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Archer MFR Drop Bar Remote goes on sale today, includes option to make your own shift buttons!

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With wireless shifting getting more popular from the big drivetrain manufacturers, Archer Components continues to offer new ways to shift your current drivetrain. Unveiled at Sea Otter last year, their MFR or Multi-Function Remote is marketed as an option for dropbars, but thanks to the modular design, it could be an ideal option for those with specific shifting needs.

Archer MFR Drop Bar Remote on stem for wireless shifting

Meant to pair with the Archer D1x Trail Shifter, the MFR uses a centralized pod with wired shifters. While it started as a prototype for their accessibility range, Archer realized that it could function as both an option for the dropbar crowd as well.

Dropbar wireless shifting upgrade

When it comes to the shift buttons themselves, there are technically three options from Archer. You can get it with a single strand which includes one upshift and one downshift button, or a double strand with two up and two downshift buttons.

Accessibility shifter dongle for 3.5mm headphone plug

The third option is where things start to get really interesting. Using their Shift Splitter option, you can use any accessibility switch with a mono 3.5mm headphone plug or you can build your own. Archer will even help you do it if you contact them for help.

Single Strand

  • The cleanest look – a single shifting location on your bars
  • 1 Up Shift & 1 Down Shift Button
  • 40cm wire from plug to buttons

Double Strand

  • Maximum Flexibility – shift from multiple positions
  • 2 Up and 2 Down Shift Buttons
  • 40cm from plug to buttons
  • 25cm between buttons

Shift Splitter

  • Bring Your Own Buttons
  • Requires mono 3.5mm headphone plug switches
  • Compatible with most accessibility switches

Archer MFR Drop Bar Remote with D1x wireless shifter

The MFR will sell for $59 for the Split Shifter, $89 for the Single Strand, or $129 for the Double Strand. Keep in mind that those prices are just for the MFR, and you’ll need a D1x Trail Shifter to complete the package. Archer is selling the D1x Trail Shifter and MFR Drop Bar Remote combo for $369 with a standard battery, or $399 with the upgraded Sprint battery.

All of the options go on sale today and will begin shipping January 31st.

archercomponents.com

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Vanillapure
Vanillapure
2 years ago

I don’t think I’ve seen an ITM Millenium stem since Marco Pantani was winning races

Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim
2 years ago

The price seems to high for the functions it provides. Why would you buy this instead of something from Sram or Shimano?

Samuel Vrooman
Samuel Vrooman
2 years ago
Reply to  Tiny Tim

@Tiny Tim:
1. It’ll never go obsolete.
2. It costs less than a quarter what Sram wants. 3. If you break it, it still costs less than a quarter what Sram wants to replace it.
4. You don’t want to be locked in to one brand, one derailleur, or any proprietary parts.
5. It’s made in, designed in, and shipped from America.
6.You have a disability that prevents you from using what Sram and Shimano offer.

Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim
2 years ago
Reply to  Samuel Vrooman

I can get behind #6 but the only thing this is replacing vs a mechanical group is the shifter and cable.

So you adding complexity, weight and I would say it less astatically pleasing. Obviously not the product for me…

SeanOB
2 years ago
Reply to  Tiny Tim

One use case would be to use Shimano 12v MTB gearing on a drop-bar bike. Also, in these pandemic times, it potentially allows you to mix and match old components that you have lying around.

Ali
Ali
2 years ago

Fantastic idea. Would be an interesting product for people needing alternative shifting options.
They do need to improve the way they present it to the market, a 22 year old stem and a dodgy job wrapping the bar tape doesn’t look great! But good luck to them.

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