New XT Rapidfire or used XTR Rapidfire????

[SoCal Life]

I'm building a new bike and need new shifters. Ditching the OLD gripshift and wanted to know if I should go with either:
New SL-M751 XT Rapidfire shifters for $63 (44% off at JensonUSA) Click Me
or
Used M952 XTR Rapidfire shifters from ebay/clasifieds/craigslist. Click Me
The use XTR shifters would probabily be $10-$20 more. If been watching a few and it seems that they are going for about $70-$80. But are they worth it??????

[TURNERob]

I just sold a pair of XTR 752 shifters to banaseat, he previously had XT's so he'd be a good one to ask about the differences he felt also. I can say the XTR's do have a smoother feel to them, but you are taking a "slight" risk buying used ones depending on how they were taken care of and exposed to water, etc. The difference isn't huge, as long as the cables are in good condition that will make a bigger difference than just the shifters alone.

P.S. If you can afford a new rear derailleur also you may want to think about going with Sram shifters

[SoCal Life]

Thanks, I've really thinking about going with SRAM, but I don't like how their shifters only shift 1 at a time. With the rapid fire you can shift up to 4 gears with a full press of the levers.

I'm buying SAR_Boats '04 Enduro frame and he's throwing in an older XT derailleur. He also had a SRAM X-7 Derailleur that he said I could have instead of the XT(I think that's what you said Chris). So if I find a set of SRAM shifters I like, that might be an option.

[PacMan]

Hey Art--how's the knee?? I read about that spill on MTBR.

IMHO--always go new if you can. I don't think the difference will be that noticeable. Especially when buying used from people you don't know.

I also don't see what the hype is about with SRAM shifters. I have SRAM on my Haro and XT on all my other bikes and prefer the Shimano stuff. But, to each his own.

[TURNERob]

Originally Posted by SoCal Life

Thanks, I've really thinking about going with SRAM, but I don't like how their shifters only shift 1 at a time. With the rapid fire you can shift up to 4 gears with a full press of the levers.

I'm buying SAR_Boats '04 Enduro frame and he's throwing in an older XT derailleur. He also had a SRAM X-7 Derailleur that he said I could have instead of the XT(I think that's what you said Chris). So if I find a set of SRAM shifters I like, that might be an option.

That isn't true about the SRAM only being able to shift 1 gear at a time. The 1-1 ratio is just a term that they use for actuation ratio. You can still shift 4+ gears with the SRAM also. The main difference is a slightly more precise shifting feel and also the SRAM rear derailluers have stiffer springs compared to Shimano which reduces chain slap. I've converted to SRAM shifters/rear der. on all but 1 of my bikes. I still use Shimano front derailleurs as those can be used with the SRAM shifter. I even have the SRAM XO twist shifters on my Burner and really like them also. Regardless the pricing on the XO stuff is getting out of hand now......maybe the '07 Shimano stuff has gotten better, we'll see.

[CalEpic]

Shimano rear derailleurs on Horst link bikes (like the Enduro) will hit the chainstay on rough trails. Specialized puts a rubber bumper on the derailleur to quiet it down but it's a band-aid.

You can pick up SRAM X9's cheap from Price Point.

Functionally, I don't notice much difference between the two brands. As Rob said, cables seem to make the most difference.

C

[PHAT TIRE]

I went from Shimano to Shram x-9's and love them. Shimano is just too fussy shifting for me and they wear out fast. Just my opinion!

[SoCal Life]

Thanks guys, I didn't realize that the 1-1 was just the ratio. I rode SAR_Boats's Merlin with X0 trigger shifters and X0 rear derailleur and really liked the precise, crisp shifts. I didn't even try to shift hard and see if it would shift more than one gear.

I think I'm going to go with SRAM, and since I currently ride Old 21 spd grip shifts, if I don't like the trigger style I can always go back to grip shift.

[spookydave]

I like the sram triggers much better then Shimano. Both up and down shifting is done with the thumb.

[Keith B]

I tried some '07 XTR shifters today and was blown away by them - quality was awesome. light weight and super positive action.
I've got some used XT shifters up for grabs at a cheap price if anyones interested.