Bike prices have been climbing, and a big reason is the tech packed into modern rides. Disc brakes and electric drivetrains add up quickly, making high-end bikes feel out of reach. While disc brakes are trickling down to more budget-friendly builds, electric derailleurs still carry a premium tag and remain a bit exclusive.
That’s where OG Bikeworks steps in with the NXS kit—a clever, open-platform electrification system designed to transform nearly any mechanical rear derailleur into a wireless, electric shifting powerhouse. Let’s dive into how it works and why it might be the perfect upgrade for your mountain or urban bike.
Open-Platform Wireless Shifting System
Universal compatibility is the watchword here. OG Bikeworks engineered the NXS to play nice with every major derailleur brand—Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo—you name it. Instead of locking you into a proprietary ecosystem, NXS lets you keep your favorite cable-actuated rear derailleur and simply swap out the cable for the electronic unit.
The concept is refreshingly simple: ditch the long stretch of cable from shifter to derailleur and replace it with a small rear-mounted motor module and a handlebar remote. You get the feel and precision of electronic shifts without having to buy a whole new drivetrain set. It’s an obvious move for riders who love their current mech setup but crave that buttery-smooth electronic performance.
Installing the NXS Kit
Installation takes about 15 minutes once you’re comfortable with basic bike maintenance. First, remove the existing shift cable from your frame and derailleur. Next, mount the NXS motor unit in place of the cable’s anchor point at the derailleur hanger. It neatly tucks into the spot where the cable housing exits your frame.
On the handlebars, attach the wireless remote—no fiddly wires creeping along your top tube. It uses a single CR2032 coin cell, so you won’t even notice the extra weight. Pairing is as simple as pressing a button on both ends, and an intuitive LED indicator confirms you’re good to go. No special tools or cable crimps required.
Performance and Battery Life
Once installed, the little motor on the rear unit tensions your existing derailleur cable just like a cable pull—but with lightning-fast electric speed. OG Bikeworks claims about 5,000 shifts per charge on the integrated USB-C rechargeable battery, which sits snugly in the rear module and weighs only 55 grams.
The handlebar remote adds a mere 23 grams and boasts a 2–3 year lifespan on its CR2032 battery. The entire system is IP65-rated waterproof, so splashes, mud, and rainy rides won’t faze it. While it’s not fully sealed like some dedicated e-shifters, the hybrid approach means you still have the tactile feel of a cable derailleur with the snap of electronic shifting.
Perfect for Mountain and Urban Riders
Right now, NXS supports 10–12 speed rear derailleurs, making it a natural fit for single-ring mountain bikes and many city builds. OG Bikeworks has also released companion apps for Android and iOS to fine-tune shift maps and button assignments, so you can dial in a custom shifting profile that suits your riding style.
Road riders with front derailleurs will have to hold tight a bit longer—future versions promise front derailleur and dropper post integration, plus multi-device connectivity. Imagine controlling six electronic devices via one handlebars hub. For now, though, trail and commute enthusiasts stand to gain the most from this first-generation kit.
Pricing, Preorders, and Final Thoughts
On Kickstarter, OG Bikeworks kicked off preorders at an eye-catching $79 for the first 20 backers, $129 for the next 30, and $149 retail after that. Worldwide shipping is slated for August 2025. Compare that to a full 12-speed Di2 group, which can run around $1,000, and the NXS kit looks like a serious bargain—especially if you already own a mechanical drivetrain.
If you’re itching to electrify your shifting without splurging on a new electronic group, the NXS could be just the ticket. It’s an elegant bridge between classic cable setups and modern wireless tech, and it might just breathe new life into the bike you already love. Ready to grab one and start shifting in a blink? Your upgrade awaits!
