[@rgmtb]

Funny you should ask this..... I'll cover this in the follow up video. Archer did think about this ;-)

[@mtbboy1993]

What about cable stretch and shrinking? Does it eliminate the need for adjusting wire tention? On my las ride my wire shrink Ed so much it I could not slacken it more, without loosening the clamping bolt.

[@johannes6760]

So the front derailer is unchanged right? I have three gears upfront, can you put this on the front too?

[@EricDimanlig]

Any update?

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

It is not a bad system the issue is its mounted wrong as you it will eventually start sliding due to the cable tension. Also the remote not having a display showing the shift numbers is a major fail. I always look down on my revoshit number to see what I need for the next gear and quickly shift over 2 gears quickly. The remote control for that unit has to have a display showing the shift period end of story as all higher end systems have a display unit.

[@tommytsunami5773]

I think on top of the seat stay would be a safer spot. I'm interested in finding out any advantage this will have over the existing tech.

[@mtbboy1993]

The main reason I am interested in D1x Electric Shifter is, that I ride so much I get fatigues shifting with XT m8000 & XTR M9000 shifters. Even TRP Spyke mechanical brakes hurt after extensive use, like 4 hour ride or shorter rides every day. I got more brakes on the way as a warranty replacement, getting M6000, I already have rear brake installed, I could tell the difference, fatigued, in fact I was getting better in my long finger as time went by while using the brake. SO I am sure the electronic shifting will do the same, but my concern is accidental shifting, so it will be interesting to see how it performs, but very interesting for sure. I am looking for pain reducement everywhere I can, handlebars, RevGrips, Fabric Scoop saddle, Catalyst pedals, all of this is already perfect, next is more adjustable suspension, and now I am on summer tyres agian, what a difference it makes, from hard studded Suomi tyres in 2.1 to plush 2.3 Maxxis Shorty.

[@rgmtb]

This is one of the key areas the folks at Archer said their shifter can help. The buttons are easy to use and positioned in a great location. I'll keep up on this review and get more out to you quickly.

[@Lughnerson]

Just wondering your age?

[@MTBGarage]

I'm going to guess that the fatigue from using the cable pull brakes, made the shifting fatigue worse, I did a 7 hour race with sram level brakes and shifter, and while plenty of me was fatigued, shifting and braking were fine. I also a big fan of ESI chunky foam grips for extended rides.

[@mtbboy1993]

M610 shifter came stock on my bike, and it was much lighter feel, I was missing that light feel, But even though the xtr m9000 shifters felt firm and hurt in the beginning after many long rides, I eventually got used to it, now this is not an issue, the increase was not huge, but of course clutch strength also makes a huge difference, So I made sure all Shimano RD's were mentioned the same and were light enough. But having too tight clutch also makes the shifting worse. I have not tried modifying the spring on the Trp brakes, but it's too stiff, I am sure it's the spring, ergonomics are not perfect either, I wear out Esi grips in 4 weeks, they get too soft, and lose the shock damping. THey are also very fragile, and keep them away from bird attacks. For more detailed review: wp.me/p60aTF-cn I switched ot Rev grips. I rode with them for a few weeks now, no sign of wear, but getting the tuning right is crucial for good control and dampening, I suggest to start with red inserts on top and bottom and black front and back. But I have also heard great things about Oury grips, but not tried them.

[@mtbboy1993]

I am back on M6000 brakes, I don't get fatigued at all, but I got joint issues which fatigues me, I think I should look into braces, cuz my elbow, shoulder, wrist, misalign So that combined with using my muscles gives even more pain, and fatigue, on the last ride I did(11 March 2018), I tried to do some technical riding in a school yeard, a lot of rocky up and down, I could barely hold on to the bar, I could not shift properly, I had used the side of my hand to shift down, and I had to use front brake only, after a some km's I got better, and could use my hand. But today I am feeling well in my arm, but I rested 2 days, I also got the same issue in my back and neck, so it was two days of rest, but good now :-) But I don't think Archer would help me there, but I guess it would make it easier to shift.

