ULTIMATE Enduro Drivetrain Hack - SRAM AXS + SHIMANO 12sp Cassette/Chain

[@realitynuggets6204]

I also did this on a Druid. Best set up 100%. Dan is a nice guy, but not a born salesman, and I'm sure he's heard that before. He helped me with a $for$ performance set of wheels years ago, and I respect him for that. As far as his outlook on AXS, don't listen. If you ride 15+ miles daily, maybe go for cable. Otherwise, definitely go AXS!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Ha, you're not wrong. Golden rule though, treat others how you'd want them to treat you; I figure if I can give people the information to make the best decision for their situation, they'll probably leave happy and *hopefully* come back and shop with us again. Thanks for the personal feedback, glad you're stoked on the wheelset and on AXS! - Dan at Fanatik

[@realitynuggets6204]

@@FanatikBikeCo You're definitely doing things right over there. :-) And I did come back to Fanatik for my Druid plus occasional tidbits. Keep up the excellent work!

[@Badsneakers78]

Why wouldn't you use axs on a bike you ride 15+ miles? I regularly ride 30 or so on the weekends

[@realitynuggets6204]

@@Badsneakers78 100% subjective opinion here, but for those averaging 100+ miles of MTB per week, you better have your eye on charging or carry a spare battery. I LOVE my AXS, and will likely stay wireless. However, if you ride a ton and shred hard, battery management and potential AXS derailleur breakage could cost you significantly more than cable systems. If you have the money, try it. It's awesome.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@realitynuggets6204 less likely to break a SRAM derailleur since it moves on impact

[@richardw.3684]

Did this SRAMano conversion and absolutely love it. No issues, even with my AB oval chainring it shifts and works flawless 👍

[@andrelb3]

How did you set the b-tension? I saw that the tool that comes with the AXS GX won't work with a shimano cassette. Thanks!

[@menemismix]

Do you have an XT cassette or XTR?

[@totalglitch]

Any long term reviews on this for chain, cassette wear? Derailleur issues or quick wear

[@r0bv123]

Stoked fo sure! Hoping long term rideability and no issues. Let's revisit this in a few months after all this wet rainy PNW weather!!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Still working great after several months of riding! I'd definitely recommend it. And we've now got everything in stock that you would need to make it happen! (Shimano backorders may finally be a thing of the past!)

[@totalglitch]

​@@FanatikBikeCohow is it working now? Years later have you had excessive wear on any items????

[@jensleerssen9603]

Dragged into AXS when I went to snag a road bike and they only came with rival axs... Skeptical at first, but I dialed it in months ago and it is now still PRECISE. If shifting isn't crisp (to like 0.001") it means one of two things: 1) check chain wear, or if that clears 2) bust out the HAG. Just a tap, and it snaps to with a beep or boop. AXS batteries have gone for several hundred miles and not even gotten into yellow when recharged. They unclip and recharge in a base like an old camera battery: wish Di2 was like that. Hadn't thought to switch to Shimano cassette. Thank you for the reveal! BTW: have been running KMC on my XT drivetrains for years now, to much better success. Have snapped nearly half the Shimano chains used over the years but not one KMC, yet... ☺️

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Cheers! Thanks for the feedback!

[@hayden33533]

GX shifter with a XT mech is the go for me! Great combination of a solid snappy sram shifter with a long lasting and easily serviceable mech

[@Silkl4sh]

its way better the othey way around.

[@billmaidment5623]

I’ve been using the AXS X01 RD with XT cassette and chain for a year and it works. It’s a lot smoother and quieter than my friends all Sram setup.

[@bikeva1557]

I enjoy this mashup greatly, especially when GX goes on sale for $450 ($633 today's price). However, Di2, as with all Shimano drivetrains vs. SRAM, has a smoother more refined shift action. More app control programming options also. However, one cannot simply bolt Di2 on and go. No need to blow money on XD equipped wheels just because you want to swim in the e-shifting pool.

[@joelod.4763]

Ive done this but with full xo1 mechanical and just the xt Cassette and it shifts incredibly smooth.

