Changing Shifters from Shimano to SRAM

Pufftmw

On my nice Scott Spark I have Deore shifters but I find that for whatever reason they rub on my thumbs as I ride around so I end up doing a strange sort of monkey grip with my thumb over the grips as opposed to around. I have tried adjusting but to no avail.

So I was thinking about u/grading to XT to see if that made a difference when I suddenly thought about my old GF which has twist shifters (thats Gary Fisher not GirlFriend!!). Looking into this, it would appear that SRAM are the leaders in this system and X9 or X0 are suitable. X0 apparently offer better grip according to reviews on this site.

Now on this investigation, it transpires that I need to change the rear mech to an SRAM device but not the front - is that correct?

Also, I will need to change the rear mech. Current one is an SLX Shadow rear mech but how do I know it is the Long, Medium or Short Cage and what does it mean, if anything? Benefit of X0 over X9 in this instance?

I'm looking forward to making this change and saving a few grams in the process

Thanks

Puff

pastey_boy

do a search for sram attack and rocket 9 speed grip shifts they are 100% shimano compatible and work great

pastey_boy

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sram-Attack-Grip- ... 335b3ad51f

pastey_boy

http://cgi.ebay.com/SRAM-Attack-Shorty- ... 335c966d88

Daver27

Have you tried moving your current brake and gear shifters further along the bars away from the grips?
I could never get a good position with Shimano shifters till i did this, mine are about 3/4" away from the grip.

Pufftmw

I've moved them around but still want them to hand (as it were) when needing to change gear. TBH I don't change gear that much but still if I need to grab a quick change I don't want to have to move my hand across.

My Orange G2 had SRAM SX5s and not a problem at all.

diy

If you post up your gearing we can tell you if you would be better off with a short medium or long cage..

Cage length determines the total capacity of the derailleur, that is the size difference between the largest and smallest chainrings, and the size difference between the largest and smallest sprockets on the cogset added together. A larger sum requires a longer cage length.

Manufacturer stated derailleur capacities are as follows: Shimano long = 45T; medium = 33T SRAM long = 43T; medium = 37T; short = 30T

Before going grip shift, I'd give the attacks a go, you can get a pair for 40 quid and they will work with your existing shimano set up. Attacks are push/push giving you more flexibility in mounting and they are much more logical. finger for brakes, thumbs for gears.

Pufftmw

Chainrings:
44/32/22 Tooth chainrings

Cassette:
Shimano CS-HG50-9. 11-32 Tooth range

Which makes 43T?

However, from what I can work out, a medium cage SRAM would be OK as long as I didn't go across the range ie Biggest Front - Biggest Rear? I don't do that anyway as a rule.


I do love finding out new things that I previously didn't have a clue about! Thank you!

diy

Depends on the type of riding you do.. If you are looking to switch cassette too and do a lot of climbing (like me) I'd look for a 34-11, which means a long cage would be better.

Obviously a medium cage will run smoother in theory. IMO I think a good chain, cassette and sprocket are more important than top end mechs. I find my deore rear and SLX front perfectly fine.

Pufftmw

Being the thing with shiny stuff, have got all the bits and pieces, just going to fit them all now. eBay is once again your friend for spanking bits at good prices due to poor adverts

SRAM X0 Shifters and X0 Med Cage Rear

Already fitted the shifter for the front and that works a peach, do the rear this weekend, then see if I can go and give it a test run

Looks tidier too



Will have an SLX Shadow Rear Mech (Long) going if anyone is interested?

diy

price?

Pufftmw

Awesome

Got it all fitted and went out on Saturday for a long blast round Thetford Forest and I just loved the shift action - just a quick twist up (or down) to change and it was there. Smooth too. Too me, its just much more intuitive and easier to do.

Changed gear a lot more than I normally do, but that was partly for the joy of changing

I'm happy, so can't wait to get out again

8)