SRAM

Eagle AXS Controller

Always on the forefront of technology, SRAM keeps pushing the limits of what we thought was possible time and time again, first with one-by, then twelve-speed, and now the brand is soaring even further into the future with wireless mountain bike drivetrains, and the Eagle AXS Controller offering one shifter to rule it all. This convenient controller is optimized to wirelessly operate the SRAM Eagle AXS derailleur, and even pair up with a RockShox AXS dropper post, for easy operation of your bike with just one controller.

New technology can be a little intimidating, especially when throwing electronics on a ride that sees some serious abuse. Between knocks against rocks and roots, chatter from carrying speed through brake bumps, and conditions varying from ultra-fine desert dust to river crossings, mountain biking has some intensely serious demands, but through thousands of miles under the world's best riders, the AXS group has proved its ability to handle it all. It uses SRAM's own fully secure wireless network that communicates the shifter to the derailleur. which they claim to be completely secure, preventing tampering with from anyone but you. With that said — the shifter also uses both Bluetooth and ANT+ to connect to head units and smart phones, which allows you to program it, view battery life, and see a maintenance schedule. If on race day you find many other derailleurs and shifters popping up on your AXS app, you need not worry. In order to adjust shifting with the app you must be physically holding your bike and pressing the shifters to make any changes to its programming, keeping your ride safe from tampering.

The AXS Controller uses a completely new profile with three buttons. First, there is a main paddle at the thumb that pivots up and down when you engage it. The shifter is programmed out of the box to shift into your harder gears when you press upward on the paddle, and into your easier gears with a press downward. In addition to the paddle, there’s a trigger shifter that can be accessed when you’re hammering up climbs to get into the perfect gear for your sprint. Both paddle and trigger can be fully programmed with SRAM’s AXS app, allowing you to switch what each button does, and customize how many shifts your derailleur can make when you hold down on the shifters.

When things get wet we can get weary of electronics, but the Eagle AXS groupset is built with seals designed to keep things working flawlessly, whether you’re booking it across a lofty stream of snow melt, or get caught in torrential downpour at the summit. With that said, much like any other components, we don’t recommend hitting it with a jet stream to wash it, as you may be able to damage the seals. The AXS Controller runs off of a single watch battery, and claims to have over a year of life from a single battery, keeping maintenance low.