I do not thing, the new AXS derail. will be necessarely heavier. However, I am not buing AXS until it will be weigh-wise comparable to the mechanical derail. Based on some proto data, the cassette should be roughly 30 grams lighter than the current eagle 52.
Imo, reason of 52t cog is the 29" rear wheel. 50t for 27.5" is perfectly fine. I am currently on 34t chainring and 50t cassette. Used to have 30t oval, but I was quite often on the highest gear. Local North Shore hills are quite steep. I would appriciete 52t, but still able to pedal up. I am still the...
Based on the numbers, I agree. However, based on my completely non science and non proper back to back riding experience, I really felt that titanium frame is like magic carpet when I have been racing cyclocross compared to the chromoly and aluminum frames. The aluminum was definitely the stiffest. The frames was not from the same manufacturer.