[@MrRay645]

how did it had up? are you still using it?

[@mtbboy1993]

Today I have so much pain in my that I can't shift, even a button push would be too much, but I guess using a button long term would reduce fatigue, and pain, I would also like to have a shifter on each side to reduce it further, by using my left hand too. Mabye I should try this, trigger shifters, joint misalignment, feeling like I got needle in my thumb its too much for me. Need a better solution.

[@MrRay645]

any follow up? I see your not using it anymore so that probably tells me everything I need.

[@houckstar]

Gene - have you ever put together an on-trail video and X-month in review? Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@MitsuFQ400]

This is so brilliant.

[@meowmeowlee9785]

After going through so many feedback I still can’t find the actual working duration for these items? Please advise 🤔

[@harnoishobby]

Is there any significant delay or latency between when you hit the button and when derailleur moves? Thanks.

[@rgmtb]

No there is not. The system is pretty snappy but does take some getting used to. You can't just push the heck out of the button a bunch of times and it will react to each push. I might have to do a follow up video just on the shifting to offer up some examples.

[@nathanwforrest]

It's an interesting concept. What does it do better than the GX Eagle shifter you removed? Any experience with you can compare/contrast Shimano DI2?

[@rgmtb]

I've not had any first hand experience with the Di2 so can't help ya there. One of the nice improvements is that shifting is easier on your thumbs. I'll be getting into more details with my follow up videos for sure.

[@WintergardenPL]

I think You could do batter with cable alignment. It now goes into the derailleur in bad angle.

[@rgmtb]

I'll try to take a few shots and link them here to show the cable route. It's actually very good now and the cable flows directly into the mech without any bend at all. It might look off because of the angle in the pictures and video. You're spot on that proper cable routing makes a HUGE difference in performance.

[@mtbboy1993]

Even though the xtr m9000 shifters felt firm and hurt in the beginning, I eventually got used to it, now Ithis is not an issue, the increase was not huge, but of course clutch strength also makes a huge difference, So I made sure all Shimano RD's were mentioned the same and were light enough. But having too tight clutch also makes the shifting worse.

[@its_Savian]

they should do this on road bikes to please 🔥🙏

[@rgmtb]

Check it ;-) archercomponents.com/collections/shifters-and-remotes/products/d1x-trail-shifter-mfr-drop-bar-remote

[@AhilMohan]

Review starts at 1:15

[@rgmtb]

But if you skip ahead you don't get to hear me ramble on and on for 1:15 seconds ;-)

[@freerangemtb]

Hi Gene! This is very cool. I'm curious to see if you can shift while climbing? I'm told some e-shifter setups can shift even while in the middle of a rugged climb. Do you know if this one has that capability? I look forward to seeing your review videos. Stay upright and keep the rubber side down. -Brian

[@rgmtb]

I'll have to test that out. Personally I've always found shifting while climbing a hill a bit of a skill. You need to know how to destress the drivetrain so it can shift while climbing. Regardless, I'll be doing lots of testing ;-)

[@freerangemtb]

That's been my experience, too. I've always been told to avoid shifting while climbing as it tends to put a lot of straing on the drivetrain. However, I have also been told, like I mentioned, that some e-shifters allow for shifting while climbing. But that may only be limited to the setups that have their own derailluer.

[@sparks701]

Just bought the new version. Are you still running yours? How’s it holding up long term? Thanks

[@EricDimanlig]

How has it performed? Waiting for mine to arrive! Are you still using yours? Any feedback would be appreciated!

[@sparks701]

@@EricDimanlig still running strong. Have not used too much this winter. Weather has been horrible but after sitting for 2 months it’s still solid.

[@EricDimanlig]

@@sparks701 glad to know! Excited to get mine! A few of my riding buds have the Sram AXS! Too expensive! If money is not an object, why not!

