Initial Impressions of Etap AXS

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

Fewer tiny plastic connectors to break on install. Fewer frame holes to bung up, fewer cables to re-fiah when/if something breaks. Infinitely easier to travel with than any other group out there. Replaceable batteries means if one battery dies the whole system isn't dead, and spares are easy to carry.

You forgot ugly junction boxes....

[Dave]

Originally Posted by gospastic

What non SRAM chainrings are compatible?

Campy 12 cranks work fine with the AXS chain.

[gospastic]

Originally Posted by Dave

Campy 12 cranks work fine with the AXS chain.

Are those cheaper than axs cranksets and worth having mismatched branding for whatever reason?

[flying]

Mollema's voice about SRAM is forever burned into my memory

https://youtu.be/Tsk3zAZyLaQ

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by flying

Mollema's voice about SRAM is forever burned into my memory

https://youtu.be/Tsk3zAZyLaQ

Wiggins at least complained about Di2 with more panache: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YKC_hDg2Zg

[marciero]

Originally Posted by kytyree

Di2 charging is almost exactly like charging a cell phone and many many other items, except that with Di2 it's rarely needed, a non-event.

From what I can tell, AXS would be out of consideration for longer brevets, ultradistance events, or even bikepacking. I'm seeing "600 miles of riding per charge". Which means you would have to bring two, four, or even six? extra batteries, since you need one front and rear. On the other hand, Di2 is used on Tour Divide, Trans Continental, etc.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by marciero

From what I can tell, AXS would be out of consideration for longer brevets, ultradistance events, or even bikepacking. I'm seeing "600 miles of riding per charge". Which means you would have to bring two, four, or even six? extra batteries, since you need one front and rear. On the other hand, Di2 is used on Tour Divide, Trans Continental, etc.

I guarantee you people are using it on tour divide and other big races. On thise kinda of races you are gonna have a battery pack with you so you could have a set of spare batteries and just throw em on the charger. They charge really quick. You also going to be shifting the front way less than back so that should last a lot longer.

Not sure 600 miles is correct but from experience it sounds about right.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by socalsteve

you forgot ugly ginormous big batteries sticking out of the ders.....

fify....->

And for those who complain about the teeny, tiny junction box..how many of ya got disc brakes? Ya know, with that really pretty(not) flat disc rotor, big honking caliper and ginormous levers with a reservoir in it? ..and big fat fluid filled brake lines...

[Dave]

Originally Posted by gospastic

Are those cheaper than axs cranksets and worth having mismatched branding for whatever reason?

Someone asked what other chain rings work with the AXS chain. I've used my 48/32 chorus 12 cranks with the AXS chain. No problem. Just by coincidence, a 48/10 is the same as a 53/11. With a 32 little ring, you get more range than a SRAM 48/35.

You could also use AXS shifters, FD and RD with all other parts Campy 12.

[54ny77]

that is hilarious!

Originally Posted by flying

Mollema's voice about SRAM is forever burned into my memory

https://youtu.be/Tsk3zAZyLaQ

[lavi]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

Not sure 600 miles is correct but from experience it sounds about right.

This would be a new one for me. I'd say it's easily 1,000-1,500 if not more. Of course depends on conditions (cold or hot decreases batt performance) and also # and type of shifts (front shifting vs rear shifting).

I did a week-long 600 mile ride. Started with a full charge. Ended the week with both batteries still in the green (light).

I don't have AXS, but I cannot seeing it having less duration than plain eTap.

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by marciero

From what I can tell, AXS would be out of consideration for longer brevets, ultradistance events, or even bikepacking. I'm seeing "600 miles of riding per charge". Which means you would have to bring two, four, or even six? extra batteries, since you need one front and rear. On the other hand, Di2 is used on Tour Divide, Trans Continental, etc.

If you can charge your cell phone or a GPS unit, you can charge an eTap battery. Or just pack a couple extra. It ain't hard.

[akelman]

I'm not entirely comfortable living in a world where SRAM is a serious option, but this thread is making me think I'd better get used to it. Change sucks.

[Toddykins]

I gave up on Campy around the time of really disappointing Gen 1 Super Record EPS, have been on Di2 since the beginning and my next bike is going to have AXS. While it is sort of tempting to hold out for presumed 12 speed/pseudo-wireless Shimano, I think it is hard to look past AXS for a new custom right now. Why install wire ports which may or may not be useless/'forward compatible'?

[bfd]

Originally Posted by akelman

I'm not entirely comfortable living in a world where SRAM is a serious option, but this thread is making me think I'd better get used to it. Change sucks.

If mechanical shifting is your thing, I don’t think you have to worry. There’s always price point bikes that will use mechanical shifter. Think $2000-3500 “Ultegra” bikes and $1000-2000 “105” bikes, you won’t get e-shifting at those price points. E-shifting will start at $4k and up. Now this is all retail pricing and discount bikes will be cheaper, so you will find e-shifters under $4k, it will just be at the end of the year...

Or if you really want mechanical shifters, go Campy as their stuff works really well!

Of course, YMMV!

Good Luck!