mrblue

I recently upgraded to the SRAM Force eTap AXS disc groupset. So far I'm loving it.

I understand one can update the component firmware via the SRAM AXS app. I downloaded the app from the Google Play store and I was surprised that it had a very low user rating. Many of the complaints seemed to be in regard to the components either not updating the firmware via the app or starting to update and then failing, and essentially bricking their components. With that in mind, I am very apprehensive about attempting to update the firmware.

Has anyone else had issues updating the components' firmware via the AXS app?

Thanks!

Kimmo 

Whoah. One whiff of possible bricking, and updates be damned unless there's a must-have fix or new feature, in which case you've gotta wonder how bad you need it.

If it was a popular Android phone, you'd stand a chance of googling an unbrick method, but I bet you'd be totally out in the cold here.

mrblue

I completely agree with you. That is why I'm not going anywhere near the "Update" button. At least not until I am 110% sure everything will work and I won't be left with a modern art paperweight that used to be my rear derailleur.

Kimmo 

If this is really a thing, SRAM wanna get on top of it, before EPIC SUPPORT FAIL gets tattooed on their forehead...

You'd think any update bricks should be a no-brainer for warranty.

mrblue

Agreed.

However, I'd like to avoid the entire excruciatingly painful warranty process all together.

Miles2go

Is there another way, through SRAM's site perhaps, a SRAM dealer? An avenue with more of a link to the manufacturer?

mrblue

I went back to the Google Play store and saw that the AXS app was installed 10,000+ times. The number of reviews totaled only 235. Out of those 235 reviews about two-thirds were negative. Out of those negative reviews only a handful were complaining about the firmware updates bricking their components.

Seemed like the odds were in my favor so I tried to update the firmware.

TOTAL SUCCESS!!!

dskindoc

I just updated my firmware and it was a painful experience. I updated each component separately after several tries. There may be connectivity issues between WiFi and phone data. I found turning off WiFi solved this issue. After updating each component, I ended up able to use the rear derailleur only. The app showed "master" for both derailleurs which was the problem. I deleted the bike from the app and started over.

I manually paired the device as suggested on the SRAM site. Press AXS on rear until blinking. Tap AXS on front till blinks and repeat on R + L shift levers. Press AXS on rear to save. Takes 30 seconds. Problem solved. Opened app again and started over adding the bike. It works. Not sure I will update again, but the manual pairing fixed the "brick" issue

hedonist222

I updated two SRAM AXS bicycles over the past two weeks.

Neither had any issues.

Each component updated on first try for both bikes.

fstshrk

If it works, why do you need an update? My Specialized Turbo Creo is asking for software updates but it works well. I am not going to touch it.

hedonist222

most times updates contain primary upgrades which they mention in the changelog
sometimes there will be small enhancement that they don't mention

thats why

sometimes and not so often the firmware could be buggy
but rare IMO

WorldIRC

The Shimano app also has pretty poor reviews for the same reasons (bricking / not completing). Looks like the cycling companies should hire some actual app developers.

Marcus_Ti

With Shimano, all of the bricks/failed updates I've ever experienced were due to updating the wireless module wirelessly.

It should be noted that just about all consumer device pairing apps get horrible reviews. Look at in-dash entertainment unit app reviews. For Toyota's EnTune app, 'You're better off ****ing duct taping your phone to your dashboard'.

paulbinns

Don't do it! I've tried to update my AXS Rival rear derailleur yesterday have been trying to get it back ever since. Stuck in a update loop where it says the update is cancelled and then wants me to do it again.
Just steadily flashing green and nothing I do can stop it. I'm supposed to be going for a 3 day ride this week and I'm been to my lbs, been on the phone, been emailing.
Nothing yet

tankist

Updated SRAM Force eTap AXS components a few times from iPhone 13 app - never had any problems.

PeteHski

+1 although I'm cheap and have an iPhone 6S

It's a bit of a pain having to update each component individually, but it works for me. What I wouldn't do is try to upgrade the night before a big event!

paulbinns

It was a few days before, but "yep!" Lessons learnt!
I finally got it going by setting my front derailleur as the primary and syncing the two shifter to that. Then I updated the rear. I think that's what made it work, but I'm not sure. ON othe road again!
Thanks

PeteHski

Well done! It's always a bit of a worry whenever updating firmware. I'm inclined to leave my SRAM firmware alone since it all works flawlessly. But I did the last update because it said it was adding trim functionality within the app, which could be potentially useful. I haven't actually checked, but I assume it means you can now adjust the trim directly from the app rather than having to use the lever buttons.

Camilo

Haven't had a problem - about 1 year in. Last two Android versions and three different phones (that's a long story, I'm not a frequent phone changing kind of guy!)