SRAM shifters

[ryandood]

I am looking to upgrade my drivetrain after a visit to adrenaline and am considering SRAM instead of staying with shimano because from what I've read here it requires less maintinence. So I thought that I would try to demo a bike with SRAM X7 or X9 shifters to see if I can get used to them or not. I also just called one of the many lbs in the Dana Point/Laguna Niguel area and they told me that if I wanted to demo a bike it would cost $50.

Is this normal? I've never demo'd a bike from a shop so I really have no idea.

On another note, I've read that some people don't like SRAM shifters because they can be hit accidentally while riding. Anyone have this problem or have trouble adapting to the SRAM shifters coming from Shimano?
Thanks.

[Jman]

I run SRAM X.9's on the Heckler and I love them. No problems with accidental shifting or anything like that. I've had the bike since April and have probably ridden once a week since. I love the crispness of the shifting.

[HardCharger]

I had X-9s on my 5.5 and I totally loved them. Since then, I've upgraded to the X-0s as well as on my other bikes. Cant go wrong with them.

And no accidental shifting

[Waldo]

Yes, $50 to demo is common. Many LBS's will then apply that toward the purchase of a bike.

Here we go again with the Sram/Shimano debate:
I made the switch to Sram shifters & rear der a year ago and don't see myself going back. In that time I have had to make ZERO adjustments, as opposed to the monthly maintenance I used to do on my Shimano XT drivetrain. I also love the very positive action of the Sram system.

Yes, it took a couple of rides to get used to the different action of the Sram triggers. I run my shifters mounted outboard from my brakes, so at first I was hitting them accidentally, but moving them about 1/2" in from the grips cured that easily.

I did a brief (5 trail miles) demo of a bike with a Shimano Shadow XT drivetrain, and it was nice. I'm curious about their newer, more Sram-like stuff, but I'm very happy with what I have and see no reason to switch back.

[el_d00der1n0]

I'm like the only guy here that likes Shimano. If SRAM made a low-normal derailer and had index finger action triggers, I would consider trying it out.

People say the Shimano RDs require a lot more maintenance. I haven't found that to be the case. Granted, I'm not very hard on my equipment, but once I get the RD dialed in, I just set it and forget it. I rarely have to make a quick tweak on a barrel adjuster.

There's a thread on Shimano vs. SRAM around here somewhere.

[madrider]

I think you may be confusing sram twist shifters with sram shifters. the sram shifters are very similar to shimano shifters, the twist shifters are not.

I've been a shimano fan for a long time, bought a bike with sram shifters 2 years ago and got used to them. I recently bought another bike a few months ago with shimano shifters and now I don't like how light the shifting is in the shimano shifters. I prefer the very positive sram shifting feel and am changing my shimano xt shifter/der to sram X9 shifter/der. Note, these are not twist shifters, I haven't used twist shifters for many years, someone else will need to comment on them...

$50 for a demo is typical, it is typically applied toward the purchase of a bike. Stop by the path or call them, their customer service is great, they may be able to let you take a bike out for a quick ride if they have one available ($?).

[foofighter]

good discussion about the SRAM vs shimano HERE

[Pho'dUp]

SRAM rocks.

I like Shimano brakes and cranks, but won't ever go back to their shifters/derr. Too finicky.

[bighit8]

I have used both and I find that Sram is more reliable. I still use shimano front Deraillers on both bikes. Other than front deraillers Sram is just much better.

[ryandood]

Thanks for the quick replys. I did not mean to open up the SRAM/Shimano battle because I've read all the threads already and I think everyone and their cousins has already voiced their opinions towards them. So, sorry if you felt this was a repeat, not my intention.

So is paying $50 to demo a bike with SRAM shifters the only way to try these out? I guess If I knew someone with them but unfortunately I don't. I may just take the dive and get them because I've heard so much good stuff about them.

Anyone have any bad experiences with the X7 shifters? The X7 shifters were less than half the price of the X9 shifters and a shop I visited and was just wondering if anyone can justify that huge price jump? Thanks again for all the input.

[bighit8]

I use x7 on my DH bike because I don't shift to much. The x9 are just smoother but not anymore durable.

[92se-r]

The X7's are the same as the yesteryear X9's. The X7's are more than good enough. I wouldn't bother demo'ing it. One ride will not justify it for you. Most of my friends were like I don't know if I can get used to that, it feels weird. Then, as they bitched more and more about their XT's and XTR's, I finally convinced them to try SRAM and they have never looked back. Many people switch to SRAM, I have yet to know of anyone that switches back to Shimano.

