SRAM vs Shimano Drivetrain

[amor587]

A few years ago I went from Shimano's XT line to SRAM's X-9 line and since then I have been a SRAM user. Even after getting a new bike, I made sure to have the SRAM stuff on it. I haven't looked back since I converted over, I don't think I ever will.... I pretty happy with the performance.

[92se-r]

ROFL, I just noticed your signature. You are awesome. hahaha.

Originally Posted by ODB

Even SRAM's cheapie X-7s shift way better and are far more reliable and hassle-free than the Shimano XTs i used to run. I'm SRAM for life.

[Johnny Dirt]

I used Shimano XT forever until '05, now I'm all thumbs!!! My new sled came with X9 and I loved it. I just re-furb'd my drivetrain last week:

SRAM '08 X9 RD
SRAM 990 cassette
SRAM 991 Cross Step chain
Race Face Team rings

Very Nice!!

Dillon just got a new RD after Rob & 's Snorkle ride. I replaced his mangled Simano RD with a shiney new XT Shadow!! Works great (like SRAM) and looks super sexy.

[Rob]

I prefer Shimano for the Cranks and the chains. Sram chains are notorious for getting stuck links. The XTR chain is the same price as 991 and works flawlessly. You just have to have a chain tool and keep the extra pins/links handy-not a big deal.

The Shimano cranks are awesome.

Newer shimano shifters feel flimsy to me compared to Sram X9/X0 shifters. On the Shimano the bigger shifter can grab the bottom of the smaller shift lever. The shifting on the Sram X9/X0 feels more crisp and engaged than the Shimano Triggers.

With Xt Der's(non-shadow) they can hit the chainstay, on the Racer X 29er I was trying out the XT der. was constantly hitting the chainstay and made a racket.

[ODB]

Originally Posted by 92se-r

ROFL, I just noticed your signature. You are awesome. hahaha.

[jschwart73]

Can Shimano shifters be used with a SRAM RD?

[amor587]

I now that the x7, x9, and x0 need to be used with the SRAM shifters, not sure about the RD's models below them.

[jschwart73]

I'd be going X0, so that answers my question.

My RD (M952 XTR) keeps cracking bottom pulleys, alignment and shifting are golden when I replaced them the first time, chain is brand new and kinkless, hence the questions about new RD.

I think I'll just pick up a new XTR RD so I can avoid swapping shifters for now...

[Pain Freak]

Originally Posted by Rob

I prefer Shimano for the Cranks and the chains. Sram chains are notorious for getting stuck links. The XTR chain is the same price as 991 and works flawlessly. You just have to have a chain tool and keep the extra pins/links handy-not a big deal.

The Shimano cranks are awesome.

Newer shimano shifters feel flimsy to me compared to Sram X9/X0 shifters. On the Shimano the bigger shifter can grab the bottom of the smaller shift lever. The shifting on the Sram X9/X0 feels more crisp and engaged than the Shimano Triggers.

With Xt Der's(non-shadow) they can hit the chainstay, on the Racer X 29er I was trying out the XT der. was constantly hitting the chainstay and made a racket.

Funny, I've never had a Sram chain give me any problems, but I had a few problems with the Shimano's. I was using the dura ace though and I found out later it's not a good chain for off road.

[jeffj]

I started with Rapidfire back in the 90's and liked it. Then, my bike I bought new in 1999 had Sachs gripshift with XT RD and I liked it well enough, but still held love for Rapidfire.

A few years back I upgraded back to Rapidfire and after a few months, switched back to gripshift (all the while with XT RD's). Then, last year, I built up a new bike and found a great deal on some X-O gripshifters ($50) and an X-7 RD ($42), so I made the switch.

Recently converted my son's bike to the same X-O gripshift and X-7 RD after he went through a few Shimano RD's and lots of shifter woes in a few months and he's among the converted now too. I can time my downshifts on climbs to where it's not hard on the chain/gears because I know right when it will shift. SRAM is just damned reliable and not finicky. Top of the line gripshifters and a reliable RD for less than $100. Love it.

B'Bye Shimano shifters and RD's.

[Kevedge]

Im kinda torn between the two. I ride X.0 rear derailers and shifters, but usually ride shimano cranks and chain and cassette

[Waldo]

My curent drivetrain is XT cranks & front derailleur, with X-9 triggers and rear derailleur. I've heard and read numerous negative comments about Srams front derailleurs, and the Shimano cranks seem to be as good as it gets, so that's why I've stuck with those so far (plus I scored a deal on the cranks).

But I have been thrilled with the Sram shifters and rear derailleur. Shimano rear derailleurs seem to require constant adjustment. I installed the X-9 last January and haven't had to adjust it once since. No ghost shifts, no skips, nothing. It just works.

Some of the smoothest shifting bikes I've ridden had all Shimano components, but for me I'll trade a tiny bit of smoothness for "set it and forget it" reliability.

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by Waldo

My curent drivetrain is XT cranks & front derailleur, with X-9 triggers and rear derailleur. I've heard and read numerous negative comments about Srams front derailleurs, and the Shimano cranks seem to be as good as it gets, so that's why I've stuck with those so far (plus I scored a deal on the cranks).

But I have been thrilled with the Sram shifters and rear derailleur. Shimano rear derailleurs seem to require constant adjustment. I installed the X-9 last January and haven't had to adjust it once since. No ghost shifts, no skips, nothing. It just works.

Some of the smoothest shifting bikes I've ridden had all Shimano components, but for me I'll trade a tiny bit of smoothness for "set it and forget it" reliability.

"I installed the X-9 last January and haven't had to adjust it once since. No ghost shifts, no skips, nothing. It just works.

Some of the smoothest shifting bikes I've ridden had all Shimano components, but for me I'll trade a tiny bit of smoothness for "set it and forget it" reliability."

word

[foofighter]

the one thing that i will have to get used to if and when i make the switch is the all THUMBS shifting...