xtr compatability

irideon2wheels
irideon2wheels Posts: 110
edited August 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
hi there.

im really wanting to get myself an xtr m970 front mech and rear derailleur but am i right that you have to use xtr shifters? seems abit expensive. i bet its no accident either.

thanks

Comments

  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    Incorrect. You can use any Shimano 9-speed shifters.

    I wouldn't want to a top spec mate an XTR mech with anything less than XT shifters though, purely on principal. I'd rather have both at XT or LX level.
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • irideon2wheels
    irideon2wheels Posts: 110
    agreed about having anything less than xtr shifters but it would just be for a month or so untill i bought the shifters
  • x-isle
    x-isle Posts: 794
    Hmmm? Don't really agree.

    I have an XTR rear mech and a Deore front mech, up top, I run Deore Dual Control Levers. Perfect changes everytime.
    Craig Rogers
  • cjw
    cjw Posts: 1,889
    On my Scott I've got XTR front mech with SRAM X-0 shifters. Works great :)
    London to Paris Forum
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    Scott Scale 10
    Focus Izalco Team
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    x-isle wrote:
    Hmmm? Don't really agree.

    I have an XTR rear mech and a Deore front mech, up top, I run Deore Dual Control Levers. Perfect changes everytime.

    I'm quite sure that the quality of the shift is fine. The plasticky feel of the Deore levers would, however, annoy me. I would much rather have a lower spec derailleur and avoid that with some decent shifters.

    Not a problem if you plan to buy XTR shifters later on though.
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • x-isle
    x-isle Posts: 794
    ...but because they are dual control, the don't have the plastic feeling.

    I know some people hate dual shifters, but I wouldn't change to anything else.
    Craig Rogers
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    Indeed, I'm also a DC user. However, to use DC you have to use Shimano brakes as well...
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • x-isle
    x-isle Posts: 794
    I'm assuming that's because of the mineral oil used???

    I've also got Deore brakes too, so far, all is good, but I guess I've never tried anything else.
    Craig Rogers
  • Scubar
    Scubar Posts: 453
    If i was running XTR mechs i wouldnt go any lower than LX for shifters, Even the LX Shifters on my Trek are miles better than the Deore ones on my Marin, Much smoother shifting and a more strudy feel to them, I can see the benfits of Dual Control but they really arent suitable for most types of riding.
    ___________________________________________________________

    My Marin Hawkhill 2007 - http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1382583/

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