Yearly, individuals on the present ask us ‘what’s the best factor you’ve seen on the present?’ Normally, it may be fairly powerful to recall one particular factor, however this yr it was fairly straightforward. Madrone Cycles is a model new firm out of Ashland, Oregon based by Aaron Bland. A mechanical engineer by commerce, Aaron launched us to the world of Madrone Cycles which is beginning with substitute SRAM derailleur elements, instruments to rebuild them, and even a prototype rear derailleur of their very own design!
Basically, Madrone Cycles will now supply many of the substitute elements you would wish to rebuild both a SRAM AXS Eagle or SRAM Eagle mechanical rear derailleur. That features pins, bushings, snap rings, hyperlinks, cages, and even derailleur pulleys. Along with simply providing the substitute elements, Madrone claims that the elements are extra sturdy than the inventory parts which ought to enhance the sturdiness of the derailleur after the rebuild.
We have now no strategy to validate Madrone’s claims, however primarily based on how beefy their hyperlinks look in comparison with the inventory SRAM hyperlinks on this damaged AXS GX derailleur, we’re inclined to consider them.
That very same design philosophy applies to their substitute cage and pulleys as effectively. The cage is made with thicker aluminum alongside the entrance the place it might impression sticks and rocks, and the pulleys are strong to stop any small sticks from getting caught inside. As soon as reassembled, you need to have a derailleur with higher performance that additionally retains the principle unit out of the landfill. Madrone gave us a demo of the restore course of on the present with one of the vital beat up SRAM AXS derailleurs I’ve ever seen, and the consequence was fairly wonderful.
Providing the substitute elements is one factor, however with out specialty instruments, rebuilding a derailleur is just not a straightforward process. Even with particular instruments it may be a problem, however Madrone is providing a line of 3D printed instruments to make it as straightforward as attainable. The job requires the snap ring instrument and spring instrument that are included with the equipment, but it surely’s additionally advisable that you just buy the pin press instrument. With out it, you’ll want some form of arbor press or specialty pin press instrument, however Madrone provides it with the total hyperlink equipment for under $25 extra so it looks like a sensible transfer. That places the value of AXS hyperlink equipment at $110 with out the instrument, or $135 with. The Mechanical Eagle hyperlink equipment is barely much less at $95 with out the instrument. Alternatively, you should buy the instrument alone for $45.
The cage will run $79, whereas the pulley equipment is $63, however they are often purchased collectively for $128. You may as well simply get a substitute pin set for $25. Madrone has discovered that always simply the derailleur pins may be bent in a crash which may end up in shifting that’s barely off, so it may be a superb place to start out.
What about SRAM?
We requested if Aaron had labored with SRAM on any of the elements or had any discussions with the model, and thus far the reply is not any. Aaron talked about that he would love to satisfy with SRAM and get their impressions of the elements however the model is just not affiliated with SRAM in any means.
Prototype Derailleur Too?
One factor Aaron made clear was that substitute SRAM derailleur elements and instruments weren’t the principle focus of the model. Proof of that was the prototype rear derailleur they’d within the sales space. The inexperienced derailleur is their very own design and has a cam on the underside of it that enables it for use with each SRAM and Shimano shifters. It’s nonetheless very a lot in prototype stage, however was polished sufficient to point out. They plan for the derailleur to be absolutely user-serviceable, and it’ll have a clutch – although in all probability not hydraulic.
