SRAM GX Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit

I bought this as a way to go to electronic shifting with my otherwise Shimano XT setup (12s Di2 does not yet exist in public).

This was the easiest upgrade of a drivetrain I've ever done. Literally the hardest part was removing the cable housing from my frame (it got stuck).

When I installed the RD it was already perfectly adjusted to work with my XT M8100 10-51T cassette and had no compatibility or shifting issues with the Shimano HG+ chain. It is almost the perfect setup, shifting is precise and 100% consistent every time.

I do have two things I think could be better... I won't even call them complaints or negatives, just observations.

Coming from Di2 on my Road/Gravel bike, it feels like AXS is just a tiny bit slower to respond and shift... maybe 1/2 or 1/4 second. Barely noticeable, and coming from mechanical, I'd never know it.

I wasn't a huge fan of the rocker paddle that comes on the shifter and I replaced it with the optional one ($20 additional purchase). It's a personal preference thing, and I could probably have adjusted to it, but years of Shimano and muscle memory had me missing shifts and shifting down when I meant to shift up. Couple weeks and I probably could have adjusted, but if SRAM is including a multi-tool, I'd be nice if they'd include both paddles and give the rider the option.

Installation of the kit was simple and the shifting was more accurate and fast than any came driven system that I've ever had.

As someone that came from a strict Shimano environment for both road and MTB group sets, AXS has always been intriguing but I never pulled the trigger. Upon getting a new Trek Supercaliber, I set out to clean up the cockpit cabling as it was a bit much with 2 lockout cables, two brake hoses and a shifter cable. Plus, I was adding a dropper seatpost. With the shortage of most components these days, I had the GX AXS upgrade kit in my hands but no SRAM Eagle cassette, chain or crank/chainring. Despite my new drivetrain being Shimano based, I was able to install the GX AXS derailleur and shifter while using a Shimano 12 speed cassette, chain and chainring. It works pretty flawlessly and was quite easy to setup. Shifting performance has been spot on, even though neither SRAM nor Shimano would endorse such an arrangement. I will be doing the same mod on several other bikes given the ease of setup and use.

I am NOT a weight weenie. If I want to lose 10 grams, I'll go on a diet. :) With that said, this is one of the best upgrades I've made to any of my bikes over the years. I had a SRAM GX 1x groupo already, and paid my LBS to put on the upgrade. It worked awesome, and after my first ride the shifts were crisp and fast. Of course, my shifts are always that way after a tune-up WITH cables. The huge benefit will be in the lack of cable stretch and continuation of crisp shifts well into the future. I haven't even dug into what the Android app will get me, yet, and I'm excited to see how I can tweak the experience. When you're talking <$1000 for an upgrade like this, installed, it's kinda a no-brainer if you're a gear head!

There is almost no difference between the GX, X01 and XX1 AXS controllers and derailleurs. The controller is identical other than graphics and the only difference on the derailleur is the inner cage material. Barely any weight savings. Buy the awesome GX upgrade kit and put that $$ savings elsewhere.

I love the toggle switch to shift gears, its feel and adjustability are big hits with me. The shifting is precise. I really enjoy the micro-adjustability. Whether I ride hard or put it down I can ease my mind with a quick app tune up.