Archer Component, the manufacturer of wireless electronic systems, added a universal drop-bar remote for gravel or road bikes, preferably with a 1x drivetrain, to its existing MTB and brake-specific gravel systems.
The Multi-Function Remote (MFR) line of drop-bar products is compatible with the company’s D1x electronic shifting conversion system, works with its major bike categories, and bike hackers can build remotes.
Founded in 2015, Archer Components wireless electronic shifting products work with most brands’ rear derailleur, chain and cog from 2-to-20 speeds.
Its fully-integrated DBR remote for bikes is outfitted with the TRP Hylex RS brake levers. The company added the MFR to increase its drop bar-compatible options to any that use a 1x drivetrain (while that consists predominantly of gravel bikes, some road bikes also run 1x and are compatible, as are recumbents, handcycles and other adaptive cycles).
With all of its remote options, Archer uses the existing chainstay-mounted D1x shifter unit, which connects wirelessly with a remote to drive a shortened rear derailleur cable forward and backward for changing gears. The rear shifter unit also works with 2x or 3x drivetrains but will only shift the rear gears (the front derailleur needs the original lever/shifter installed).
“In addition to expanding the drivetrain options for gravel bike riders and manufacturers, we knew we wanted an option that wasn’t dependent on any other brands. With our MFR, we feel we have something for everyone and every bike,” said Devin Carlson, Archer’s founder. “We’ve said it right from the beginning: Our system will work with everyone; it does shift everything. Electronic shifting had always come at a high price before we came along. We’ve seen great success with our D1x, and we’re confident the new MFR will be equally well received.”
The MFR system includes a choice of satellite button configurations to be mounted wherever the rider prefers on virtually any handlebar. The fully programmable buttons send shift signals to the remote to shift up or down. Riders can import their existing satellite buttons from other brands to work with the system or build their switches using Archer’s Knowledgebase (an online repository of tips and tricks to hack the D1x Trail shifter.)
The new MFR also offers the same range of functions as its mountain bike systems, including, but not limited to, easy up and down push-button shifting, on-the-fly micro-adjustability for pinpoint adjustments, Get Me Home’ gear programming, multi-gear shifts, etc. It also includes on-bike charging via a standard micro-USB port in its junction box, which mounts under the stem.
Archer’s technology also lets the user tune each shift point of a rear derailleur to a quarter of a millimeter on the fly. Derailleurs work through the entire range (often greater than shift levers allow).
For product information, go here.
Photo courtesy Archer Components
