SRAM vs Shimano Drivetrain

I was a die hard Shimano fan even though I would go through XT rear der's every 6-8 months due to play in the der. I always wondered why that was, then I saw this video:

[youtube]AZQf1bduGYs[/youtube]


So, when I built up my Yeti 575, I decided to go all SRAM and see for myself. It's been almost a year and my X9 is still going strong.

I don't really notice too much of a difference in shifting performance--one is just as good as the other, but SRAM gets my business from now on strictly from a longevity stand point.

 

so so far we have:

SRAM: set and forget, reliable, less expensive, full integration with Avid levers, precise, 1:1 (could be con as well)

Shimano: fast shifting, not 1:1 ratio, it's Shimano

 

I've never had a Shimano Rear Deraileur last more than 6 months (XTR/XT). My current X9 is 18 months old and has 6000+ miles on it and still shifts perfect.

I had a set of SRAM Grip shift on my HT for 13 years, 20,000+ miles (2nd Generation). I finally replaced them last year simply to go from 7 to 9 speed. They still work fine.

Needless to say, I'm a SRAM fan. Even decided on my Road bike because it was all SRAM.

 

I'm not 100% on this but the new XTR970 Shadow I believe has that stable body design that the X0 has. Anyone care to confirm that?
Oh and jsut to throw another spanner into the SRAM works - ask any bike shop how many X0's rear mechs they've had in with the carbon linkage snapped off.

 

Agree

on the carbon#-o

Go X9:bang:IMO best bang for your buck

 

that's what i heard/read as well regarding the CF portion of the X-0 RD...if i go SRAM it'll be X-9 so i wont worry about that aspect

 

As far as I have seen, Shimano components tend to be more expensive than comparable SRAM components. That has to count for something.

I've only ridden SRAM and I have no reason to change.

 

I run both...

I have been running SRAM X0 Black Box der. and shifter pods on my dh bike for a couple of seasons. It is super Gucci, but I don't really feel any significant difference between it and the Shimano kits that I have been running (XTR short cage rear der. or Duraace rear der. with XTR shifter pod). The jury is still out on the XT Shadow rear der. that I just purchased because I haven't ridden it enough yet.

The X0 stuff with the carbon looks sick, but at the end of the day I think it's more preference based on subjective measures rather than any scientific or objective measures. I actually love the idea of my X0 stuff, but I am far more confident in my XTR stuff functionally. When racing or on long rides I would rather have stuff that just works and sacrifice a bit on the bling.

So, go out and buy the kit that gives you the most wood when you see it in the shop.

 

Bring

bring back 8 speed damit. Stuff lasted forever:bang:

 

you know if i go 1x9 on my squishy i can bust out w/ my 8 speed cassette

 

I'm using both... X9 RD on X0 shifter...

And XTR 960 RD (Rapid rise) on XT shifters.

I also try the new XT / XTR ...

The pivotless X9 / XO is very quiet and stable for DH, but ease to break (with the derailleur hanger), it's position outside of the hanger will help it break even easier.
The upside for Sram - needs less maintenance than Shimano.

If your gear is working properly, you won't feel any change in the performance.

The only upgrade I can think of is XT shadow 2008 RD with XTR shifters - let you down shift multi cogs at a time.

 

Don't quote me on this, but I've heard that this is all marketing play on numbers. The real ratios are:

SRAM - 1:1.4
Shimano - 1:1.7

Not really that far apart. SRAM rounded to the nearest whole number to make it sound like a bigger difference.

I've always used Shimano and never had any problems not directly related to me crashing. So I can't really blame Shimano when it doesn't shift do to bent derailleur hangers. I've worked on a few SRAM equiped bikes and have to say maintenance wise it's easier to work on Shimano and the quality is better.

When I install new cables I will always prestretch them so unless I wreck I never have to adjust my drivetrain. Shifts are always quick and clean.

I used to really like the positive feel of the SRAM shifters, but Shimano has rectified that with the new XTR 970 shifters.

That's my $0.02.

 

Have SRAM X-9 on older bike and XT on a newer which I will switch out to X-9 or X-0 when a little extra money comes around. The SRAM has crisper shifting and I have never had a worry shifting at a critical uphill moment.

 

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.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZQf1bduGYs

 

Ya, that's the same vid I posted above.:wave:

 

oops pacman beat me to it.

and you called me out on it before i could. you're on top of your shit:wave:

 

No, just home on the DL with nothing else to do but surf STR.:beer:

 

is that F5 button worn out yet?

 

No, but I am suffering from a bit of cabin fever. I think I'll let the wife take me out to dinner tonight.:beer:

I'll actually be glad to go back to work tomorrow and start to put this whole ordeal behind me.