SLX or XT?

clwydian_rider92
clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
edited May 2009 in MTB buying advice
Ive just been to look at a Trek 6700 today and a Giant XTC 1. However I would like certain features of each bike. Basically the frames are the same, as well as the Recon forks, but the main difference is the gears. The Trek is fully kitted out with SLX but the Giant has a Deore chainset and an XT rear derailleur. However I can purchase the Trek with an XT rear derailleur for an extra £20! I was just wondering whether anyone has an SLX rear derailleur or an XT to see whether its worth the money. Thanks a lot!!!!
Giant XTC SE 2006
Cube LTD Race 2009
Trek Fuel EX 9

Comments

  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    Sorry XTC 2 (typing error)
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • xcracer
    xcracer Posts: 298
    Do they have the same shifters? They're just as important as the mech.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yes, shifters are more important than the mech when talking of XT and SLX. The crankset is a 60g saving over deore.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

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  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    Yes both have SLX shifters.
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Can you try them out? The minor differences in drivetrain spec are not really worth worrying about, swings and roundabouts!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    I think it would cost £25 to upgrade shifters from SLX to XT, however on the review on bike radar it says that the SLX shifters are the same as the XT but plastic. Therefroe is there in any point?

    Another quick question: I'm going to be starting racing this year (already done a couple), but whats the difference between 'normal' and flat handlebars and whcih would be best?
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The XT are more robust, and the metalwork makes them little crisper.

    As for bars, is purely personal preference. Some prefer a more upright, laid back ride, many prefer a heads down ride for XC.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    Better to go for XT shifters rather than XT derailleur then?
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yes, I think it makes more difference if you had to have just the one XT part.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Eranu
    Eranu Posts: 712
    I've not tried SLX shifters but I changed my LX to XT a couple of months ago and the difference is amazing. XT shifters are the nuts, though iirc SLX got great reviews too.
  • thomasali
    thomasali Posts: 179
    XT and SLX are so similar there isnt much to choose between them, SLX chainset is a lot better than a Deore chainset though, and more important than rear mechs which are pretty much the same in operation from SLX to XTR. The SLX chainset is lighter stiffer and looks way better! Also the rear mech is a breeze to swap at a later date whereas the chainset is a nightmare in comparison.
    http://www.last.fm/user/bobfossil

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