SRAM’s wi-fi AXS Transmission drivetrains have gotten more and more widespread. Whether or not on full builds or as an aftermarket improve, increasingly more riders are forgoing the cables in favor of wi-fi shifting. Whereas Transmission’s shifting efficiency and sturdiness are typically held in excessive regard, one facet of those wi-fi shifting methods has confirmed to be considerably polarizing. The AXS Pod Controllers.
It’s not that the Pods don’t work; they work fantastic, however many riders discover the ergonomics to be subpar, together with me. With restricted adjustability, I’ve discovered it almost inconceivable to arrange the Pods in a approach that I’d think about to be excellent. It doesn’t matter what, I discover that I all the time must reposition my hand or attain with my thumb in an ungainly option to press the higher button. I believe it’s a foul design that detracts from an in any other case well-designed system, and for the worth, I believe every thing about AXS Transmission drivetrains needs to be completely excellent.
I’ve been patiently ready for SRAM to develop one thing new— apart from the Pod Rocker Paddle — or at the very least present a extra adjustable clamp to treatment the scenario. However I’m nonetheless ready and complaining concerning the Pod Controllers on each AXS-equipped mountain bike I experience. That’s why I used to be excited to see Freedom Coast’s 90-Diploma Pod Clamp. Lastly, another person took it into their very own palms to develop an answer to this ongoing drawback.
Freedom Coast might be finest identified for its fork mounts, that are a preferred selection for transporting bikes in truck mattress setups and customized van builds. Seems, the model additionally makes a wide range of CNC’d bike parts, like brake levers, brake adapters, and the brand new 90-Diploma Pod Clamp.
The 90-Diploma Pod Clamp is a reasonably easy idea and design. The parents at Freedom Coast principally simply made an AXS Pod Controller bar clamp with a 90-degree bend in it. On this configuration, the Pod is turned on its aspect, hanging down out of the clamp with the buttons side-by-side — versus one above the opposite. This orientation makes it in order that each buttons are equally accessible with the thumb, as an alternative of the higher one being awkwardly near the handlebar.
The reversible clamp might be positioned on both aspect of the bar in any variety of methods, with the power to rotate it on the bar and rotate the Pod within the clamp to optimize its ergonomics to your liking. The US-made aluminum clamp at present is available in eight anodized colours so you may match it with different anodized components in your bike or your Freedom Coast brake levers. The Pod Clamps additionally include Higher Bolts titanium {hardware} in your selection of 5 colours.
Freedom Coast 90 Diploma Pod Clamp: Pricing, Choices, and Availability
- MSRP: $54
- Pod Clamp Colours: Champagne Gold, Purple, Inexperienced, Silver, Black, Blue, Purple, Orange (Stealth Gray can be listed however not at present out there)
- Titanium Bolt Colours: Oil Slick, Gold, Black, Silver, Copper.
Freedom Coast’s new 90-Diploma Pod Clamps can be found now. You’ll be able to be taught extra about them and every thing else the model makes — and buy them — on the Freedom Coast web site.
