Electronic shifting is becoming increasingly popular in the cycling world. At this point, every major drivetrain manufacturer offers a take on electronic shifting. As a bike mechanic, I have always sworn by the tried and true reliability of mechanical shifting, but even I must admit that some of these electronic systems are pretty sweet. On that same note, as a tinkerer, I really like some of the interesting drivetrain mixing options available with these electronic systems. Archer has introduced an electronic shifting solution that is a hybrid of mechanical and wireless electronic shifting that allows you to mix and match anything you dream up.
Archer Components started in 2016 with the goal of reinventing bike shifting. They felt limited by the current offerings of both mechanical and electronic systems and set out to create something with unlimited options. Their first product was the D1x Trail system. The basic idea is a wireless remote on the bar that controls a servo in the shifter which is a box that mounts on your drive-side chainstay. The servos are programmable using an app to customize the cable pull desired. This essentially allows you to make any derailleur work with any cassette.
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