It was about a year ago when the SRAM Transmission was unleashed upon the mountain biking world. As the second generation of SRAM’s wireless AXS drivetrain, Transmission sent chins wagging thanks to its beefy direct-mount derailleur that waved goodbye to the traditional hanger.
At the same time SRAM also introduced the new AXS Pod Controllers. These two-button pods feature a much smaller profile compared to the original AXS controllers, though not everyone has fallen in love with the ergonomics, us included.
To provide riders with an additional option, SRAM recently launched a new Rocker Paddle upgrade.
SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle
- Weight: 19g
- Price: $38 AUD (Rocker Paddle Upgrade) – $260 AUD (Pod Controller)
The new SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle is available either as a complete controller for $260 AUD, or as a separate upgrade that can be retrofitted to an existing Pod Controller. We’ve got the latter option, which sells for $38 AUD and is available in specific left and right-hand versions.
Using an all-plastic construction, the Rocker Paddle weighs 19g per side, compared to 11g for the stock two-button interface.
Fitment is super easy. After removing your existing Pod Controller from the mounting bracket with a T25 Torx key, you simply pry off the button panel by hand. The new Rocker Paddle interface will click into place, and then you can slide the Pod Controller back into its mounting bracket before snugging it up.
All of the adjustment parameters remain the same. The MMX adapter provides you with lateral and angular adjustability, and you can also tweak the rotation of the Pod Controller itself.
First Impressions
As you can tell in the photos, the Rocker Paddle is significantly bigger than the stock two-button interface. It also features a concave profile that helps the lower portion of the button stick out quite a bit further. This makes for a more obvious contact point that so far we’ve found easier to engage when hurtling down a descent.
The bulkier shape does require some adjustment to get it into the right spot – it isn’t simply a plug-n-play dealio. We’ve found it necessary to adjust the angle of the mounting bracket further up and closer to the brake lever, before dialling in the rotation of the Pod. Once in position, the Rocker Paddle provides a notably bigger surface area that feels a bit more comfortable on the thumb compared to the smaller buttons on the original Pod Controller.
We’ve only just gotten our hands on the new Rocker Paddle, but so far initial impressions have been positive. It’s great to see SRAM listening to rider feedback and offering up an alternative option, and we look forward to trying the new design out on a variety of different test bikes.
