SRAM vs Shimano Drivetrain

Discussion in 'The Workshop' started by foofighter, Nov 28, 2007.

  1. foofighter

    foofighter Ride More Talk Less

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    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.
     
  2. el_d00der1n0

    el_d00der1n0 New Member

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    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.
     
  3. foofighter

    foofighter Ride More Talk Less

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    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
     
  4. dstepper

    dstepper (R.I.P.) Over the hill

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    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.
    :steppie:
     
  5. Code Blue

    Code Blue Guest

    ...

    SRAM!!!!!!!!!

    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.
     
  6. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    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.
     
  7. el_d00der1n0

    el_d00der1n0 New Member

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    It's the M770

    I guess people like the ratios on the SRAMs better.
     
  8. allison

    allison Active Member

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    I use both. I like both.

    If you are really concerned.. maybe get a SS :lol:
     
  9. un-kola

    un-kola Just another Homer!

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    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
     
  10. foofighter

    foofighter Ride More Talk Less

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    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.
     
  11. Pho'dUp

    Pho'dUp Spam Musubi MasherSS

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

    Keith B Professional Lion Tamer

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    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.
     
  13. el_d00der1n0

    el_d00der1n0 New Member

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

    foofighter Ride More Talk Less

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    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.
     
  15. Sprockethead

    Sprockethead S.T.U.P.I.D.A.S.S. Member

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    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.
     
  16. denmother

    denmother Gone riding....

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    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. ;)
     
  17. Pho'dUp

    Pho'dUp Spam Musubi MasherSS

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    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.
     
  18. foofighter

    foofighter Ride More Talk Less

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    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...
     
  19. Keith B

    Keith B Professional Lion Tamer

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    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.
     
  20. Code Blue

    Code Blue Guest

    2nd dat

    Sram is set and forget. And setting them up is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easyier than Shimano
     

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