[@seeandsqueeze]

Need that 200mm axs dropper already!!!! 34.9 to be specific Viva shramano 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I'm in the same boat! wish there was a 200mm (or even better 210mm!) AXS Reverb. Think it would be pretty cool to be able to buy just one dropper for multiple frames. I have my Dreadnought (31.6mm diameter post) and a Chromag Stylus hardtail (also a 31.6mm diameter post). Instead of buying two posts, you just buy one AXS Reverb and throw it in whatever frame you're gonna ride that day. That would kind of help justify the expense of the Reverb because $800 for a dropper is a lot, but if that Reverb flops between two bikes it makes sense (two bike yoke Revives+remotes comes out to around $870. Reverb saves you money if you are lucky enough to have two bikes in the quiver!)

[@traxfactory9667]

@@FanatikBikeCo Ill take a 215+ please!

[@Aceton_]

Let me guess you ride a trek?

[@seeandsqueeze]

@@Aceton_ Norco Sight 2020

[@Aceton_]

@@seeandsqueeze ahh shit very nice bike tho

[@alexgonzalezMI]

I have GX Axs on my Diverge and love it. I just bought a Pro Caliber 9.6 and might have to do this before I even ride it. The nice thing about this is not having to change wheels or hubs to go to a XD driver.

[@Montblanc1986]

I like AXS and XTR. I do run a XTR shifter on my lower end SRAM equipped bikes and it makes a huge difference.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

A lovely shifter, that. Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@energ8t]

Nice to know it works. I have a forbidden with XT as well... 🤔

[@FanatikBikeCo]

This is all you need to give it a go: www.fanatikbike.com/products/sram-gx-eagle-axs-upgrade-kit

[@dustinbjohnson]

Great vid! Really love the ratio of the shimano cassettes. But they just don't last any where as long as the x01 cassettes. Hopefully we see sram update the gapping in their cassette in the future.

[@mfa81]

42 to 52 now is insane! Sram is being lazy!

[@jackyharuhiko]

I am using the Shimano Ultegra R8100 cassette with the SRAM Rival AXS wireless shifter/derailleur on the Birdy folding bike. It works flawlessly.

[@traxfactory9667]

Have been running the same on my Offering V2 for past few months. I used a Garbaruk oval with XTR chain, could not be happier with this setup. For me the main reason was I wanted the gear spread of the Shimano, I much prefer the Shimano 39,45,51 over Sram 36,42,52

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Yep, it does make a little more sense in my mind. Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@andrelb3]

Can I ask how you set the b-tension since the AXS gap tool won't work with a Shimano cassette?

[@ChezzyDirt]

@@andrelb3 I am pretty sure I did use the tool. I also have the earlier tool that worked off the derailleur cog, I may have used that. Its been working flawlessly.

[@andrelb3]

@@ChezzyDirt Thanks! Perhaps you used the earlier tool as I know that one will work, but from the few videos i've seen online, the new tool didn't work as it couldnt slip on the cog far enough (next cog is too close). Glad to hear it's working great, I get mine tomorrow!

[@a.sonetwo4547]

0:06 totally agree with Dan

[@kayakutah]

You mentioned setting the b screw - is it different than for SRAM cassette? I'm doing it, as I'm 70 and going to a 165mm crankset. I live in the mountains, so slightly easier shifting steps (33, 39, 45, 51 for Shimano Vs. 32, 36, 42 and 50 or 52 for SRAM) are appealing! Edit: LoveMTB has a video on it from May 27, 2021. Use the original transparent red gap tool, or 40-41mm from tooth to cog bolt.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Glad you got it sorted, enjoy the ride! - Dan at Fanatik

[@johnnnewmex]

My xtr shifter paired to an slx derailleur and XT cassette shifts like lightning. But it is cool they came up with wireless shifting. Seems more like something that would appeal to the less mechanically inclined and or Star Trek fans.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Not sure I would say its any easier for the less mechanically inclined. While you don't have to route cable and housing you will still have to set limit screws and b limit tension. Functions the same as mechanical stuff but fewer cables and a really clean look! Have a feeling a lot of stuff will be going this way in the future so its definitely for the techy crowd! Hard to argue with the reliability of good old mechanical shimano set up though!

