SRAM vs Shimano Drivetrain

[foofighter]

Searching didnt yield what I wanted. I'm currently running 02 XTR RD, 07 XT FD, 07 XT Cranks w/ XT Cassette.

I was thinking about upgrading my triggers and RD and thought about going with SRAM. I've read some of the propaganda on the respective sites but need some diehard feedback on how SRAM users feel about their X-9 vs say XT stuff.

[el_d00der1n0]

I'm sure most will respond SRAM, but I like Shimano for two reasons:

I love my Low normal RD. I don't care that it's slower to upshift.
I can use my fingers and thumbs.


And, for those who like just using thumbs. Shimano now has that capability.

[foofighter]

i do like shimano's rapid rise but not sure if they are offering that anymore in the XT line. I ran SRAM before but the gripshift and it was nice and easy to setup, just never had any exposure to their trigger systems

[dstepper]

If I was buying new I would go Sram. I don't think that the updrade is that significate to warrant the expence to upgrade. If your all your Shimano stuff needs replacement or is broken that is another story.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by foofighter

Searching didnt yield what I wanted. I'm currently running 02 XTR RD, 07 XT FD, 07 XT Cranks w/ XT Cassette.

I was thinking about upgrading my triggers and RD and thought about going with SRAM. I've read some of the propaganda on the respective sites but need some diehard feedback on how SRAM users feel about their X-9 vs say XT stuff.

[SIZE=6]SRAM!!!!!!!!![/SIZE]

Duan trust me on this one. I was a die hard Shimano fan until I started using Sram. Sram stuff is way easier to adjust and I love the way it shifts when you push the trigger. The Shimano stuff shifts when you release.

[genusmtbkr5]

Sram shifts instantky while Shimano has to get to to the "ramp" on the cog before it shifts. So Sram shifts faster. I use Shimano on all of my bikes. Doesn't seem to slow me down at all. The new XTR RD has a Carbon cage. If you go Sram, You may want to change your cassette as well to Sram. I also agree with what Steppie says. Don't upgarde for the sake of upgrading. That gets costly.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by foofighter

i do like shimano's rapid rise but not sure if they are offering that anymore in the XT line. I ran SRAM before but the gripshift and it was nice and easy to setup, just never had any exposure to their trigger systems

It's the M770

I guess people like the ratios on the SRAMs better.

[allison]

I use both. I like both.

If you are really concerned.. maybe get a SS

[un-kola]

I run XO rear der.and grip shift with an XTR front der.The Sram rear der. seems smoother and more durable.Haven't tried a Sram front der.yet.The Shimano front der.seems good enough not to change.-Lloyd

[foofighter]

my XTR RD is getting old in the tooth and think that it's a good opportunity to upgrade as there's a combo price for x9 triggers and RD for 149.

[Pho'dUp]

SRAM. B/c I don't like having to re-adjust my derailleurs all the time.

[Keith B]

Well I've got both XTR and X0 and to me it comes down to this. X0 is more reliable and consistent but XTR is a world ahead in terms of shift speed and feel. I've got X0 on my all purpose, get dirty and messed up Enduro and my new XC bike which wont be used as much will be getting the XTR. If you dont like maintaing drivetrain and cleaning cables etc then go X0 but dont expect rapid shifting.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

SRAM. B/c I don't like having to re-adjust my derailleurs all the time.

What are you doing? Once I get mine dialed in, I rarely have to touch them. Occasionally a little tweaking on the barrels...

[foofighter]

that's interesting that Keith says that shimano shifts faster when others have said that SRAM's shifts are faster. hard to stay objective when things like that are so subjective.

Allison: i've thought bout doing the SS conversion on my squishy LOL...my buddy is doing it as well as Neil so we'll see how the YESS tensioner works out.

[Sprockethead]

SRAM

I'm got the older X9's trigger and RD. I love em and I also switched Ann out to SRAM. Shimano's nice, but you have to keep your drivetrain clean inorder to get smooth shifting. SRAM, I just set it and forget it. If you look at our bikes, they're usually dirty or muddy.

Just in case you want to know what I'm running:
shifter:X9
RD:X9
FD: '06 Shimano XT
Cranks: Hollowtech II XT
Cassette: Shimano XT
Chain:SRAM 991 Hollowpin

I did have a SRAM 991 cassette, the one with the red spyder. I figured out why my chain was skipping so much last night. The middle cog was totally bent in. I must have shifted with a pretty big load on the chain. I can tell you this, I ride the same way on my Shimano XT cassettes and this has never happened to me.

[denmother]

Originally Posted by foofighter

Searching didnt yield what I wanted. I'm currently running 02 XTR RD, 07 XT FD, 07 XT Cranks w/ XT Cassette.

I was thinking about upgrading my triggers and RD and thought about going with SRAM. I've read some of the propaganda on the respective sites but need some diehard feedback on how SRAM users feel about their X-9 vs say XT stuff.

I have used SRAM for 5 years on both my trail and DH bikes. I love the trigger shifters. I have used both X9 and XO and prefer the XO as it they perform better and shift easier.

I just purchased a 2003 Intense Spider with 2006 XTR components. I have not used any Shimano components in 5 years (sponsorsed by SRAM) but I love the feel of the brakes and the integrated shifters are very easy to get used to. I noticed in buying replacement components that Shimano XTR seems to be more expensive than SRAM.

Both are good, I think it's personal preference.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

What are you doing? Once I get mine dialed in, I rarely have to touch them. Occasionally a little tweaking on the barrels...

With SRAM I don't even have to tweak the barrels....

Maybe on a hardtail I'd use Shimano if I had too, but on a suspension bike with the travel moving and tugging on cables. Forget it. SRAM all the way.

Keith's right, with the 1:1 actuation ratio the SRAM throw is longer than Shimano. But the fact it's been a zillion times more reliable with my unwillingness to clean my geared bike regularly... I'd go SRAM again and again. It's like a AK47 that will fire with sand in it vs. a M16 that works a great as long as you clean it.

Don't get me wrong, I like some Shimano stuff. All my brakes are shimano. XT cassettes are money too.

OHH I FORGOT. Get a XT or XTR Front D. SRAM's X-gen FD is crap.

[foofighter]

that's another thing, i have juicy brakes so i can get fully integrated with my trigger and levers on one clamp. Shouldnt be an overriding reason to get SRAM but it's definitely a plus.

I do notice that after about 4-5 runs i need to clean and lube my drivetrain as i start to get gear skipping

Wish i had done a poll...

[Keith B]

Originally Posted by foofighter

that's interesting that Keith says that shimano shifts faster when others have said that SRAM's shifts are faster. hard to stay objective when things like that are so subjective.

I should have my rig sorted out pretty soon. You're more than welcome to try them back to back. My set up on the Enduro is all SRAM drivetrain bar the FD. The set up on the Stumpjumper was all XTR and the shifting bordered on being instantaneous - I was blown away by how good it was compared to X0.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

With SRAM I don't even have to tweak the barrels....

Maybe on a hardtail I'd use Shimano if I had too, but on a suspension bike with the travel moving and tugging on cables. Forget it. SRAM all the way.

Keith's right, with the 1:1 actuation ratio the SRAM throw is longer than Shimano. But the fact it's been a zillion times more reliable with my unwillingness to clean my geared bike regularly... I'd go SRAM again and again. It's like a AK47 that will fire with sand in it vs. a M16 that works a great as long as you clean it