Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional mechanical shifting uses a ratchet mechanism to pull a specific length of cable to move the derailleur into each position on the cassette. The spring loaded ratchet in the shifter pulls against the spring in the derailleur and these two elements work in combination to keep the derailleur in the right position for each gear.
Electronic shifting uses servos to move the derailleur into the correct spot for each gear on your cassette. In the electronic drivetrains from other bike companies, the servos and electronics are pre-programmed and embedded into the moveable members of the derailleur.
Electronic shifting with the D1x Trail uses a hybrid approach - you keep the simple mechanical derailleur that's already on your bike and update the mechanical ratchet on your shifter with a programmable servo that works with any number of gears and any derailleur. This means that if the derailleur gets bent, or your drivetrain wears unevenly, the D1x Trail Shifter can be reprogrammed to keep giving you precise shifting on the bike you love to ride.
Other electronic shifting systems are pre-programmed to work with a specific drivetrain configuration. This means that you can't put a SRAM AXS derailleur on an 11-speed cassette, or changing your Di2 system to work with a different drivetrain isn't possible.
Another big difference is that on electronic derailleurs, the sensitive (and expensive) components are embedded into the derailleur itself. This means:
- Electronic derailleurs are heavier than mechanical derailleurs
- Electronic derailleurs aren't serviceable
- If you crash, the derailleur could be damaged and need to be completely replaced
On the other hand, the D1x Trail Shifting System is:
- Fully programmable to work with any number of gears on nearly every drivetrain
- Flexible to let you upgrade your bike without replacing the entire drivetrain
- Safer for the electronics, which are housed away from the vulnerable spots on your bike
Think of the D1x as a shifter – similar to the mechanical shifter that’s on your handlebar right now – but programmable, flexible, and simple to adjust.
The D1x Trail Shifting System is made up of 2 parts, the Shifter (the device that pulls cable) and the Remote (the controller that's mounted to your handlebar). Our shifter uses a micro DC motor to pull a standard shift cable which moves your derailleur to each gear on the cassette.
The D1x Shifter is fully programmable so you have the ability to train the D1x to work with any number of gears on nearly any derailleur-cassette combination. All this happens through a simple configuration app on your smart phone. Set your shift points, configure settings, and then connect your remote to the shifter.
Gone are the days of pull ratio and barrel adjusters. The D1x Trail Shifting System is simple to set up and easy to use!
For bikes that have a flat handlebar we recommend using the Paddle Remote. With great ergonomics and a durable, hydrophobic Cerakote surface finish, it's perfect for your MTB or hybrid bike.
The Paddle Remote:
- Is USB rechargeable for up to 50 hours of ride time
- Comes with a 22.2mm (7/8") MatchMaker® compatible clamp (the standard diameter for most flat handlebars).
- Has both left and right mounting options available
We recommend the MFR (Multi-Function Remote) for you!
With Micro-Adjust capabilities the MFR lets you adjust individual gears from riding position. You're always in tune with the D1x Trail and MFR Remote.
Our MFR Remotes come with buttons of your choice:
Single Strand Buttons
- The cleanest look - a single shifting location on your bars
- 1 up shift & 1 down shift button
- 40cm wire from plug to buttons
Double Strand
- Maximum flexibility - shift from multiple positions
- 2 up and 2 down shift buttons
- 40cm from plug to buttons
- 25cm between buttons
Shift Splitter
- Bring your own buttons!
- Requires mono 3.5mm headphone plug switches
- Compatible with most accessibility switches
The DBR Remote is the one for you. Fully integrated with the TRP Hylex RS Brakes, this remote has amazing ergonomics and a super clean look. Not only that, it also -
- Connects wirelessly to your D1x Trail shifter
- Provides high-performance electronic shifting with any rear derailleur
- Is USB rechargeable
- Keeps its electronics fully sealed and safe
- Was designed, built and tested in Santa Cruz, California
Get smooth, precise shifting no matter what you ride with the DBR Remote.
