As a Sram AXS user I would think twice about Sram AXS 2x. I have tried tirelessly to setup the Sram AXS FD to stop chain drops. I even went as far as to go to a respectable LBS (being a bike mechanic myself for over 12 years this was difficult for me 🙂 ) and even they said they have nothing but trouble with AXS 2x and they refuse to sell Sram 2x.
Now that being said, others have had success, but there are lots of threads out there with users having issues.
Digging into this further, I suspect that it has more to do with the ramp design of the Sram Chainrings than the FD itself. On other forums, almost everyone who has had success with Sram AXS 2x was not using a Sram Crankset. Most where using a Rotor, Praxis or Campy Crank.
Ok with that out of the way... If 12 speed isnt a big deal for you Shimano GRX is awesome.. even the mechanical is ridiculously smooth.. But, you know in a year or so Shimano will go 12 speed (not that its better, but they just need to catchup with trends.)
I am biased with this: I a huge fan of 1x builds and I hate cables, hoses etc.. So I am a proud Sram AXS mullet user..
My current setup is Eagle AXS XX1 RD with e13 9-46 cassette and 44T CR. I have tons of range on the low and high and this tics all the boxes for me.. Also, its simple and neat setup.
Hello, and thanks a lot for your comments. I am not really sure if 12 speed will make a big difference. GRX seems a good match for gravel riding. I was wondering about the GRX clutch vs the Force AXS orbit fluid for keeping the chain in place. Would you know wich one works better?
I would say having used both the chain is firmly in place with both units. However i like that you can disable it on the GRX to get a smoother faster chain when not on the bumps
I have no experience with SRAM, but I will say that the GRX DI2 just works -- no muss, no fuss. I never have to think about it, which is all I can ask.
DarkBlue wrote:I have no experience with SRAM, but I will say that the GRX DI2 just works -- no muss, no fuss. I never have to think about it, which is all I can ask.
yes the GRX works great the bonus of being able to turn it off is awesome.
being a sram user the AXS works great as well and i never experienced chain slap no matter how ruff the trail was. The fluid control is supposed to dynamically adjust tension but you cant disable it
Planesio wrote:GRX seems a great option, I think the levers design is a key factor, it seems more appropiate for gravel.
What would be the benefit of being able to disable the clutch vs the fluid control?
when a clutch is enabled it will create some drag or resistance in the drivetrain which for some riders of higher caliber results in loss of energy. With the clutch disabled the chain moves through the system more freely with less drag.
when i had mechanical GRX i did notice when the clutch was off the shifting was super crisp. However with the clutch enabled it still shifted beautifully just a hair slower. I feel l a properly setup Shimano Groupset will always be a smooth experience regardless. Again i say this a a Sram user 🙂
before it comes up, the only reason I am using sram is that not having cables is awesome in my book 🙂
Disabling the clutch also makes it easier to remove the wheel. I have accidentally ridden a few times with it disabled and have only dropped my chain once..
You can also adjust the tension on the GRX derailleur, but you have to take the cover off the clutch mechanism. I run an XTR Di2 derailleur on my gravel bike (the adjustment is easier for me) and I dialed it back since it was providing way more tension than I needed when engaged (this also reduces the drag felt on the system a bit).
Planesio wrote:What about the orbit fluid? would you get a drag as well?
the way i test drag is to back pedal in the stand and see how freely it spins in gear backwards. With the fluid clutch there is minimal drag but its there slightly. The fluid clutch is automatic so when bounce is detected the clutch comes on stronger
For me it would come down to a decision between 1x AXS or 2x GRX. I am pretty happy (don't like SRAM brakes) with the 1x AXS on my Warroad after 6,500+ miles and no dropped chains while my wife really likes the 2x GRX on her Warbird with nearly 3,000 miles this year. I haven't found any climbs I too much trouble with around me using 1x with a 42t up front and I rarely run out of gear but my wife likes the extended range of her 2x in Synchro mode. Probably a SRAM mullet group would also work well for her, but the stock bike came with Di2.
I will add.. that it will be very unlikely for me to ever try Sram 2x again. I had nothing but horrible luck trying to setup Sram AXS 2x with do many dropped chains.
I dont think it’s better as I’ve used both I would say they achieve the same result.
My point was, if the orbit fluid becomes active only in rough or gravel roads, you dont get a drag the rest of the time, when you are in regular tarmac roads, is that correct?
Im not sure if its ever fully off. I think at its lowest sensitivity it’s creating a bit of resistance but i could be wrong. I definitely dont feel it though