[@alexchamberlain449]

I made the swap and have loved it so far. However, the chain gets super noisy if it gets even remotely dirty. So noisy it almost sounds like its out of alignment, but as soon as I clean the chain it sounds fine. I did look close at the sprocket wheel on the derailleur as I slowly peddled the bike on a stand and it looks like teeth are slightly too big to fit into the grooves of every other chain link? Maybe the Sram teeth of the wheel don't line up well with the Shimano chain?

[@stonewp]

Replacing XTR with GX seems crazy. Properly setup cable mechs shift perfect, never need charging, and I must be the only one that thinks the bulky AXS derailleur and especially the seat post along with half a dozen empty cable holes on the frame looks worse than a couple of 2 tidy cables.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

So when it comes to AXS GX, X01 and XX1 all function exactly the same. The only difference is in the cages. GX is a steel cage, X01 is alloy and XX1 is carbon. So its a weight thing with all the AXS derailleurs. They all use the exact same motor and electronics. So yes I did take a top of the line shimano derailleur off for an "entry level" wireless derailleur. I think it works pretty great and i ditch the cables! Might not be for everyone but I sure think its slick! -Rich

[@KingerUTube]

I see Rich has a Float X2 on his Dreadnought now. (Was a Push11 a few months back). What’s the story there?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Just wanted to give the X2 a try. See air vs coil on this bike. Do feel like its a bit more lively with the air shock on there

[@4KMTBRider]

Ah nice video! I might try this as only used AXS on my gx groupset, had no idea it would work with xt on my dreadnought! AXS is the fastest, most effortless, cleanest shift setup in my opionion. Being able to tap tap tap through the gears is a dream. Would I recommend upgrading? Only if you have money to burn however or you are doing a dream bike build otherwise I feel it's a 'nice to have' but not a 'must have' item.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Couldn't agree more! If you do decide to go for it, this is all you'd need to run it on your Dreadnought: www.fanatikbike.com/products/sram-gx-eagle-axs-upgrade-kit Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@funLad80]

Hi, great video, is there any chance you could try mixing AXS with Shimano 10-45 cassette? I am thinking about this solution as I won’t use 50T or 52T cog at all where I live. Or do you know if this setup gonna work? Many thanks

[@paulwolframandkelliestokes4294]

I wanna do the opposite. I have a full mechanical Eagle drivetrain but want to run a Shimano derailleur for the stronger/adjsutable/serviceable clutch. Possible?

[@nickjohnson1816]

Have you looked at the magura virgin seat post for a 200mm wireless post

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The Magura Vyron only goes to 150mm so Rock Shox still has them beat at 170mm. But still not long enough for my legs! -Rich

[@JeepingNet]

Those that have done this have you had to shorten or lengthen your chain? I'd think you wouldn't need too but just checking.

[@sprousaTM]

Thinking of the same conversion on my Dreadnought. I read that the SRAM cassette is 1mm wider than the Shimano, meaning when trimmed to one of the cogs in the middle there should be a difference up to the lowest/highest gear of around 0.5mm. Can you trim every gear using the method of holding the small button on the remote and finetune it with the up/down trigger? So the width of the xt cassette wouldnt be a problem? Would changing the derailleur pulleys from the 12/14 cog SRAM ones to 2x 13 cog shimano ones help with shifting? especially the guide pulley on top. I don't know if the width of the pulleys axially fit into the cage. If so, maybe one cog more might fit as well. You would end up with a SRAM derailleur but every contactpoint with the chain would be Shimano.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

You can't trim individual gears. Its just one trim adjustment that is the same throughout the entire cassette. I haven't had any issue using my XT cassette. Did take a few rides to dial in the trim but haven't had any issues since. Seems to be working great so far with no additional adjustment

[@jasonmcconnell9582]

@@FanatikBikeCo what "trimming" was required for the setup? Also any plans for a long term review on this setup?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@jasonmcconnell9582 so I was getting a little clicking in a couple gears and there is a trim adjust you can do on AXS and I just trimmed it a couple clicks and it was gone. Think of it as electronic barrel adjuster that you'd find on a mechanical set up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHPOiWdqYqhrd68 the 6:57 mark in that video goes into how to micro adjust an Eagle AXS derailleur. As for long term review maybe we could do something for a video, but as of now I'm still running it with no issue! Just swapped out my old cassette, chain and chainring so I'm all dialed in for this bike season. Still plan on running it all year! -Rich

[@JasonLiske]

Wondering about this too as I can't get the micro-adjust working very well on my SHramano setup.