Our D1x shifter is fully compatible with any number of gears and the app supports between 2 and 20 shift points.
We recommend placing the shifter as close to the derailleur as possible. Usually this is on the chain stay or the seat stay but varies depending on the type of bike you're riding and the bike frame geometry.
Check for any interference that may occur from your pedal, heel/foot, or wheel.
Make sure there is sufficient clearance between the shifter and your spokes and keep in mind that during heavy turns, your wheel can flex 1cm (or more!) in either direction.
Yes, the D1x Trail Shifter can be mounted upside-down without issue. The main installation constraint is making sure the shift cable housing isn't bent or kinked.
It can be hard to remove batteries from the 1st gen version of the shifter (with removable single cell batteries) when mounted upside-down and we suggest using the magnetic wand tool in our shop.
The typical range is 30 feet (10m) in clear open space. Interference can happen if you place the remote and shifter in such a way that the signal has to pass through your body.
If the remote disconnects from the shifter it will automatically try to reconnect for 30s.
Charge Battery
Plug the provided USB-C cable into a 5V DC power source and connect it to the charger caddy. Clip the battery into place. The charger LED illuminates green when powered and red when charging. The red LED will turn off when the battery is completely charged.
Remove Mechanical Shifter
Remove the old shifter from your handlebar. Loosen the shift cable at the derailleur and remove completely.
Clean and Lube
Now is a good time to clean and lube your chain and cassette. If you’re anything like me, it’s been a few rides. Make sure the chain is in the smallest cog on the cassette.
Install Shift Cable
1. Pull back the rubber cover on the top of the shifter.
2. Connect the battery to your shifter and open the Archer app. Tap “New Configuration” and “Initialize Motor”
3. Insert the shift cable through the slot in the top of the drive nut and pull it through the front of the shifter until the barrel of the cable slots into the drive nut.
4. IMPORTANT: Seal shift cable door completely. Put a drop of rubbing alcohol on the rubber bumper to lubricate it and make the cover easier to press into place. It is important that this cover is completely seated and smooth to keep water and dirt out of your shift cable hole. Failure to do so will ruin your day.
1. Locate Shifter
Find a location to place the shifter on your bike. We encourage placing the shifter as close to the derailleur as possible with as straight of a housing run that you can manage. Check for spoke, pedal, and heel clearance. Maintain at least 1cm away from any moving part on your bike.
2. Measure and Cut Cable Housing
Aim for a short, reasonably straight run of cable between the shifter and derailleur to minimize drag.
The shifter can be mounted upside down or further away from the derailleur without issue. The only requirement is that the cable maintains tension with housing or bosses throughout the run from the shifter to the derailleur.
3. Install Ferrules
Install ferrule(s) onto the housing. Slide the cable through the housing and snug the ferrule into the shifter body.
4. Insert Zip Ties
Insert zip ties into the shifter as shown. They should be placed such that the head of the zip tie is flush against the backside of the shifter and the tip can pass through the hole on the front of the shifter.
5. Attach zip ties
Loop the zip tie over the frame of your bike and pass them into the hole on the front of the shifter. The zip tie tip should self-align with the head of the zip tie. Ratchet the zip tie and pull taught against the frame of the bike.
Use pliers to snug the zip tie down well so that the shifter does not move on your frame.
1. Open App
Open the Archer app and connect to your shifter. Then tap "New Configuration"
2. Initialize Motor
Make sure the chain is in the smallest gear. Tap "Initialize Motor" and pull the slack out of the shift cable.
Then tighten the cable to the derailleur.
3. Enter Number of Gears
In the app, use the + and - button to select the number of gears on your cassette
4. Configure Each Gear
For each gear shown on the app screen, use the > buttons to move the drive nut into the proper position for that gear. > buttons adjust the current gear position by 1mm increments of cable pull. The actual movement of your derailleur
Use the Gear < and Gear > buttons to change which gear you are adjusting.
