Upgrade - SRAM or Shimano?

aclarkson71

I'm looking to upgrade my bike. I have at the moment X5 Shifters, X7 front and rear Mech. and SRAM cassette. Can anybody advise me what would be a good but cost effective Shimano upgrade. I have no Idea what the comparisons are between the two systems. Any advise would be most appreciated.

toontra

For MTB's I prefer SRAM over Shimano every time. Crisper shifting and better looking. Why the upgrade? If replacing worn parts or to loose a bit of weight why not just move up to X.9?

toasty

What sort of budget have you got? The new SLX setup is pretty nice and top value for money.

Rear mech
Front mech
Shifters

Both systems have their fans, there isn't a right answer with gearing. I prefer Shimano, especially the newer dual control/shadow stuff. Leagues ahead of the older stuff from a few years back.

aclarkson71

Thanks for your input. I think I'll stick with what I know and go X9/X0 but do it in increments starting with the shifters.

downhillholty

sram x.9 !!

el_vino

I have always used SRAM chains but I was thinking of buying a SRAM PG970 Casette to replace my shimano XT one. Will it work ok? the rest of the setup is XT
thanks

ride_whenever

You'd do well to buy good shifters now, they seem to have a far greater effect of the shifting than the dumb hunks of metal on the frame.

The xtr shifters i tried the other day blew me away, and now i want them! So either get x-9 or x-0 shifters now.

toasty

I was thinking of buying a SRAM PG970 Casette to replace my shimano XT one

A heavy cassette to replace your light one? :? Has it worn down too quickly?

el_vino

Didn't realise it would be that much heavier. The bike gets used for commuting so I find I get through casettes pretty quickly, especially this winter. Thought it might save some cash

The Big Cheese

Shimano XT cassette with a SRAM PC-971/990 chain is a great combo!

s-worksenduro

El Vino, 9 speed mtb casettes are not locked to the brands like some of the shifters and mechs are, same with chains and front mechs