SRAM vs Shimano... Pros+Cons?

artfulsloucher
artfulsloucher Posts: 33
edited September 2007 in MTB buying advice
Having recently decided to get back into biking after a few years its taking a while to get my head around all the new tech. Looking for a hard tail £500-£600 with hydro discs, 27 sp., good front forks etc etc. Found a few bikes but the gearing varies betwwen makes/models by a lot.

Anybody got any pointers on the main differences so I can further my quest for knowledge into the sport?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    personal choice.

    the main difference is sram is 1:1 action ratio while shimano is 2:1.

    different actions to change gears.

    history bit.

    sram bought out the triggers at the same time shimano did the dual control levers.a lot of people did not like the shimano option so went sram. and the migration started.

    shimano realised their error and released the dual action trigger to try and win back the floating voters....

    i am an ex shimano user.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Will Snow
    Will Snow Posts: 1,154
    oh my god, you have just stalled upon one of the greatest debates in mtb (up there with flats/spds). right, depends on what you like, and what the first bikeyou ride comes with, in all reality. (and ofcourse, what your lbs prefers...)
    i ride a hardtail
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    Obv Shimano and SRAM have their different levels of quality and performance in their products. But they both act in the same way. SRAM shifters can only be used with SRAM rear mechs and vice versa (disregarding SRAM's Attack range).

    The difference between the systems are quite vast, however. SRAM use a 1:1 actuation ratio with regards to how much cable is moved with each shift. This makes for a more instantaneous shift. The spring in a SRAM mech is also a lot stiffer. This makes them snappier and precise in their shift. At the same time it also makes them feel rather clunky. SRAM also don't suffer from clatter against the frame on rough descents.

    Shimano mechs are much smoother in operation. The lever feel is much lighter. I'm a big Shimano fan myself!
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • jedi_master
    jedi_master Posts: 888
    while on the subject is mixing the new a good of bad idea ?? i have a shimano mech, shifter and cassette but have a sram chain(i prefer the powerlinks for joining over the shimano pin)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    allways a sram chain. any set up.

    anything is mixable except sram rear mechs that have to be used with sram shifters.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    To be honest, the Shimano chains are very good. I used an XTR cable for over a year with a Powerlink and it was excellent.
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • dav1
    dav1 Posts: 1,298
    So an SRAM front mech can work with a shimano shifter and visa versa or is it just the rear that has this issue?
    Giant TCR advanced 2 (Summer/race)
    Merlin single malt fixie (Commuter/winter/training)
    Trek superfly 7 (Summer XC)
    Giant Yukon singlespeed conversion (winter MTB/Ice/snow)

    Carrera virtuoso - RIP
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    Front mechs work with either shifter type.
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • Rammy-1
    Rammy-1 Posts: 25
    My bike has the sram 3.0 setup, and i was wondering if this is anygood
  • artfulsloucher
    artfulsloucher Posts: 33
    Ok so there are definitley differences between the two systems. Am in the process of deciding between the Boardman comp and Spesh RHopper Disc. X7/X9 SRAM on the Comp and Deore/ LX Shimano on the Spesh.

    As a beginner are these differences gonna be that noticable/influential on my ride?

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