Best groupset for XC

gcwebbyuk

As a generalization, which is the best groupset for XC - SRAM X0 with a seperate chainset, or Shimano XTR?

Reasons... etc... discuss....

Have to say at the moment, I prefer the shifting technique of shimano to SRAM, still trying to get used to it! :oops:

passout

LX and think yourself lucky!

gcwebbyuk

They dont make them anymore though! :roll:

Andy B

Best?

Do you mean lightest, hardest wearing, stiffest, smoothest shifting or what?

Define what you want from the groupset & what you want to spend.

gcwebbyuk

Am not looking to buy ... just yet.... was just pondering what is the best overall as a whole groupset - if that makes sense?

Nodnol

XT are a great all rounder from the Shimano corner, but having gone X.9, I wouldn't go back.

I don't think there's a right answer to Shimano Vs. Sram argument, just opinion.

gcwebbyuk

Thats what I was after an opinion and reasons etc.

What makes the x.9 better than the xt?

nicklouse

nothing.

do you want a sram action? or a shimano action? do you want to use the flappy brake/gear changers? or what about a twist grip.

What have you used?

Chaka Ping

I find SRAM X9 gearing stays indexed much longer than Shimano XT.

To me that makes it better.

It's a bonus that I love the nice clicky action it has too.

omegas

For durability Deore or LX

.blitz

gcwebbyuk wrote:

As a generalization, which is the best groupset for XC - SRAM X0 with a seperate chainset, or Shimano XTR?

XTR is nice but it's questionable if it's worth the premium over XT for everyday XC.

I find that from new, the difference between XTR and XT equivalents is indistinguishable; it's only after some time that the durability of XTR gives it the edge. I've replaced the LX/XT bits on my bike with XTR as they've worn out, and the first XTR items are still going strong. I am also addicted to XTR grey

Crankmeister

XT is solid dependable,reliable and great performer.
XTR is all of the above.prettier on the eye and lighter in weight.yet heavier on the wallet!!! but you gets what you pay for. if money isnt a problem well its XTR for me.
Using the KMC 9 SL chain.

passout

omegas wrote:

For durability Deore or LX

Agreed. I find Shimano more durable. Very little difference in performance levels.

XT is as good as anyone needs unless you are up to the expert or pro level, IMHO.

gcwebbyuk

Trouble is, I just bought some XTR pedals..... so the rest of the components dont look as good now!

.blitz

gcwebbyuk wrote:

Trouble is, I just bought some XTR pedals..... so the rest of the components dont look as good now!

That's how it starts. I broke an XT shifter pod, bought an XTR equivalent and suddenly the brake levers looked sh*te...

gcwebbyuk

But how much is a full groupset? And then should you buy the wheels too.... etc etc!

.blitz

gcwebbyuk wrote:

But how much is a full groupset? And then should you buy the wheels too.... etc etc!

I wouldn't buy the whole groupset, it looks too bling

Dazzza

That's me buggered then.

Imo the best xtr components would be the shadow rear mech, gorgeous sweet crisp shifting, the chainset with the titanium/carbon middlering annd their double shift shifter for the rear mech, very rapid gearchanges, get this lot running with a kmc chain and you're pretty much laughing.

However i still have an xt top swing mech as it's going strong, and is well hidden anyway.

I had sram rocket shifters, never liked the clunky feeling and after a crash the lever pulled out too easily for my liking, very flimsy.

Been through pretty much every part out there, xtr all the way for me.

£641 for the majority of bits, i wouldn't have the brakes though as formula are better.

Nor the chain, as they're really dura ace and snap easy under pressure.

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=83

passout

gcwebbyuk wrote:

Trouble is, I just bought some XTR pedals..... so the rest of the components dont look as good now!

Too late, they've got you now. Your only choice is to throw your new pedals in the canal and buy some Deore stuff fast.

.blitz

Dazzza wrote:

Imo the best xtr components would be the shadow rear mech, gorgeous sweet crisp shifting, the chainset with the titanium/carbon middlering annd their double shift shifter for the rear mech, very rapid gearchanges, get this lot running with a kmc chain and you're pretty much laughing.

+1. I don't think you can beat an XTR drivetrain but buying the wheels and brakes as well is chav-tastic

cycleNoodle

Without doubt XTR.

The sram stuff is good but expensive, I actually have sram at the moment but i think as an all round groupset for price and quality you cant beat XTR.

supersonic

XTR is the best Shimano do, X0 is the best SRAM do.

May not be the best value though, but are the lightest from each manufacturer.

price wise, XTR is similar to X9, XT to X7. X0 in a league of its own.

If was on a medium budget, I would mix and match.

XT shifters
XT rear mech
Deore front mech
LX chainset

durable, good value and great performance.

icedmind

well i ll pick shimano instead of sram coz price wise + shimano trigger shifter is smoother and the new xtr(07) is as good as X.O
i didnt do any adjuestment since i set up my xtr shifter until i get full service on my bike which is like every 3 months, and they have never dissppoint me, perfect and quick shifting, no problem wif them at all

thing is you never need a whole xtr groupset coz xt will do the same job with lesser $$, the only thing i would get is xtr shifter and others will be xt groupset (coz the other bits wear out in time)

gcwebbyuk

Yummy XTR SPDs


Only thing is they are on Deore cranks, does that mean I need an xtr crankset? :twisted:

allthegearnoidea

i wold dearly love to kit my bike out in xtr, but realistically i suspect the only difference i wold actually notice between xtr and xt would be the smile on my face when people look at your bike!!!

the XT lot is very good, mine is now 4 years old and have just replaced the rings up front (a few cassettes and chains) but the front and rear shifters are spot on every time,

money no object then xtr! but as its not then XT with a kmc chain and XTR cable set and your bob on!

obviously that set up wouldnt suit Sram lovers! but as a shimano man its spot on for me!


the trouble is htough, yove got the pedals now and everything else will look half hearted unless its that lovely colour grey!
very slippery slope lol!

cjw

Yep, XTR pedals are nice, but so's the SRAM XO rear mech

gcwebbyuk

As much as I LOOOOOVE carbon fibre, I think that SRAM mech does look a bit OTT, maybe its the gold wheel on it too - dunno.

Now if you want carbon fibre and titanium together....



My akrapovic exhaust on my 07 Kawasaki ZX6R. Titanium exhaust with a carbon tip - yum!

gcwebbyuk

How well do XTR disc brakes compare to Avid Juicy 5s?

allthegearnoidea

cjw wrote:

Yep, XTR pedals are nice, but so's the SRAM XO rear mech

nice chain btw!;)
model up from mine i think! (mine isnt the super light!) nothing like a bit of chain bling!!! oh, and i've got some cnc jockeys too!;)

clarkson

shimano XT on the spesh, with a SRAM pc991 chain for ease of breaking

and

Shimano XTR on the Merlin with SRAM pc991 hollowpin XT cassettes on both. im a shimano man rather than SRAM. had sram on the spesh originally and didnt really agreee with it tbh.

synchronicity

Actually, if you're really "XTR-worthy", you'll probably be better served by switching to a Road derailleur mated with a compact road chainset. Faster & Lighter.