D1X Electronic Remote Shifting System
Brandon Rodgers and Devin Carlson hail from Santa Cruz, California, where they have been working for a number of years to develop a wireless remote shifting system that could shift any cable-operated rear derailleur. They founded Archer Components and set to work. The idea was to use the simplest electronics and construction that would still guarantee reliable shifting and all-weather performance.
D1X Explained
What they ended up with was D1X, which stands for ...well, you probably guessed by now. D1X is a digitally controlled-linear motor, packaged with a powerful lithium Ion battery and some electronics
inside. The slender, sealed plastic housing, which is attached below the drive-side chainstay actuates the rear derailleur through a short length of standard cable and housing. The beta version uses a Bluetooth signal to communicate with a two-button remote shifter that mounts to either SRAM or Shimano integrated brake levers. The magic of D1X is that its user programs each shift individually using a smartphone, so D1X can be adapted to any combination of derailleur or cassette - eight speed or twelve speed, it doesn't care, as long as you tell it where the cogs are located.
| The magic of D1X is that its user programs each shift individually using a smart phone, so D1X can be adapted to any combination of derailleur or cassette |
Once you go through that simple setup process, you turn off the app and the internal processor has memorized your shifting sequence. Should you bend your mech, the D1X unit can be switched to repair mode, which allows you to toggle the the first shift position right or left to compensate and, boom! perfect shifting is restored. Presently, the Blue Tooth system is a bit of a battery drain, so the D1X goes through a charge in a few days, but a planned switch to RF communication (like remote car locks use) will boost that figure to a week. The D1X unit is rechargeable, but the remote shifter requires button batteries similar to those used by bike computers.
Archer is at least six months away from serial production, but at present D1X functions very close to expectations. I ran through the gears, using D1X to operate a SRAM changer, shifting an 11-speed cassette and gear changes were at least as smooth as using a manual lever, and the system operated very quietly. I also went through the setup process and found it to be quite simple. Archer's D1X wireless remote shifting system is set to retail for $300 USD. Presently, Archer is awaiting a potential funding deal while they smooth out the final details. Until they officially launch D1X, Interested riders can follow the project on their
web page.
I ride a cavalerie anakin with a XX1 trigger
(www.pinkbike.com/news/cavalerie-anakin-first-ride-2016.html)
Realistically, hands on experience with the gearbox would be needed to make this.
I'm well aware how Pinion works. I'm not dreaming here, i'm actually thinking of how it could be achieved. And am also aware of potential issues.
Thank you. Had a good ready up on it.
Validation on PB sure does feel good!
But guess what? My v1 hasn't exploded from lack of front or rear boostification, or because I use a 70mm stem instead of the en vogue 40-50mm that the v2 (as well as the industry) encourages or tells me I need. The bike is still a riot!
@filmdrew I see what you mean, but I was dreaming of hydraulic brakes as a kid, long before I could afford them and as soon as I heard about dropper post I was hysterically enthusiast about the concept, as in both cases I could really sense the difference it would be able to bring to my global riding experience (actually slowing down and not having to lower and lift up my saddle repeatedly on most of my rides). Same thing with 2x and later 1x setups, bigger wheels (I know...), tubeless setting, shorter stems etc. So I'm really not one of those conservative mountain bikers who sees any changing/evolution as a probable useless marketing BS that the bike industry is trying to force us into buying.
So can I admit there is a difference between electronic shifting and high end mechanical shifting ? Yes, technically, there is one, that can be measured and calculated and maybe even actually experienced whilst riding.
Do I think that it's benefits outweigh it's deficits/disadvantages ? Certainly not, as I'm more than reluctant to rely on electronics and electricity powered devices to be able to ride my bike. Not even mentioning the fact that if the electronic fails, on the trail side, you're basically just f****ed. Like modern cars.
Maybe I'm paranoid, but I can see this as one step further towards an automated mtbike, that will, in a few years from now, analyze the terrain you're riding and shift automatically, change your suspensions settings (I know I know, this thing already exists) and lift and lower your dropper post accordingly, and maybe even pull your brakes for you as you're getting close to a certain speed at a certain angle. And that wouldn't even be the ebike version... The car (and motorbike) industry is already aiming towards these concepts, so believing that they won't eventually be implemented into cycling, might be a bit naive. Still, some might look forward to these days... Call me a hippie or whatever, but I'm still one of those riders that is simply mesmerized by the level of precision, technology, comfort, pleasure, quality, toughness and velocity that modern mtb bike builds have achieved, relying solely on man powered mechanical concepts.
Get a life man, and try to enjoy it while you're at it.
@rwb500:
Problemsolvers makes a derailleur mount for SS bikes, I've seen other companies as well.
I looked into it researching commuter bikes as surly 1x1s can be had for relatively cheap. I'd need gears, though as my commute is long and hilly. Ziptying a full length cable housing along the frame is your best option at this point.
Sounds like no need to match derailleurs to cassettes. Could create interesting possibilities.
They sent you dix pics for free
My Tacoma on the other hand, zero fears
globalnews.ca/video/2645756/brain-chip-implant-helps-paralyzed-man-regain-control-of-hand