[@GokkunGuru]

Did Rich say this Frankenstein setup still isn’t as good as full Shimano and/or full SRAM?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hmm, I don't believe he said that, no. He's still running it! - Dan at Fanatik

[@markallenbarrameda403]

Did that on my xt casette xt chain, after putting x01 rd and shifter, when i pedal theres a grinding something sound in the front i believe on the chainring, but when i change to xx1 chain its gone, when i use again the shimano chain its still there

[@davidwhite9817]

The Shimano chain is slightly narrower and that's probably what the grinding noise is. Does the Sram chain work nicely on the XT cassette?

[@keonihavea]

I have the same set up and recently moved to the Midwest and the weather has got pretty cold. Has anyone had the gx axs derailleur not working in 20 degree and below weather? Sram is saying it's the battery but I have replace the battery 3 times and app says it's full charge. After warming up the derailleur with a hair dryer, it works again. Someone please help. Lol thanks in advance

[@evo5349]

I ride 6 days a week in mud loam etc and wanted to go wireless but advised as it will not take the punishment like cable and then there's cost.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I'd disagree, those conditions are a large chunk of the riding season here, and it did just fine for two wet seasons for me. I suspect mud/wetness won't be the reason this reason this derailleur meets its demise! It is, like you mentioned, quite a bit more expensive, and I agree that there's nothing wrong with running a cable! - Dan at Fanatik

[@evo5349]

@@FanatikBikeCo Yes got you, forgot to say I am on a Specialized Kenovo expert, and in the UK I think sometimes it rains all the time. It's just the ebikes are very hard on cassette's. I found that the 11 speed derailleur get play faster than the GX 12 derailleur and the clutch works better. For a week end warrior ok but I ride too much.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@evo5349 Fair enough, glad you found a solution! - Dan at Fanatik

[@totalglitch]

​@@FanatikBikeCoI have to warranty my frame and getting the new 2025 hightower and all CC bikes HAVE to run wireless but I can't afford to get a full groupset like that. I had XT I'd like to just do the upgrade and runt XT cassette chain and front chain but do t want to screw up or put stress on the derailleur. Any and all help would be great

[@michiganstate149]

I can't get my 51t to stay with the chain and have the rest of the cogs be shifting smooth at the same time. I've tried multiple XT cassettes and Garbaruk microspline as well. Hanger is straight. SRAM B gap tool used. Garbaruk chainring, but I tried an absolute Black as well. HG+ chain.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Ray, I suspect it's not the chainring that's the issue. Is the issue that the chain is falling into the spokes? - Dan at Fanatik

[@michiganstate149]

@@FanatikBikeCo Between the top pulley and the bottom edge of the cassette it wants to jump down to the 2nd gear. Almost like a "tension" issue. Microadjust can take care of good shifting on gears 1-3. Then the rest are terrible. It's a 38t oval. Hanger is straight. B gap changes doesn't affect or fix it. Limits aren't limiting it. It sounds like it's going to jump but so far has only popped off 1x in my 10+ attempts to see if it will. Must be a microspline cassette spacing issue vs sram.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

@@michiganstate149 I have the exact same issue on the 51T. Hanger straight with Abby Tools HAG. Dt Swiss 240 Microspilne driver. XT 8100 10-51 cassette (new). XTR 12 speed chain (new/correct direction). Wolftooth 30T round chainring for Shimano chains/SRAM Direct mount (new). GX RD/shifter. No matter where I set the B-Gap or microadjust, the chain wants to try to come off of the 51T and fall down towards the next cog. If I microadjust that away, then there is awful noise throughout the rest of the cassette. Reinstall my X01 10-50 and Garbaruk 10-50 onto my XD driver, adjust B-Gap with tool and butter. I literally have a brand new cassette, chain and Wolftooth chainring sitting on my kitchen sink as I type this..... if anyone is interested, hit me up.

[@hfedrums123]

When setting up your dreadnought any tips on setting up the tension on bike I have a druid that the vike shop cant get working Everytime you put power down on the pedals in the lower gears it pops or skips hard to explain But bike shop is saying it cant be fixed The claim they did everything forbidden page days to do...any tips?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Unfortunately really hard to say without actually seeing the bike. You are also running this AXS/XT set up? Might just have to fine tune the b tension to get it dialed in. But again hard to say what is happening in your situation without seeing the bike.

