Paradigm-shifting products bring electronic shifting to most drivetrains; substantially less costly than full component groups
Scotts Valley, California (August 1, 2019) — Archer Components is shifting the paradigm of electronic shifting in the bike industry, and they're now partnering with the longtime industry experts at SIMBOL Communications as their PR agency of record to help spread the word. The patent-pending Archer D1x Trail and other products bring the many benefits of e-shifting to virtually any drivetrain's rear derailleur at a mere fraction of the cost for a full component group.
Electronic shifting systems are gaining traction across all cycling categories, with recent advancements into mountain and gravel bikes, but they're still prohibitively priced, often running $2000-$3000 for aftermarket groups, and they're spec'd on only the highest-end models.
The full Archer D1x Trail Kits ($389 - $419) consist of a bar-mounted remote and frame-mounted shifting unit, plus everything needed for the simple installation, which can be done in well under an hour. An accompanying mobile app allows a wide range of simple adjustment and customization options, and the top-end remote even offers on-the-fly micro adjustments. It replaces the traditional thumb shifter and almost all the necessary cable. The units communicate via a secure Bluetooth connection resulting extremely accurate and almost instantaneous shifting.
After years of R&D, founder Devin Carlson launched the first edition in February 2018 and sold over 400 units that year, despite some issues with the design and a lack of fanfare on the launch. They followed that up with a highly dialed new version in April 2019, and they've recently redesigned their accompanying free mobile app as well.
"We've been testing and revising this product for years to work out any kinks, and it's safe to say with this latest version that we've definitely nailed it," says Carlson. "We've been testing the new version for well over a year now, and the results are amazing. That's what helped us pull the trigger on hiring the talented team at SIMBOL – we know they'll get this story out there, and we know we can back it up with a well-designed, super reliable product that will improve the riding experience for riders of all levels on any terrain."
Nic Sims, co-founder of SIMBOL shares the confidence and excitement about getting this product out to the masses. "In our decades of experience in the industry, we've learned to always be a bit skeptical of 'why-didn't-I-think-of-that' new technology like this: However after talking at length with the Archer team – and more importantly putting in a bunch of test miles – we're absolutely thrilled to be representing them, and we have no doubt the industry is going to fall in love with this system like we have," he says.
"And the fact that it costs around $400 – less than many pedals or even saddles! – for a system that completely transforms your bike makes the often-overused phrase 'game changer' a legitimate description."
Archer sells their products direct to consumer online, and they're hoping to expand their distribution to local bike shops in the near future. Individual parts, full packages and assorted accessories are available on their website and Amazon.com. Both the shifter and remote units run on rechargeable batteries (included) which are also available on Amazon and other sites.
About Archer Components
Archer Components is a small team of riders based in California who design, build and test intuitive electronic components for every rider no matter what they ride. Their electronic shifting systems can be easily retrofitted to any mechanical drivetrain, so all riders can experience high-performance wireless shifting at a far lower cost. Archer Components: Shift Everything
About SIMBOL Communications
SIMBOL Communications formed to help brands tell truthful, authentic stories through exposure in a wide variety of media outlets, developing creative in the outdoor, cycling and fitness industries — as both industry professionals and competitive enthusiasts — the founders of SIMBOL have the all the tools to get powerful stories to the right audience.
