Sram or Shimano, help me settle a workshop dispute!

robv1306

Im currently building a new FR rig, and i am trying to decide on my drivetrain. I am swaying towards the Shimano XTR's front and rear, with the rear mech being the "shadow" version. I figure, if ure gunna build a FR rig, then u wanna tek out as much protection of ure nice, new, perfectly set derailleur. Ther also super lite obv, and look the dogs!

However, my boss disagrees (dispite running XT's himself). He swears i should go down the SRAM route.

Ive looked around and seen the SRAM top-of-the-range X.0, which is comparable to the XTR. However, ther £50 mor expensive, and altho they boast titanium this and aluminium alloy that, they still dont have the "shadow" protection of the XTR's.

Up until now ive been running Shimano LX on an XC bike, which ive been freeriding on - subsequently breaking it all the time, so since my new rig will be my first, and only for a long time to come, i have never experienced the quality or durability of SRAM.

Can anyone help me in deciding which is best, and hopefully settle this workshop dispute, while helping me get a great new front and rear mech.

Ta

Rob

nicklouse

well which triggers do you like best?

do you have another bike? if yes what is on that? (you dont say if this is to replace or add to the XC bike).

robv1306

I must say i do tend towards the Shimano Triggers the most, however, i really dont mind the SRAM ones if its going to lend itself to any more durability.

This bike is to replace the XC bike, as i no longer do XC, i am a freerider. I am sick of breaking my XC bike freeriding, and have resorted to riding to the FR spots on the XC bike, then sharing my mates Giant Faith with him. Hence why im building my own rig.

The XC bike will be going to my GF as she is wanting to try MTB, and seen as tho my new rig is based around a DMR Ex[alt] frame, i can pump up the pre-load on my forks and accompany her.

The triggers on the XC bike are Shimano Deores.

Wt u think? Does it make much difference? Money is not really an object, but dont wanna spend more just for the sake of it.

nicklouse

Personally i would go X-9 on a bike like that.

works as well just a little heavier but not as costly to replace.

johnsav

I voted X0 simply because i rate SRAM over shimano generally.
But i also agree with the above comment about the X9 mech too. Ive tried the X0 and theres no noticable performance difference compared to the X9 that i have on my bike. JUst looks dangerously sexy!

RVP

Having moved to Sram (X9) from Shimano recently I can say Sram works a lot better than Shimano

The only downside is the poxy reverse shifting

grumsta

For FR surely you might as well get XT/X9 rather than XTR/X0 where you are paying for super-lightness (I would also suspect they are not as durably but I dunno about that).

lambchops

maybe have a look at shimano's "slx" range, lighter than saint but will have more strength than xtr. Personally though i would just get x9, cheaper, tougher and still light

Chaka Ping

I wouldn't have XTR or X0 on a freeride bike. You've already said you've got a habit of breaking mechs - and it's not only rock strikes etc that damage rear mechs - so the 'Shadow' profile probably isn't going to protect the XTR one.

As for X0: I've seen an X0 rear mech disintegrate on getting caught in the spokes (on my pal's bike while I was riding - to my horror!).

When the same thing happened on my bike, my X9 mech stayed intact and the gear hanger bent instead.

In summary, get XT, X9, LX, SLX - whatever - and spend the extra cash on something pretty for yourself.

Anonymous

i cliked on sram but only because i prefer sram to shimano for shifting duties., they seem more precise and i prefer that the levers have a touch more movement to them so i dont over shift like i tended to with shimano xt.

as for x.0, im not sure if it is worth the extra money for performance, it certainly is gucci and looks cool but i cant tel thedifference in performance, that said, the most recent x9 shifters are absolutely ace to use

SDK2007

SRAM X0 or X9.
1:1 cable ratio for slicker shifting.

Shimano XTR is lightweight gear built for XC riding.

dave_hill

Neither XTR or X.0

For a FR rig I'd be looking at the new Saint groupset.

Bones!!

Would have to agree with Dave Hill about saint if you are building a freeride rig, but if you are set on one of the others go X.0 again, not sure if it performs any better than the X.9 but it does look much more bling. However it really is a very personal choice, you could (and have) ask 100's of people which to choose, and still not get a decisive answer.

Have you ridden a bike with SRAM before to get a comparison to Shimano?

Wooohooo!

Agree with Chaka Ping! He makes a good point!

robv1306

Hey guys. Thanks for all the posts. I havent ridden any bikes with SRAM apart form an old giant with x.5's, but none the less im gunna go for the x.9's i think.

Bones!!

A good choice, recently gone onto X.9's myself, not sure I'd go back to Shimano now.