Familiarize yourself with the Settings menu in the app.
1. Quick Shift
This allows you to set up how your shifter responds to a long press of the remote shift buttons. Choose how many gears you want to jump on a long press.
2. Auto Shutdown and Wakeup
Adjust the amount of time before your shifter goes into hibernation after the bike is motionless.
The Wakeup adjustment lets you tune how much shock is needed to wake the shifter up from hibernate.
3. Overshoot
Get snappier shifting by adding an overshoot in either shift direction. This means the cable will be pulled beyond set point and hold for a short period of time before moving to set point. This can be great for getting quick shifts on older cassettes and chains.
4. Metrics
Find out your shifter and remote firmware, odometer and resettable shift counter. This also tells you the current shifter system voltage.
Pair Remote
Tap Settings > Pair Remote and then tap Proceed.
The Shifter will restart in "learn mode" as indicated by the orange/amber LED flashing.
Turn on your remote. The remote will search out the shifter, exchange some information, and uniquely pair.
This is a one time process that does not need to be repeated. The shifter records the remote UUID in memory and will only connect to that remote.
Head out for a ride!
You may need to micro-adjust some shift points as shifting can be slightly different with torque than on the stand. Press and hold the micro-adjust button for 1s to engage micro-adjust mode and then use the shift buttons to tune the current gear in the direction of the shifts.
The Archer configuration app is a free download available for iOS and Android OS. You can find the app in either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
If you open the app and don't see a shifter to connect with, read on!
First, make sure your D1x Trail is on and flashing a red LED.
If the D1x Shifter is on but it's connected to the remote you won't see it in the app. This is intentional so that no one can interrupt your system while you're riding. Turn off the remote by pressing and holding the Micro Adjust button for 4s.
Finally, you don’t need to “pair” the remote in your phone’s Bluetooth device settings. Rather, you should only connect to the shifter via the app. If you did set it up as a device in your phone’s Bluetooth list, “forget” the device in system settings and try the app again.
It's important to know that the D1x Trail shifter does not come with a library of shift points in memory. Rather, you need to tell the shifter where to move to hit each gear on your cassette.
On the app, you'll notice there is a number shown above the configuration buttons. This number represents the position of the drive nut (that pulls the shift cable) along the drive tunnel from 0 to 1000. As the drive nut pulls more cable (and your chain moves up the cassette) you'll see the number increase.
Typically gears are spaced 60 units apart (roughly 3mm). Tap the buttons 3 times (or until you have your desired spacing) to set the position for each gear index. Use the Gear < and Gear > buttons to change which index you are currently adjusting.
If you don't see the battery icons showing green or red bars you may need to kill the app and restart it. This can happen if a bluetooth device changes its name (iOS doesn't like that).
Here are some simple instructions from Apple as to how to do that: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201330
Restart the app and you should be good to go.
Here's a link to a printable instruction manual:
Shipping destinations:
- We ship to the US and worldwide.
Shipping times:
- Typically domestic USPS service takes 1-3 days.
- Worldwide UPS service is 5-7 days and USPS International takes 7-21 days.
- Shipping time might vary depending on location, shipment method and other factors.
Shipping Cost:
- Free USPS priority shipping applies to on domestic US orders over $400 only.
- International orders will be charged for shipping depending on your chosen delivery method and country. Full price will be displayed at checkout.
30-day “no questions asked” money back guarantee. This offer is good for 30-days from the date of purchase. This offer is only valid for orders placed directly from our online store at www.archercomponents.com. This offer is not valid for purchases made from resellers or any other 3rd party vendor.
All shifters and remotes come with a 1-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. Contact support@archercomponents.com for warranty claims.
The 1-year warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, crash or fall, incorrect installation of required parts and pieces including, but not limited, to waterproofing seals, doors and o-rings.
1-year warranty does not cover batteries.
Please note that customers are responsible for shipping costs of returned items.
