sram or shimano

custom247

what is peoples opinions choosing either sram or shimano? i am building a new bike and not sure what system i want! i dont realy like sram shifters so am thinking of geting the new 2 way lx shifter or maybe xt and maybe the same r mech but prefer the x7 or x9? what should i get/ ive never had a bike with sram so dont know whats better!

Dunk

I would say sram just cause the mech don't bounce and the shift feels more psoitive. Though if you can wait for the shimano shadow mech they would be worth a look.

Dunk

Mike59

In my limited experience, I don't think there's a huge difference.

EXCEPT - I always use a Sram chain (971 or 991) and I have had major problems with Shimano ones.

supersonic

Whatever feels best, both camps have their fans. I find SRAM stuff to be a bit flimsy.

Seagull

I have no problems with Shimano. They generally make good stuff thats well priced, XT is my favourite groupset.

Drfabulous0

They feel completely different, SRAM gears have a satisfying clunk when they shift while Shimano is smoother and quieter, so much you may not notice the shift. I much prefer the feel of SRAM and my X.0 rear mech has been thouroughly abused but seems indestructible. Try to ride both and see for yourself but if you don't like SRAM shifters then it seems you have already made up your mind.

Scubar

Im a shimano person myself. I dont like the look of the Sram stuff and it feels very clunky compared to the shimano. definately go with an Sram chain though, my previous shimano chains all snapped fairly easily.

Capt. Jon

I love SRAM shifter - you only ever need your thumb to change so doesn't effect braking. Much more positive too. Plus they are rock hard.

Cazzdevil

I know a couple of people who definitely prefer SRAM, they say the way the shifters are set out is far better than Shimano but I don't have any personal experience so no preference. I'll give SRAM a try sometime soon though I reckon!

-C-

SRAM for me, for 3 main reasons.

1. Better cable route. No stupid great cable loop at the back
2. Shifters. Shimano are a pain using the forefinger to shift with when it's needed for braking.
3. Mechs. SRAM don't clatter on the chainstay.

ransos

I've been using sram/ sachs/ sedis chains since the early 90s. Never ever had a problem. Powerlink is great. The one and only shimano chain I had snapped within a few weeks.

clarkson

i use a sram chain just for the link, but i prefer shimano fr shifters and derraileurs; they have a nicer feel imo.

supersonic

Remember Shimanos newer RF shifters are now dual release. As for the ergonomics, purely down to personal preference and if they work well with your brake levers. I much prefer SRAM chains. Budget Shimano gear is way better than budget SRAM.

magnus

In my opinion

XO Rear mech pisses over XTR rear mech
X9rear mech Pisses over XTR rear mech
XTR cranks piss over truative cranks
XTR fron mechs are best.
Avid Brake piss over shimano brakes
Sram shifters are the worlds worst shifters all in exeption of sram xo twish shifts.

Sram chains are awesome, Shimano chains should be melted down and thrown in the sea.

JT-MTB

I've just switched from Shimano to Sram as I'm fed up of the noise my old Shimano rear mech made.

Steve Austin

Shimano XT shadow looks the nuts. Saw one the other day and it really is lookng good.

shimano all the way

Dan67

I changeds from sram to shimano becuase my lbs gave me some free shifters with my new drive chain but now i have got so used to sram that i cant use shimano as easily. feels nicer and looks nicer i think

Scubar

Wow i just saw the new XT groupset. They have even managed to make the XT Hydro discs look sexy. I hate the current versions as the levers just look like utter crap. The new ones look much more like the Magura Louise levers

wwjjtt

i work in my LBS and it's a hire center so i ride and fix both. the xtr are ok as long as they have a trigger shifter-not a fan of those break lever shifters at all! i use x9 cause the work well, and they are easy to fix...well actually i have an x9 on one of my bikes and i haven't touched it since i fitted it last october-didn't even have to adjust when the cable stretched. my advice....sram every time.. sram x9.

ddoogie

Shimano, every day of the week.

I have both XT and X9 on my bikes. The X9 is clunky and the shifters are both stiff and ugly.

The XT system is smooth and, with the DC shifters that I use, is 10x easier to use than the trigger shifters.

Its not that SRAM doesn't work, it does. But its just not nearly as nice to use.

---*SD*---

I've got SRAM but they came with my bike so Ive never tried Shimano..

Specialized5432

SRAM all the way- I switched a few years ago and have used x.7 and x.9 rear mechs (don't have a front mech) and they have been brilliant much more precise due to the 1:1 ratio and need much less regular adjustments to keep them running smooth.

billy79

I'm a currently a SRAM fan. After many years using Shimano, I swapped over to Sram shifters and I have to say I much prefer the action/feel of the Sram shifters.

Dean

I'm gonna change to Sram soon.
See what all the hypes about.

extreme__dude

it seems to be that its shitmano for XC and SRAM for DH.

sram seems to be much stronger and because of the different ratio of cable pulled through, shifts much more reliably. even when my old mech had about an inch of side wobble in it believe it or not!
not as smooth as shimano, but more consistent, and wont snap when you so much look at a rock or root