ARCHER Launches New MFR Shifter for Drop Bar Riders

ARCHER Components has been building a portfolio of options for riders that want other options for electronic shifting, besides the closed systems from the major brands. To do this, they created a system that uses a small module that mounts back on the chainstay and connects to your rear derailleur. With the use of a remote shifter, the module actuates the rear derailleur using a cable like a traditional mechanical system. This allows it to work with just about any drivetrain on the market. The first versions were all flat bar focused, as many have separate shifter pods from brake levers, but the new MFR Drop Bar Remote allows you to keep your current brake setup and adds sprint shifter-like options to handle your shifting.

After launching their original D1x Trail flat bar system, ARCHER released the DBR remote, which integrates into TRP’s Hylex RS brake levers. Not everyone wants to change up their braking systems, along with the additional cost of the brake systems, so that’s why the new MFR, or Multi-Function Remote, was the next evolution. Similar to sprint shifters from the big brands, the MFR allows you to place up to four shift buttons (2 up, 2 down) in various locations, replacing the shift levers on your current setup. These buttons connect to a central junction pod that can be mounted under the stem and controls the same D1x Trail module found on all ARCHER systems.

The D1x shifting module is completely programable from a dedicated app, which allows you to program it for the number of gears and dials in the pull for your specific system. Gone are the days that you must run matching brands and even numbers of speed levers with the correct derailleur. SRAM 11 speed Force CX1 rear derailleur with Shimano 10 speed 105 shift levers, no problem. You can even tweak the adjustment on a gear by gear level at a quarter of millimeter amounts, allowing for perfect shifting on each gear of the cassette. Think of it like friction shifters, but electronic. You can possibly even squeeze an additional gear out of your old rear derailleur, possibly running a 10-speed derailleur with an 11-speed cassette While the system is targeted mainly at 1x drivetrains, it can still be used with 2x and 3x, but the front derailleur would still need to be controlled by a mechanical shifter.

“In addition to expanding the drivetrain options for gravel bike riders and manufacturers alike, we knew we wanted an option that wasn’t dependent on any other brands. With our MFR we really feel we have something for everyone and every bike,” says Devin Carlson, Archer’s founder. “We’ve said it right from the beginning: Our system will work with everyone; it really does Shift Everything. Electronic shifting has 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 is available in three options, single pair, double pair, or for the hackers out there, bring your own shifters. As the system uses 3.5mm headphone plugs, you can create your own shift buttons by splicing some wires together.  Considering the hybrid sprint shift setup we created for both Di2 and eTap bikes, it is an interesting idea, and could even allow some savvy riders to create buttons that integrate into existing electronic or mechanical shift systems (maybe the rocker buttons on Shimano Di2 or SRAM eTap levers?). There is even an Archer Knowledgebase on their website that will help you with tips and tricks to hack the D1x system.

The D1x module uses rechargeable batteries from ARCHER that look similar to AA-style batteries, and a dedicated charger. The MFR control pod has an internal battery that charges from a USB cable, and you can even use the control pod to charge other devices while you ride. No word on how this will affect operating time, but the MFR system turns off automatically when not in use.

One of the biggest questions you might have is why would you want something like this. If you have ridden electronic drivetrains, there are definitely some benefits. Quick, accurate shifts, less effort, less maintenance, multi-gear shifts, and the ability to program and/or place shift buttons where ever you want. The ARCHER D1x system allows you to add that functionality to just about any bike, without the major investment on a new drivetrain.

Full MFR systems start at $369, which will get you the D1x module, a set of remote buttons, a control pod, and standard batteries. For all the bells and whistles, you can add the Sprint batteries and a second strand of buttons for $429. The Sprint batteries increase shift speed by 50%, but ride time drops from about 80 hours to around 25 hours. If you already have a D1x module, you can add the MFR buttons for $89 for a single pair or $129 for two pair. You can also buy the splitter to run your own buttons for $59.

The MFR is available today through ARCHER’s website.

https://archercomponents.com/