[@regularMattMatt]

With this kind of setup, how do you know that your BGAP is setup properly? Thanks

[@FanatikBikeCo]

You still use the SRAM B gap tool to get it close. It does require a little bit of minor tweaking here and there to get the b gap just right

[@vin374]

My exact setup. Been running it a year now

[@andrelb3]

Can I ask how you set the b-tension since the AXS gap tool won't work with a Shimano cassette?

[@totalglitch]

Any issues or wear problems????

[@vin374]

@@totalglitch nope. None it’s been perfect

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Hey Rich, any rasping noises or any other noise/shifting issues that you can't microshift out long term?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

So still running this set up and its still working. Occasionally I'll have to mess around with the micro-adjust, but it always seems to fix it. I'm sure there is a bit more noise than a 100% SRAM or 100% Shimano set up, but it doesn't bother me. If you were extra picky and can't handle any noise, this might not be the set up for you but I still love it! -Rich

[@atiboa]

Why he constantly says "SHram"?

[@energ8t]

Ummm... cause it’s Shimano+SRAM=SHram

[@andrelb3]

Can I ask how you set the b-tension since the AXS gap tool won't work with a Shimano cassette?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hmm, maybe I'm not thinking about this correctly, but why won't the b-tension tool work with that cassette? - Dan at Fanatik

[@andrelb3]

@@FanatikBikeCo I will find out today when I try myself, but the two videos I’ve seen on KZbin show that the new white tool doesn’t fit properly on a shimano cassette. The last cog and the second to last cog are too close together and the tool won’t sit flush.

[@henriclouisemeldgard5048]

I had read that the hyper glide plus chain inner link is thicker and that it does not mesh well with the axs pulley wheels which are sram standard narrow wide? Anybody notice this?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I'm more than a year+ in and still riding this set up on the Dreadnought. Is it as perfect as a full Shimano or full SRAM drivetrain? No, but I don't seem to really have any issues with the hyper glide plus not meshing with the pully wheels. From time to time I find my self using the AXS micro adjust to retune in the drivetrain but overall its still kicking! If you want wireless but also love the lower price of Shimano bits like cassettes this is definitly a set up you can do with little fuss. Cheers Rich @ Fanatik

[@jimnewnam3812]

Is Rich still running this setup? Any long term comments on performance?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I am still running it and its still working great!

[@s14sx]

I currently run this set up, however the cassette is a 10-51T, would it run even smoother if I replaced it with a 10-52T (like what SRAM recommends, their cassettes run 10-52T)

[@FanatikBikeCo]

If you do run the SRAM 10-52 cassette it will certainly be a bit smoother as the entire drivetrain was manufactured by SRAM to be fully compatible. With that said the Shimao/Sram hybrid set up does seem to work pretty well and I'm still running it now. -Rich

[@loudenrowe1089]

I was wondering why it came with a coaster...

[@believe8263]

Ditched a cable but gained a battery. No real weight savings. Not for me. My cable never runs out of power and shifts flawlessly.

[@htonmusic]

could you do this with a sram mechnical?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Yep you could do it with mechanical too.

[@miguelt.7997]

I found the Shimano cassette with shimano chain shifts better with AXS than an Eagle cassette + chain. Ended up selling my Eagle casette.

[@totalglitch]

Still running that with no issues????

[@miguelt.7997]

@@totalglitch yes, have not had any long term issues. If I’d go hack, I would probably stay with all Shimano drivetrain.

[@Aceton_]

I was surprised to find out that shimano actually has wireless shifters aswell I didn't know that. Does anyone know why axs is so popular and di2(shimano) isn't present at all?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

So Di2 is electronic but it is not wireless like AXS. You've got to deal with wires connecting all the Di2 components

[@Aceton_]

@@FanatikBikeCo Oh i didn't know this now its pretty clear why every chooses axs over di2

[@larkc6720]

new gx with shimano 12sp plz❤

[@dominicbeausejour2734]

I ave Shimano casette xt SLR dérailleur, SRAM chaîne and crank. Work perfec !

