Debating on switching from axs to mechanical and wanted some opinions
Original owner installed this drivetrain on the bike before I bought it and it's never shifted smoothly. This drivetrain had always shifted like crap, no matter how I adjusted it. Bought a brand new chain, new hanger, used the plastic B tension alignment tool it came with and the micro adjust app, and still cannot get this thing to shift correctly. I just find it ridiculous for the price on how bad it shifts
It constantly clicks and skips gears and at this point
I'm just considering getting rid of it and getting a mechanical GX or an advent X
l've built many bikes and drivetrains in the past and had never had this many frustrations and problems with a drivetrain before
I'm not sure if the replacing the cassette could fix it, the deraileur has never been crashed & has no bend in its cage.
Thinking about swapping it completely for a SRAM GX mechanical or an advent X since I've worked on those before and never had a problem.
Forgot to mention this is on a e-bike so I’m not sure if there is a way to add spacers for the front chain ring, already tightened the cassette and everything, still shifts like garbage
by Euphoric_Solid_2228
17 Comments
I would consider to check it with some professional.
~~Not really but I do have to ask, did you install the chain the wrong way around?~~
You know, in hindsight, I think this might a Shimano chain. SRAM doesn’t state a direction for their chains, which is fine but they apparently have writing on both sides Shimano chains only have it on one side so I got confused.
Sounds like a hanger alignment or trim issue. Both can be fixed
Just get it set up by a shop
Possibly a bent mech
If you are using GX chains, try going to a xx1 or x01 chain. I found them much smoother.
Also check chainring chain line. If chain line isn’t right you gonna have problems. I know you said it’s an e-bike, but if it’s not the original drivetrain chain line could be off.
Have you tried a new derailleur hanger?
To answer you main question. I don’t see switching to a non battery powered shifter to be a downgrade. I’ve never had issues with cable shifters as long as they were set up properly and you don’t have to worry about batteries.
As far as your situation, you want to make sure that if you do switch you don’t get these issues on the new mech. Hopefully hanger is aligned properly and no issues with the cassette.
Can’t see any markings on the chain and it looks like a shimano installed the wrong way around. Secondly, especially since it’s an e-bice the cassette is likely worn.
The mech-hanger also needs alignment when installing a new one.
Your bike bud. You’re allowed to do what you want as long as it is technically feasible.
I have a few frankenbikes because bikes can’t fit everyone. Slthey sometimes need changes
Electronic shifting is a different way of shifting, not an upgrade or downgrade, although at a certain price point it is to be expected. It would be a cleae upgrade if the derailleur would talk with the ebikes motor.
No, you aren’t crazy to swap it out for a mechanical solution but please keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily fix your problem. If its wobbly cassette because of a badly manufactured freehub body this wont help the slightest bit. A new hanger doesn’t necessarily mean that the derailleur is aligned parallel to the wheel. If the chainline is off by a few millimeters it wont influence shifting. If the chainring is to original spec, it’s usually a 52mm chainline which is correct for 12s eagle and 12s shimano but both also work with a 55mm chainline just fine (transmission would need a 55mm chainline since the cassette sits further outward), although expect shifting when pushing the bike back when you are in first gear with the eagle.
I’d have it checked first at a shop before spending money on new ones
If electronic works badly, how can you be shure that mechanics will work great?
Switched to wheeltop GeX because i was tired that some gears shifts inaccurate on every bike i had.
Going from electric to mechanical derailer is not crazy, but not for the reasons you mentionned IMO.
12spd drivetrain requires that everything is perfectly in place, otherwise you will experience what you are describing.
There’s a good amount of chance that going to mechanical won’t solve your issues.
Do you know the mileage of the cassette ? Is there a possibility it’s worn out ?
Something tells me it’s either the freehub alignment or pulley wheels conditions/setup. Have you checked these? How come the chain has no logo by the way?
Downgrade? If it feels good for you , it’s in upgrade.
Bent derailleur hanger?