PREPARED DEMO CONTENT
Simply add as many items as you wish to your shopping cart while browsing our store. Once you want to proceed with the order - do so by going to the cart and clicking "checkout". Follow the instructions by providing us with delivery information and select payment method the for goods - we will ship your package within X business days.
Our support team is always happy to guide you at any step!
International taxes might be applied depending on your country's taxes policy.
Customs duty is calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods:
The percentage or rate varies depending on the type of goods. You can check the tariff applicable in the TARIC database for EU and Import calculator for USA.
- The customs value is made up of:
- the price paid for the goods,
- the insurance cost,
- the shipping cost.
We encourage you to check with your local authorities before you order as once your order ships. Any parcels rejected by the recipient and returned to us will be assessed return shipping costs against any refunds.
If your shifter (1st gen) turns on automatically when the battery door is closed and then immediately turns off again and becomes unresponsive there is a problem with the on/off switch.
Check if the switch is being held down by the rubber button. You'll notice that the power switch does not click when you press or release the button. If that's the case, gently pull the rubber out a bit to free up the switch underneath.
The other potential cause is water fouling the switch and causing it to short out. In this case, the switch will need to be replaced by us. Please send a note to support@archercomponents.com and we'll get you return instructions ASAP.
Please send any returns to:
Archer Components
RMA #__________
275 Technology Circle
Suite B
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Include a note inside the box with your RMA, short description of the problem, and your return address.
Please send a note to support@archercomponents.com. Include your order number and description of the issue.
We will respond with an RMA number.
We know bikes are important and sometimes you need to get back on it ASAP.
To help folks out who need fast service we offer a Hot Swap service option. For a fee, we will send out a refurbished item to you with a return shipping label (US only) to get the warranty item back. US domestic shipping is included both ways. International shipping fees apply.
Please send a service request email to support@archercomponents.com and let us know you want a Hot Swap.
- Battery charging: 0°C to 40°C
- Operation: -10°C to 45°C
- Storage: -20°C to 40°C
Note: Do not store the lithium ion batteries at lower than -20°C for longer than 6 months.
Note: Discharging the lithium ion batteries at low temperatures will negatively impact battery life.
The D1x is designed to resist water encountered in most MTB settings.
- Electronics are conformally coated should water enter the housing.
- RTV sealant is applied during assembly to seal the plastic housing together and keep water out.
- The shifter must be installed correctly with all included o-rings and seals well seated to ensure that water does not enter the shifter housing.
Keep in mind the following:
- The silicone rubber cable door hatch must be properly sealed to maintain water resistance. Use a drop of rubbing alcohol to lubricate the small end of the rubber when pressing it onto the plastic housing. Ensure a good seal on this door!
- There is a 4mm diameter o-ring inside the ferrule hole - when under compression by the shift cable this creates a seal to prevent water from entering the shifter through the shift cable hole. If this is removed, water can sneak past the ferrule and into the drive tunnel.
- If a shifter is completely immersed in water there should not be any water ingress unless the free end of the cable housing (at the derailleur) is also immersed and water is allowed to travel through the housing and into the drive tunnel along the shift cable. The ferrules provided with the kit are double sealed around the shift cable to prevent water from doing this. However water has a way of sneaking in so please take care in extremely wet riding conditions.
No additional maintenance is required on your D1x Trail shifter.
Never apply any lubricant to the lead screw inside the shifter housing.
Basically, just keep your battery charged and ride on!
The Gen2 D1x Trail features a cartridge style battery for easy installation and charging.
- Typical charge time is 2.5h from 9.0v
- Discharge cutoff voltage is 9.0v. This means that if the battery voltage falls below 9.0v, the battery management chip will cut power to the +/- contacts. Measuring voltage on a voltmeter will show 0.0v until the battery is placed on the charger.
- Batteries that fall below the cutoff voltage may need to be charged for up to 5h to regain functionality.
- 350mAh capacity, 11.1v nominal voltage, 3S li-po chemistry