I had a chance to try out a Archer Components D1x aftermarket electronic shift system this past week. Archer developed this as option to the expensive electronic shifting systems from the big bands. I saw a quick demo of the D1x at the recent Philly Bike Show and was eager to try it out for myself. Out of the box I could tell that the equipment was well-designed and come with everything you need, including cables, housing and an Allen wrench for battery install as well as a lithium battery charger.
Total weight for the Archer D1x set up was 233g. As a comparison, the weight of a SRAM XO1 Eagle shifter and cable that I was replacing on my Hellbender FS was 164g, so there's not much of a weight penalty.
Archer provides an installation manual and there’s a youtube video that thoroughly covers installation. Set up was pretty easy using the Archer app on your phone. I was a bit concerned at first, because you have to set the shift between spacing between each gear. I was used to the SRAM AXS set up that has a preset spacing between gears. It turns out the individualized adjustment on the D1x gives you lots of flexibility, allowing you to run any derailleur on your bike- 10 speed, Shimano? 12 speed SRAM? No problem. Because the shifter on your handlebars is connected to the D1x shifting mechanism, you can put whatever derailleur you want on your bike, as long as it fits the cassette size. It is truly drivetrain agnostic.
Also, by adjusting the spacing and shifting between each gear using the app, you have the confidence to know that it is dialed in for your set up. The Micro-Adjust Button also lets you fine tune each gear from the riding position without your phone so you have on the fly adjustment. The final step in setting up the D1x is synching the shifter to the shifting mechanism and then you're ready to ride.
On the trail, the shifter was easy to use- just two buttons that are pretty straightforward-- one for shifting up and one for down. It was a little different than the shifting paddle you get with the SRAM AXS set up, but just as effective. I found the shifting to be responsive and quick. For those that like tactile feedback, the buttons give you a slight mechanical feel as you shift from gear to gear. Archer offers a light and firm option so you can decide what feel you prefer. Another nice feature is the multi gear shifting. If you hold the button down it will shift two gears either up or down if you need more, just release the pressure and push the button again. It’s a nice feature when you’re riding in hilly terrain and crossing lots of gears.
On the performance side, Archer claims the battery life to be 80 hours of runtime in normal mode and up to 150 hours in low power mode. When you push the limits of battery life, there is a “get me home gear” or GMHG, as they like to call it. When your shifter battery is critically low, it will move into the gear you select in the app as your GMHG and stays there until you get the battery charged.
Compared to the Eagle AXS shifting, it’s a pretty close comparison in terms of responsiveness, but there is a slight delay in shifting as the cable still has to move the derailleur. The small motor in the SRAM AXS derailleur does offer a slightly faster shift that seems to be nearly immediate. This is a minor observation as the cost differential of about $750 makes up for this.
Overall the D1x is a great after market e shifting option. It offers lots of drive train modularity, with precise, reliable shifting in a long battery life. Definitely worth trying out the 30 day trial.
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