[@EricDimanlig]

@@sparks701 thanks for your quick reply!

[@sparks701]

@@EricDimanlig I was having a lot of trouble keeping my eagle gx dialed. But since I put this on I can really get it right where I want with the micro adjustments. Set it once and haven’t had to mess with yet. I think you’ll really like it. I’m buying another for my hardtail this spring.

[@WombatPage]

Nice work dude. How does the shifter feel in use? I looks like it would feel quite different to the kind of shifters we are all used to.

[@rgmtb]

It's a completely different feel but one I adopted faster then I expected. The simple light tap on the buttons to shift is pretty nice.

[@unconventional_health]

how much does it cost and how long does it shift for?

[@rgmtb]

This can be purchased on the Archer site for $389. If you use the promo code REGULARGUY15 you can save 15%. The batteries after fully charged should last between 30 - 50 hours depending on setup.

[@hyw079]

There's nothing in the description

[@rgmtb]

hyw079 It's in there :-) REGULARGUY15

[@rgmtb]

hyw079 RegularGuy15

[@junibenbongabong4730]

how much is this archer shifter

[@rgmtb]

Juniben bongabong Check out the Archer website because as of June 4 2019 they are having a deal on their new Trail version 👍

[@truls0206]

Great video, but I just don't see the benefit. How secures to the bike is the motor. If it moves just a little bit, the gearing will be wrong. And how about chain slap on the device?

[@rgmtb]

All great questions. Motor is very secure to the chainstay. I thought the same thing about moving until I asked Archer about this. Since the distance of the shifter to the rear mech is controlled by the length of the cable housing, moving will have zero effect on shifting. (again, I totally thought the same thing as you) No issues with chain slap because it is under the chainstay. These are all great questions man and I'll include all this info in my follow up video. Thank you very much!

[@owenpreece4508]

Thats really cool

[@rgmtb]

Owen Preece I'm digging it so far :-)

[@riverar2]

I'm thinking about buying it, are still using it or not? If not why?

[@rgmtb]

It's a pretty cool product right! Currently I'm not running this shifter. We have been having some amazingly raining weather and the water is just beating up on anything electric. This didn't work out for me so I ended up going back to the original system. This being said, the latest version of the unit has been updated to be water tight and will perform great. I think the most important part here is that the product shifts really good and the support behind the product is wonderful. If your interested it's worth trying for sure 👍👍👍

[@brauljo]

This would be awesome with a 13 speed Rotor cassette.

[@mtbboy1993]

for those that like electronic stuff check out Magura, they got brakes with braking lights for E bikes, and got electronic suspension remote, and electronic dropper post, the big problem with the first get dropped was it was slow to react, but, I don't know much about these products. their Carbotecture is also interesting but would be nice to try my self sometime, fbut, for now, I will do with Shimano brakes I destroy in warranty period, but time will tell how long m6000 will last. Ergonomics is also a concern, for me it's important to have everything correct..

[@StravaigingMTB]

Unless you can get a front deraileur linked with a single shifter that moves through front and back sequentially for the smoothest ratios, A la Shimano's electrickery. then sorry I dont see the benefit of adding the additional complication. New toys are cool though, hope it rides well for you Gene.

[@mtbboy1993]

I want multiple shifts like on Shimano, but with less force, the ultimate drivetrain does not exist, hope it will someday. I also want to be able to move the shifter back and forth and up and down for perfect fit. I use 34mm lock on grips so my finger rubs on the clamps sometimes on XTR 9000 & XT M8000 shifters.

[@jasoncapecod]

It looks cool ,but I really don't see the advantage..I'm lucky my head phones stay paired.. I would hate to be fighting with this on the trail...

[@rgmtb]

Jason Hahaha! I'll be getting into the on this for you guys so stay tuned!

