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Is SRAM AXS GX a diy project?

2006 Views 19 Replies 8 Participants Last post by NorCalTaz, 8 mo ago

PTCbiker

Discussion Starter · Feb 2, 2022

Have YouTube will travel and I think I have the tools but is this really diy? Bear in mind I’m new to mtb and have never even adjusted a derailleur before.

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

Nat

· #2 · Feb 2, 2022

Are you referring to the installation? It's the easiest derailleur installation I've ever done. The b-screw adjustment needs a second person to help, or you can deflate your shock to your sag point, but other than that it's very plug-and-play. Mine was programmed to hit all the shift points perfectly right out of the box, so I didn't need to fine tune at all.

Reactions: 1

PTCbiker

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 2, 2022

Yup, I'd like to take a stab at install.

Reactions: 1

Nat

· #4 · Feb 2, 2022

PTCbiker said:
Yup, I'd like to take a stab at install.

If you're comfortable doing the most basic wrenching then you can probably handle this. I watched this particular video but I'm sure there are several more that are helpful:

Dkayak

· #5 · Feb 2, 2022

The B tension adjustment is the only thing that takes much time (and another person as noted). You’ll find installing the rest takes less time than removing your old one and its cables. A bike shop might do it for $25 but you can do it yourself in less time than the trip to/from the shop.

Reactions: 1

MSU Alum

· #6 · Feb 2, 2022

Extremely easy. I found that the phone app was very helpful to micro-adjust and to keep track of that adjustment. I put the optional trigger on and reversed its operation, using the app, from stock as well.

J.B. Weld

· #7 · Feb 2, 2022

If you follow sram's instructions step by step it's an easy install. Chain length is important, if you already have Eagle and the chain length is right now it will be fine but that's not a given.

Also pay attention to the limit screws, the system can function just fine under normal circumstances even if the limits are way off but can lead to disastrous results when things go wrong.

PTCbiker

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 2, 2022

Thanks guys. The video that was linked was for XX1 install, I assume it's the same for the gx upgrade? Just much easier since there's no new crank and cassette install.

Dkayak

· #9 · Feb 2, 2022

It’s all interchangeable so should be the same process. Motors, clutches, software, etc are the same. Only differences are materials, weight, and cost.

mevnet

· #10 · Feb 9, 2022

PTCbiker said:
Have YouTube will travel and I think I have the tools but is this really diy? Bear in mind I’m new to mtb and have never even adjusted a derailleur before.

Check this out, step-by-step

PTCbiker

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 9, 2022

I forgot to come back to this thread, did the install myself and went smoothly. It took me two hours but if I help my buddy it’ll take under an hour. I set the b tension myself but it’s recommended to do it sagged so took the bike to work and had my buddy it on it while I fine tuned it. I took it out for 24 hard miles and the system was flawless.

Only concern is range anxiety, i know I’ll recharge it every time even if I don’t need to. And for road trips it’s recommended to remove the battery because if the bike is jostled the derailleur ‘wakes’ up. What I’ll end up doing is buying a spare battery and keeping it physically on the bike at all times (swat box).

Reactions: 1

Nat

· #12 · Feb 9, 2022

PTCbiker said:
I set the b tension myself but it’s recommended to do it sagged so took the bike to work and had my buddy it on it while I fine tuned it.

Do you and your friend weigh the same? If not, then your sag will be different and your adjustment would be off by a little. Sounds like it didn’t make a difference IRL since it worked flawlessly though.

As far as range anxiety goes it’s smart to carry a second battery but each one will probably last a month before it runs out. I swap batteries every Sunday as a routine and they’re usually close to full charge. You might want to carry a spare battery for the shifter too.

PTCbiker

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 9, 2022 (Edited)

He’s about 8lb heavier than me which would mirror what I weigh kitted out. He also has GX so when he goes for the upgrade, I’ll have him order another battery.

edit: just found an aftermarket battery at Amazon for $20 and ordered it

Reactions: 1

Nat

· #14 · Feb 9, 2022

IIRC it's a standard 2032 coin type battery for the shifter. Someone fact check me please.

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Duracell CR2032 3V Lithium Battery, Child Safety Features, 1 Count Pack, Lithium Coin Battery for Key Fob, Car Remote, Glucose Monitor, CR Lithium 3 Volt Cell : Electronics

Buy Duracell CR2032 3V Lithium Battery, Child Safety Features, 1 Count Pack, Lithium Coin Battery for Key Fob, Car Remote, Glucose Monitor, CR Lithium 3 Volt Cell on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

www.amazon.com

MSU Alum

· #15 · Feb 9, 2022

mevnet said:
Check this out, step-by-step

The AXS upgrade now comes with a different tool to set sag, so this might help as well:
Eagle Chain Gap Adjustment Tool for 52T and 50T Cassettes - YouTube

PTCbiker

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 9, 2022

Nat said:
IIRC it's a standard 2032 coin type battery for the shifter. Someone fact check me please.

Amazon.com: Duracell CR2032 3V Lithium Battery, Child Safety Features, 1 Count Pack, Lithium Coin Battery for Key Fob, Car Remote, Glucose Monitor, CR Lithium 3 Volt Cell : Electronics

Buy Duracell CR2032 3V Lithium Battery, Child Safety Features, 1 Count Pack, Lithium Coin Battery for Key Fob, Car Remote, Glucose Monitor, CR Lithium 3 Volt Cell on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

www.amazon.com

Yes it does

Reactions: 1

Dkayak

· #17 · Feb 9, 2022

PTCbiker said:
Only concern is range anxiety, i know I’ll recharge it every time even if I don’t need to. And for road trips it’s recommended to remove the battery because if the bike is jostled the derailleur ‘wakes’ up. What I’ll end up doing is buying a spare battery and keeping it physically on the bike at all times (swat box).

My wife and I have AXS on 6 bikes. Battery life for road and gravel is well over 400 miles. I've heard reviews saying they're good for at least 30 hours of active use. We remove batteries for drives of 4 hours or more, especially all-day drives, because the system stays awake when moving. However, it's unlikely to completely discharge with even a long day. We've had dead batteries twice in two years, both very unexpectedly at the start of a ride. From what I've read, the system will sometimes stay awake for days while parked, draining it. I try to remember to tap the shifter as I load the bikes and look for a green light on the DR. Green means you're good for a couple days or more (50% charged?). I seldom wait to see red or red flashing, charging a bit earlier to be safe. As a backup, we carry a single battery with other repair stuff. Some guys carry a charger in the car since they charge very quickly.

I've never heard of issues with the 2032 batteries in the shifters, which are supposed to last at least two years. You can monitor them with the AXS app. Ours have always shown "green", but I replaced them after two years anyway.

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Reactions: 2

SoDakSooner

· #18 · Feb 9, 2022

I just keep the charger in the car and throw it on there when I think about it. I'm in the car 2 hours a day so plenty of time to charge it, along with my headphones, cell phone, etc.... Haven't even thought about the shifter battery.....hmmm. It's all good, it lasts forever. Realize it's also a function of how much you shift, so if your terrain is conducive to staying in one gear for long lengths of time the battery will last even longer.

Nat

· #19 · Feb 9, 2022

At the size of a quarter it wouldn't be too difficult to keep a spare 2032 around somewhere, but yeah it should last a very long time, probably as long as they do in your car key fob.

NorCalTaz

· #20 · 8 mo ago

Pretty sure you can use a strap/belt to hold the keep the suspension suppressed to set the b-screw, worked for me

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