I use their front der.s though. I've had better luck in terms of cage range, where I have more range before the chain rubs on the front der. cage.



Terrin

[CalEpic]

If you like having the gear indicators on the shifters you'll want to go with X7's. They're the same as last year's X9's. The new X9's and X0's don't have the indicators.

[Jman]

The lack of shifting indicators was probably the hardest thing to get used to but now I just sort of know or take a quick look if I get confused.

[Evel Knievel]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Yes, $50 to demo is common. Many LBS's will then apply that toward the purchase of a bike.

Here we go again with the Sram/Shimano debate:
I made the switch to Sram shifters & rear der a year ago and don't see myself going back. In that time I have had to make ZERO adjustments, as opposed to the monthly maintenance I used to do on my Shimano XT drivetrain. I also love the very positive action of the Sram system.

Yes, it took a couple of rides to get used to the different action of the Sram triggers. I run my shifters mounted outboard from my brakes, so at first I was hitting them accidentally, but moving them about 1/2" in from the grips cured that easily.

I did a brief (5 trail miles) demo of a bike with a Shimano Shadow XT drivetrain, and it was nice. I'm curious about their newer, more Sram-like stuff, but I'm very happy with what I have and see no reason to switch back.

Couldn't have said it better.

[Ladd Jasper]

Originally Posted by ryandood

So is paying $50 to demo a bike with SRAM shifters the only way to try these out? I guess If I knew someone with them but unfortunately I don't. I may just take the dive and get them because I've heard so much good stuff about them.

I have a bike outfitted w/ X9's you're welcome to demo. I see we're both in Fullerton, so hit me up when the weather clears and I'll bring it out to the Loop sometime.

I also have an older set of X9's (w/ indicators) I'd let go for cheap, so let me know about those as well.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

SRAM rocks.

I like Shimano brakes and cranks, but won't ever go back to their shifters/derr. Too finicky.

give me SRAM or give me DEATH.

Now if they only made high end 8 speed stuff

[emejay]

To confuse the issue further, I have one bike with 2006 Shimano XTR and anothe bike with 2007 SRAM X0.

I have found both to be reliable. Neither have required any adjusting.

Both are easy to use, the index finger shifting of the Shimano is maybe a little less convenient than the thimb shifting of the SRAM, but by no means any big deal to me.

I find the biggest difference is the Shimano XTR is a faster and crisper shift than the SRAM.

I think you would be happy with either (I am) and would not make it a major focus of my purchase. Things like value, suspension ,and especially weight are more important to me. Lastly, it may sound trivial, esthetics are important to me as I don't want to ride some of the "unusual" looking stuff I see out there! Now is a good time of year to get a deal as the 2008 models are out and 2007's gotta go.

Also, $50 is money well spent but only if you have enough experience with other bikes to compare, so shop around and ride several bikes. Good luck!!

[ryandood]

Originally Posted by Ladd Jasper

I have a bike outfitted w/ X9's you're welcome to demo. I see we're both in Fullerton, so hit me up when the weather clears and I'll bring it out to the Loop sometime.

I also have an older set of X9's (w/ indicators) I'd let go for cheap, so let me know about those as well.

I'm thinking that I can get over not having the indicators and just get used to it. Too bad for the poor weather right now but I will definitely take you up on your offer if possible! Thanks.

Right now pricepoint has the X9 shifters and RD for I think $140, I think that's a decent price? I'm thinking I'll go that route and a new 9 speed SRAM cassette too. As far as I can tell they all look the same with the exception that they get a little bit lighter the higher up you go. Although the SRAM 990 cassette does look extra sweet.

Thanks for all the input everyone!!

[KonaDupee]

Originally Posted by ryandood

Anyone have any bad experiences with the X7 shifters? The X7 shifters were less than half the price of the X9 shifters and a shop I visited and was just wondering if anyone can justify that huge price jump? Thanks again for all the input.

I have X-7's on my Kona & love them. Went from an all-XT drivetrain to the X-7 set up about 3 months ago. I am sold on the smooth action & zero adjustments needed for SRAM.

Have never heard a single complaint from anyone about the X-7, X-9 or X-0. On my budget, the X-7's have never let me down.

Also, about as important as the RD & shifters are your cassette & chain. With the X-7's matched to a SRAM-991 cassette & SRAM-990 chain, you will not have ANY problems shifting.