[@Emtbtoday]

Why sram have locked you in to new transmission T type because it did work better for on an XT cassette im away to do the same now price of these older ones have dropped half and I'll do the same in 2 year's when the T type drops to half the price

[@lexusstefan927]

XT Drivetrain with X01 AXS, works like an absolute dream, bye bye to shitty Shimano clutches, so precise and smooth, never mechanical again

[@andrelb3]

Can I ask how you set the b-tension since the AXS gap tool won't work with a Shimano cassette?

[@totalglitch]

How is that holding up? Any premature wear?

[@kaseykohler1490]

God finding a Shimano chain right now lol

[@FanatikBikeCo]

This will work. Won't get all the engineered benefits of HG+, but it'll do! www.fanatikbike.com/products/kmc-x12?variant=39429234819118

[@TeamCykelhold]

even gx axs is still way too expensive for what you get imo. also wholly agree about 170mm way too short for dropper. 210 is the sweet spot, 200mm is minimum.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I could seriously use a 250 post on most bikes these days with the insanely low seat tubes! I am all legs though so I'm probably not the norm! -Rich

[@TeamCykelhold]

@@FanatikBikeCo Haha yeah I know 🤣 But I think it can actually get too low too, i like to be able to steer a bit with the knees if that makes sense.

[@BrickBike]

I wish my main concern was cleaning up my cockpit. Meanwhile I’m more concerned with bashing and tweaking my humongous 12 speed mech on the rocks and boulders I ride in and having to buy a new one every 6 months. Throwing a $300+ mech into the mix? No thanks. 11 speed was the ticket

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Definitely put this derailleur through some nasty rocks and roots and bashed it pretty good with no issue. I know some folks can be particularly hard on their derailleurs but thats never been an issue for myself! If you thrash your derailleurs probably not a worth while upgrade, but I've had 0 issues! Cheers Rich

[@smuy3782]

I have both and hyp+ benefit is negligible IMO. I'd rather xd driver and one piece cassette.

[@ChezzyDirt]

The one piece cassette is better....I have the XTR cassette and had a weird noise. After chasing everything else, took cassette off cleaned, disassembled, lubed all the pins, problem resolved. Hard to beat the long wear life of the one piece but I really wanted that 45,51 jump...the 45 is my favorite climbing gear, so for me it works

[@bigboybiker]

Guys, there is no H in SRAM! It is not SHRAM!

[@energ8t]

No, but there is in SHram (Shimano + SRAM)

[@jayswavely6371]

Shimano SLX cassettes are $99. SLX chains are $32. Sounds good to me. I'm not a fan of spendy drivetrain components.

[@roberttemme6162]

Dumb question...if you already have the Shimano drivetrain why wouldn't you just get the Shimano derailleur. Why go with the SRAM?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Not a dumb question! This would be for people who want to run AXS, which has a pretty unique shifting action (precise, robotic) and aesthetic (no cable, a less-busy cockpit). It's a pretty nice shifting solution, but it does seem that the Shimano Hyperglide+ cassette and chain combo shifts a little more smoothly, especially while under load and moving to a larger cog. This is kind of the best of both worlds. - Dan at Fanatik

[@roberttemme6162]

@@FanatikBikeCo Smooth shifting, especially under load is key so I get it. Thanks for your reply. Bob T.

[@Fincher123]

0:43 and now he need to wait until the Gearshift is fully charged up and check it before he drives =P Nothing is better than a Wired!!!! But non the less i wouldgive it a test drive but dont want to buy it. The reliability is down with that combo. For a good long life drivetrain you need Sram Parts ALL. So SRAM or nothing! The more bling the more life the drivetrain will get =)

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Nope, reliability is the same! The only change in contact points is on the pulley wheels, which are almost always in-line with the chain and are not a wear point. Biggest determinant on drivetrain life for a given amount of use is how clean and lubricated you keep it. Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@GHinWI]

But then you’re stuck with the objectively-inferior microspline… XD is the best

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Out of curiosity, what don't you like about microspline? - Dan at Fanatik

[@GHinWI]

@@FanatikBikeCo : nothin really-i just feel like Sram solved the HG problem first with XD & they have my loyalty for that. I think Microspline still has the wear issue that HG had, maybe to a lesser extent. 1st world problems…they all work fine.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@GHinWI No, that makes sense! Kind of annoying that Shimano decided they needed something different when there was already a perfectly good solution. - Dan at Fanatik