[@TheBillrx561]

Have never had issue with it. It pairs with the controller unit or phone without issue. Real advantage I can see is when you get into the larger tooth cogs...it allows you to individually index your gears, rather than just rely on mechanical shifter pull.

[@theoldgoat4525]

Interesting. Would be even better if they had one that works with 2x or 3x systems.

[@avocette]

I've talked with Archer Components and they said they probably won't consider any 'syncroshift' in their products due to the 'small' market for 2x/3x demographic, but you can certainly get another set of their products and use it on the front derailleur, as there are no minimum gears on their app.

[@marekzmazur2077]

It looks like it shifts pretty slow...

[@rgmtb]

So this has come up before and let me address it. First, I'll be honest when I say that the speed really varies based on the users expectations. I never felt like the shifting was slow. That being said, the shifting is VERY different in the sense that you can't just cram the shifter with your thumb and fly up 3 or 4 gears. You need to be willing to use a new way of shifting that I found very comfortable. Still, speed has come up and the latest release of the product has increased the shifting speed. Personally I never had an issue but it must have come up enough for them to address it. Hope this helps 👍

[@marekzmazur2077]

@@rgmtb so it sounds like this system is not good for racing?

[@carloslezcano9673]

Inecesary weight

[@JediSuPhu]

Meh after reading about it, seems like it simplifies some things, but adds something to worry about: battery life and recharging/replacing batteries. I'm also concerned about dirt and grit getting into that derailleur box.

[@OliverBatchelor]

Got as far as the spiel about subscribe and like and decided to go do something else

[@luislorente4714]

I want to say in advance that im not trying to hate, you did a good video about the product, but holy shit 400 bucks. I could buy a 3d printer and do one myself for that money! I am amazed, electronic stuff in general is CHEAP, i doubt that that has much more than a bluetooth reciever, a transmitter, capacitors, resistors, pcb, a servo, push buttons and 2 chips.

[@rgmtb]

I respect your comment man and understand your position. Remember that this price has to also cover all the R&D to put this thing together and now the marketing to sell it plus some level of profit. This one was sent to me for free to demo and promote. Now they have to eat that cost. I'll be honest, the actual cost of any product is SOOOOO much less then we pay but that has to include all the costs incurred and some level of profit. I'm expecting things like this to come down in price once they are more popular. That first 3d printer that came out cost a butt load more money then what you can get it for now right ;-) Regardless, I thank you for your support and comments my friend!

[@luislorente4714]

I know, wont get my argument further, but still, it seem very steep. I have been following you for quite a while now, and i feel like you are passionate about what you do, which is the important thing here.

[@rgmtb]

You rock man and I thank you! I have ZERO issues with comments like yours when they are presented like yours was. People have the right to speak their minds and I'm sure you are not the only person thinking this same thing. Cost is a very gray area. What is expensive to one person is not to someone else. Some people have cash to burn and others have different priorities on what they want to spend their money on. You spoke your mind without hurting anyone and that is your right. Having people like you around helps shape the conversation and I welcome it! Comment on my friend and again, I can't thank you enough for the support!!

[@tjbarke6086]

It turns your barrel adjuster into an app...

[@shamuslockey]

Might as well just go auto trans...I'll stick to no batteries and analog

[@shamuslockey]

Id destroy that box under the stay in about 2 days from rocks

[@Sefveron]

You don't have to mount it on the chain stay, you can technically increase the length of the cable and mount it wherever it will fit, put it where a bottle mount goes, under the top tube, even put it on a seat post if you don't like droppers... (if you really are that keen)

[@rgmtb]

You are correct. I placed it on the chain stay because that seemed to be the most common place. I'll do more testing on this in follow up videos.

[@th_js]

That is very interesting, but I don't think worth it

[@sam.lovejoy9037]

Looks slow

[@rgmtb]

It's really not when you start using it. Also, with the setting that allows you to shift up or down multiple gears at once it moves just fine. Kind of hard to see this all from a video and you need to play around with it first hand.