![]() Despite the batteries and mech motor weight is still competitive and cost is almost identical to cabled XTR. Presuming set up is accurate (SRAM provide a gauge) actual changes are pin-sharp and immediate, to the point where riders who normally hover their thumb over the shifter will have to learn to keep it clear to avoid accidental shifts. It syncs with RockShox Reverb AXS dropper seatpost and AXS road/gravel systems too. Shifting is fully app programmable to operate in whichever direction or with however many sequential changes you want. Rather than mimicking analogue trigger feel like Shimano Di2, AXS uses a super neat rocker switch with an extra front knuckle button. Based around proven Eagle 12 speed architecture for smoothly positive wide-range shifting, AXS adds fully wireless actuation. A massively overused phrase, but SRAM really have pressed Ctrl Alt Delete on the premium gear landscape with their new AXS technology. Shift into the biggest sprocket is a bigger lurch than Shimano It also feels less agricultural than SRAM’s more expensive NX, too. ![]() ![]() If you’re not focused on weight and being able to smash two harder gears at a time though, SLX is definitely the most cost-effective workhorse transmission from Shimano’s new 12-speed lineup. There is the potential to cherry-pick a hybrid groupset together to get all the XT gains without all the cost. A steel, rather than alloy, 45-tooth sprocket and simpler construction overall adds 66g to the cassette over XT, but SLX has a less durable chain treatment. SLX doesn’t get the multiple downshift function of XTR and XT but you do get finger and thumb triggers, and new, slimmer I-spec Evo brake and shifter junction architecture. Unlike SRAM, it comes in 2x as well as 1x options but you’ll need a Microdrive freehub to upgrade from current Shimano. Together with a smaller final gear jump on the bigger cassette, Shimano has a noticeable edge over cabled SRAM when you’re coping with the steepest climbs. SLX also gets the latest Hyperglide+ tooth profiling and chain shaping that lets you change smoothly and surely, however hard you’re cranking. The obvious gain is the 12th sprocket which gives 10-51 or 10-45 tooth gear spread options. Shimano SLX has always been the smart transmission choice from the Japanese component masters, but the latest version is the best yet by far.
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