[@roilev]

There is definite difference between GX AXS and XX1 cable, the AXS always shifts perfectly, under load, when dirty, when hit by a rock. There is slight improvement between GX AXS and XX1 AXS but not as prominent. Actually the difference between cable GX and XX1 is larger. P.S. You can also use SRAM cranks - the narrow-wide chainring keeps the chain better, and there are carbon cranks even in the GX level (and none at XTR)

[@jacktreeger5676]

Why do you think carbon makes crank better. Shimano cranks are probably the best. Sram cranks use alloy axles which is not ideal with hard steel that makes bearing and 3 bolt sram chainrings creak a lot more than what shimano offers in my experience

[@roilev]

@@jacktreeger5676 What makes you think alloy cranks with steel axle is better? It is heavier, uglier and have enough of problems in itself. Not acceptable for solution that is advertised as top

[@jacktreeger5676]

@@roilev bearings are hard steel alloy is softer that's less than ideal

[@roilev]

@@jacktreeger5676 And the frame is carbon fibre. That's why the bearings have shells. Galvanic corrosion is the bigger problem here.

[@jacktreeger5676]

@@roilev the alloy axle is way softer than the bearings it goes through. This can cause gulling and galvanic corrosion can happen in both cases

[@jamesroberts3642]

Quick question for mountain bike riders....If the handlebars/peds are called a "cockpit", then why doesn't a car/truck have a "cockpit". Why don't motorcyclists have a cockpit? Could it be that we might be using buzzwords to make our hobby sound more tech than it really is? I'm guessing so...LMFAO.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Oh. I guess I thought it was called a cockpit, at least with motorcycles. Seems maybe others do to? This is just one example of the 12,800,000 results google returned when I searched "motorcycle cockpit." riders.drivemag.com/features/five-iconic-motorcycle-cockpits/ PS on Monday I leave for a month on this cool trip, so we may have to finish this conversation later! instagram.com/p/CdtZP8OB41k/? Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@UNLKYHNTR]

My new bike has a Shimano drivetrain, my old bike a SRAM AXS. Didn't know I could move things over. Brb....

[@jamesroberts3642]

I hate bikers call that a "cockpit"...They're handlebars....not an aircraft

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The cockpit refers to the entire control space, not just the bars. - Dan at Fanatik

[@jamesroberts3642]

@@FanatikBikeCo Lol...yes...I know exactly what they're referring to. I just think it's silly buzzwords to help us feel more technical. I'm a fixed wing airplane pilot....When I fly, I'm in a cockpit. When I ride my mountain bike, I am NOT in a cockpit.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@jamesroberts3642 Fair nuff! Merriam-Webster seems to think the primary definition is "a place noted for especially bloody, violent, or long-continued conflict." Maybe they're referring to KZbin's comment section! Cheers - Dan P.

[@jamesroberts3642]

@@FanatikBikeCo Lol...clever...I guess that's true if you take ONE definition from the MW dictionary (which is literally defining a "chicken fight")....but when it comes to the concept of OTHER definitions (the one that is used in OUR MOUNTAIN BIKE CONTEXT definition), it's "a compartment for the pilot, and sometimes also the crew, in an aircraft or spacecraft.", ......................or maybe...... even if give our sometimes-silly mountain bike community a bone to chew here, it's defined as " a space or compartment in a usually small vehicle (such as a boat, airplane, or automobile) from which it is steered, piloted, or driven".....But even that doesn't come remotely close to meaning "bike handlebars is a cockpit.". Hell....We don't even say a car/truck has a "cockpit"...So as clever as that was, I still win in this cockpit fight (-; (don't mind me though....I've always been drinking by the time I'm replying to YT comments)

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@jamesroberts3642 Hahah, just trolling ya. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write in! I'll cool it with the cockpit. - Dan at Fanatik

[@allenjanes5976]

Nope. Not gonna happen for me. Huge waste of money. Now flight attendant? That's a different story

[@Pshpshpshpshpshpshpsh]

AXS brake set up coming up! 😂

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Phew. Hope not. But probably 😨 - Dan at Fanatik