Electronic shifting systems are gaining traction across all cycling categories, with recent advancements into mountain and gravel bikes. Most retrofit kits cost upwards of $2,000, yet the Archer D1x Trail Kits run just $389 to $419.
The Archer D1x consists of a bar-mounted remote and frame-mounted shifting unit and includes everything needed for the simple installation. Archer also developed a mobile app to provide a wide range of simple adjustments and customization options. The D1x replaces the traditional thumb shifter and almost all the necessary cable. The two parts of the kit communicate with each other via a secure Bluetooth connection resulting in extremely accurate and almost instantaneous shifting.
Archer’s first edition, introduced in February 2018, sold more than 400 units that year. A new, more refined and efficient version rolled this year.
“We’ve been testing and revising this product for years to work out any kinks, and it’s safe to say with this latest version that we’ve definitely nailed it,” says Carlson. “We’ve been testing the new version for well over a year now, and the results are amazing.”
Archer sells its products direct to consumer online, and they’re hoping to expand their distribution to local bike shops in the near future. Individual parts, full packages, and assorted accessories are available at www.archercomponents.com and Amazon.com.