Sram Eagle AXS vs Transmission

[la85]

Whats everyones honest thoughts on the difference? Is it worth the extra money?

Looking at two identical bikes... the one with XO transmisson (with a power meter) is $1000 more than the one with AXS XO (without powermeter). The transmission bike also has the new level stealth brakes.

Power meter aside is the new transmission drivetrain that much better?

Cheers

[stoney]

Does the AXS XO bike frame have a UDH dropout? If not, that is also worth a little extra $$ since that will be the new standard going forward.

[snaxez]

If you are considering Flight Attendant in the future, then take the transmission bike.

[DanW]

Conversely I really dislike the eeeeven wider Q-Factor of Transmission cranks. Most people seem to prefer the operation of regular AXS but Transmission is being forced on the world. AXS is great, but Transmission feels a bit like a 28.99mm bottom bracket to me If you buy a regular AXS bike with the non T-Type UDH dropout, it isn't going to be worthless and you are always going to find options for new stuff. Q-Factor was the main decider for me however. If you don't care, buy whatever you like the look of

[snaxez]

Conversely I really dislike the eeeeven wider Q-Factor of Transmission cranks. Most people seem to prefer the operation of regular AXS but Transmission is being forced on the world. AXS is great, but Transmission feels a bit like a 28.99mm bottom bracket to me If you buy a regular AXS bike with the non T-Type UDH dropout, it isn't going to be worthless and you are always going to find options for new stuff. Q-Factor was the main decider for me however. If you don't care, buy whatever you like the look of

I like the narrow Q-factor as well, but on my new Oiz the rear swingarm is so wide, that with more narrow cranks I was sometimes rubing my calfs against the rear seatstay. But the body will adapt, so now i`m fine with new Dub wide (174 Q-factor).

[de lars cuevas]

Never rode it myself, but a friend did an extensive review (in Dutch). Shift precision is awesome. He also not get along with the shifter.
However: his most important gripe was this: Transmision was actually designed more with ebikes in mind than with regular bikes... Making it shift SLOWER than AXS (especially on multiple shifts), while being heavier at the same time.

[la85]

Thanks all! Makes sense. Bikes are a new 2022 Specialized Epic Pro (AXS) vs a 2023 Specialized Epic LTD (Transmission).

Both bikes have UDH. Both bikes have the newest brain, so Flight attendant probably wont be needed!

[cerro]

Once you go Transmission you never go back Being able to shift when ever you like and the feeling of knowing everything is straight and will shift perfect is a dream on a mtb. If a derailleur hanger is a tiny bent with Eagle the shifting is poor and shifting under load is never a safe good thing

If I wouldn't use Transmission I would go for Shimano

[joebusby]

Thanks all! Makes sense. Bikes are a new 2022 Specialized Epic Pro (AXS) vs a 2023 Specialized Epic LTD (Transmission).

Both bikes have UDH. Both bikes have the newest brain, so Flight attendant probably wont be needed!

Neither, that generation of Brain is a shocker. You should be able to find the EVO for a similar price in either form - Pro or Ltd.

[la85]

Can the new transmission XX SL derailleur be used with xx1 eagle cassette and chain? i.e can it be run wiothout the transmission cassette and flat top chain?

Cheers

[Upcountry]

https://youtu.be/EUMIgnXeo_E?si=3FNatwvPjGeFBfxs

[Xabi]

Can the new transmission XX SL derailleur be used with xx1 eagle cassette and chain? i.e can it be run wiothout the transmission cassette and flat top chain?

Cheers

many people use it with shimano, cassete, chainring and chain.

[js]

many people use it with shimano, cassete, chainring and chain.

I think there were a lot of people using the AXS derailleurs with Shimano cassette and chain, but the spacing of the Transmission cassette and margin for adjustment in the Transmission derailleur will not allow use of a non-transmission cassette - unless you add spacers as offered as an admittedly sketchy option in the video linked above.

[cleanneon98]

Having owned both there's no comparison, I would take transmission over AXS all day and it's not even close. Transmission every shift is smooth fast and quiet, AXS about 75% of the time would result in some loud pop or bang. Also even just rolling down the train the AXS clutch was so weak that the derailleur and chain were just forever flopping around while the transmission is super quiet. It's really changed how I ride because i no longer have to think about when to shift and instead I can focus on my line choice and the terrain, this is really noticeable when climbing chunky rocky trails where I can just keep the power steady and not worry about letting off for a smooth shift. It can do this while seated or standing under any power which is absolutely nuts.

[rapsac]

^this