Archer Components D1X -wireless MTB shifter

Archer Components D1X shifter –what is this review all about?

If you are reading this then you would be interested in what the new Archer Components D1X shifter is all about.  If you want to know more, then visit www.archercomponents.com or search the internet for videos and reviews.

I think what Archer Components have done in the electronic shifter space is excellent.  An electronic shifter that can be tailored to work on any cassette across every brand.  The real challenge is not just designing to meet human ergonomics (infinite variable geometries and preferences to cater for), but to CAD a manufacturable design out of a material that would be durable.  It takes a lot of work.  Then there is the software development and establishing a sustainable business model.  I know how difficult it is take a product to market.  Having studied some engineering at uni. It is very challenging to make something good that people are willing to buy at a reasonable price point.

The best way to support smart innovative companies is to support their products.

Archer Components were smart to target one sector (MTB) first, which makes sense to prove something works and then expand across other spaces in the future, if they choose.  I got my functional D1X shifter within 2wks from the US to Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archer Components chose a deployment path that was simpler and with less angst to consumers, whereas with Xshifter…it has been a painful experience for me.  Archer Components gave me what I ordered, on time, that works (hardware and software), and has awesome communication. 

By comparison with another competing innovator (Xshifter) resulted with a horrible experience.  I ordered a duale Elink Xshifter from the website.  I received an Xshifter which did not work. Quality of the Xshifter remote trigger shifter was poor but the main unit construction was good (except that it does not work). Xshifter has tried to grab the entire market and has nil working product.  Good luck to Xshifter if they can pull it off but I have nil working product, the wrong product sent to me (dual Elink ordered but received the standard non-working Elink), and can’t even get it warrantied as Xshifter does not respond.  Having to go through a credit card refund process.

*I am not an Xshifter Kickstarter member, but rather, I ordered the Xshifter from the website.  When you offer a product for sale, then it should be working and correct…I did not choose to be a Kickstarter backer!

  

The D1X electronic wireless shifter

Now, the setup of the D1X has been demonstrated in many other YouTube videos, so I will not go through that process here.  Waste of time repeating it when the Archer Components’ website has all the necessary details on setup.  What I want to share is the more detailed pictures of the product, and to try to visually demonstrate the difficult-to-answer questions, that being the real world shift speed and trigger remote ergonomics.

So here are some pictures of the installed D1X (fitted on a 2018 Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29er 1, size Small).

Installation notes:

As per the picture, you will notice that I have a cadence/speed sensor on the left chainstay.  With the D1X on the right chainstay, the gap to insert the tyre back into place saw the tyre needing be ‘squeezed’/rubbed/pushed through the gap.  If I got a rear tyre puncture that the sealant does not seal, then it would be a hassle to remove the tyre to insert a tube.  I may have to play around with the adjustment of the sensor arm angle, as the D1X is in the current best location.

Ergonomics (benefit of D1X):

1)     When I updated my MTB, with SRAM Eagle 12sp, the first thing that annoyed me was the big thumb throw required from the SRAM trigger shifter lever.  This was nowhere near as comfortable as the Shimano XT trigger shifters that had perfect ergonomics and functionality.  With my nerves on my fingers sensitive from historical frostbite issues, I was not going to keep using the SRAM trigger shifter.  If I am not going to enjoy shifting then I am not going to enjoy my MTB.  Electronic shifters has dealt with the limitations of human geometry.  I was able to get the D1X remote shifter into a good position to fit my thumb. 

2)     The button presses are positive and light.

3)     Another benefit is the installation on non-standard bikes such as tandems and frames where cable routing is a nightmare.

4)     One benefit that I have not seen noted elsewhere is the benefit it has for long endurance racers.  If you have ever entered into a solo 24hr MTB race, and you ride non-stop for 24hrs, you will notice that your thumb and fingers will hurt (and hands and everywhere else).  You will be amazed how sore your thumb and trigger finger hurts from all the shifts.  Even with Grip Shift, the inside of one’s thumb-to-finger webbing will be sore due to the friction of gear shifting for such a long duration. This is where electronics can benefit as the shifting pressure is much lighter (light button presses).  You physically do not need to overcome spring tension of the derailleur.  This would be a real benefit.  *Note that I have not tested the D1X in a solo 24hr MTB race but observation based on the tested effort of shifts made on the buttons.

5)     The future possibilities of remote configurations are endless, only being limited by the design and manufacturing constraints of mass production.  That said, if the remote standard setup doesn’t meet your ideal thumb location, you could always undertake some hacks by spacing the distances of the remote with washers and a longer tightening bolt.  I had nil issues.

Speed of shifts

Shifting speed is very important for MTBers.  With the constant change in terrain it is easy to be caught off guard.  Rapid gear changes are critical.  With one standard Grip Shift twist I can easily change 4 gears without putting my wrist into a severe wonky position.  I like Grip Shift for the majority of my XC riding.  It allows for a massive amount of gear shifts in one big ‘dump’.  But similarly, XT triggers allow for quick gear dumps as well (but XT shifter not compatible with SRAM cassette on my bike).

I was going to compare the SRAM Grip Shift to the Archer Components D1X with Multi Gear Shifting (MGS) by holding the button down, but after testing the D1X stock shifting, I wouldn’t need to use MGS.  If you press the button 5x times, the gearing will remember the 5x presses!  Even before the 5x presses has completed, you can press more times (say 2x) and the shifter remembers it and will add the 2x extra shifts onto the count.  Talk about excellent!  This means that all I have to do is decide the number of shifts I need and do not need to wait for the shifts to be completed before modifying the shifts.  This means I don’t need to hold a button down for MGS and keep a more solid grip on the bars.

The first video is the SRAM Grip Shift.

The second video is the Archer Components D1X.

The D1X motor is strong in moving gears.  It is only moving the derailleur laterally so mechanically it was not an issue. The speed of gear change is pretty similar to how fast you can Grip Shift.  There is really nil issue with the speed of shifts, but rather, more determined by your cadence and how fast the derailleur spring can work without dropping the chain, or jamming up. 

What possible future improvements can Archer Components make on the D1X? 

1)    Well, first thing they could do is provide a possible mechanism to recharge the batteries whilst they are still in the shifter (charging port).  I don’t think it will be enjoyable having to deal with a mini Allen key hex bolt that needs to be unscrewed to remove the batteries.  I do like the use of removable battery cells as cells can be replaced if one fails, but, direct charging port covered by a waterproof rubber cover would be a true benefit (for remote and shifter).  MTBers are ‘blokey’ blokes…we don’t like mini 1.5mm hex bolts with fine threads that are begging for something to be lost, strip-threaded or over-torqued.  We like simplicity (plug and go).

2)    The shifter module could to be reshaped so that there is better tyre clearance.  This appears to be the reason why the Xshifter competitor has been shaped the way it has.

Summary thoughts:

I love to see innovation.  I also like to see the concept of interchangeability continue.  The big brands are moving towards locking-in their proprietary standards as it would be crazy for them to entertain cross pollination and cannibalise their own sales figures.  With many bicycle manufacturers becoming more proprietary the concept of customisation is becoming more limited.  The D1X hopefully helps many MTBers to keep their tech relevant over say 7yrs or so before their next big upgrade.  Besides the two possible areas for improvement, it is something I am really liking and will keep on my bike.