Sram X9 vs.Shimano XT

[ts8169]

What do you guys think. I'm looking to put a new drivetrain on my XC Hard Tail and was debating between Sram X9 and Shimano XT. I have no experience with Sram but they appear to be solid. Thanks

[Jisch]

Both are solid choices. Personally I like SRAM better, just because of the lack of the "Shimano loop" on the rear derailler, I think that loop means you have to change your cables more often.

That said, keep in mind that your levers need to match your deraillers - you can't mix Shimano derraillers with SRAM triggers or vice versa. Not sure if you were considering a COMPLETE swap like that.

John

[agabriel]

The newer XT shadow stuff is really good and - no loop. Also you can modify the rear shifter to have the same functional spec as XTR. I think XT is good stuff.

[ts8169]

Thanks a lot guys. I'm looking to do a complete overhaul once my cogs reach the end of their usable life, including shifters. Right now I have a mixed bag of stuff which is getting up there in age/mileage. I've found complete X9 and XT build kits priced at $350 & $510 respectively. Including derailleurs, shifters, crank/BB, cassette & chain. Seems like fair prices for a complete drivetrain upgrade. I've had great luck w/ XT, but SRAM seems to have solid products for less $$$. Their online manuals look descent & are easily accessable too. Basically, I've been hesitant to get anything other than Shimano since I was burnt by Suntour in the 90's, but compatability between these 2 companies is far better I think.

[Slappy]

Another loop-eliminating option is an Avid Rollamajig.
I use them with all my Shimano derailleurs.

[digger]

Sram x-9 is good stuff. If you are looking at Pricepoint packages, you might consider a la carte. The 990 cassette 2009 to me is preferable over 970. Skip the front derailleur, the one you have is probably ok or just get an XT. Stylo crank is decent enough, not the equivalent of the XT, but it's about half the price. Keep the crank bolt tight. If it loosens, you may damage the crank arm.

No matter which way you go, there is almost nothing finer than a fresh drivetrain to improve your ride.

[bcarm]

No matter which way you go, there is almost nothing finer than a fresh drivetrain to improve your ride.

So true. I have X9 on my main ride and I love it. Clean crisp shifting and no problems up to this point. Took a little getting used to using thumb only for shifting vs the index finger thumb shifting of my old Shimano gear. I haven't used any Shimano XT recently though so I cannot give a good comparison other than I am satisfied with my X9.

[Gimpy00Wang]

Throwing out another option...I like to mix 'n match. I'm currently working on a build that will consist of X.9 shifters/derailleurs, XT cassette, and XT crank. I have full XT on another bike. The shadow XT rear derailleur is nice since it doesn't require the silly 'ol loop.

You can't go wrong with either though. Both quality kits. I've used both many times over the years.

- Chris

[DAVID J]

I'd xt the cassette and front derailiur and sram the rest.Go for the grip shift with the non-indexed front for complete shifting bliss.

[1adam12]

+1 SRAM X9. I've been running Shimano-free for the last 5 years with very pleasing results. Shifting is always crisp (I use the shorty grip shifts). I replace the whole drivetrain every 2-3 seasons based on wear.

[woodsguy]

I prefer Sram all around. Especially the cassette. I tried an XT cassette and hated how it shifted and sounded. Landry's took it back and I went back to Sram. But for some reason the TruVative middle ring would skip so I switched it with an XT and it works perfect.

[bikerdom]

4 of my bikes have SRAM and 2 have Shimano. These days both systems are fantastic.

[steveeldr]

I used to run strictly shimano until about a 1.5 years ago. Switched to SRAM after I ate 3 shimano derailleurs in one season, not shimano's fault, picked up sticks bashed against rocks etc. but it was getting expensive. Switched to SRAM X9 and love the thumb shifters, one finger on brakes at all times. Really impressed at the shifting even when frozen or gummed up with mud,grass, sticks etc..

I didn't replace my front XT derailleur and it works fine with SRAM shifter.

[heckler19]

If you go with SRAM, don't overlook the Grip Shift option. A lot of people had bad experiences with the older grip shifters that used the 2:1 ratio (i.e., were compatible with Shimano rear derailleurs), but the newer 1:1 grip shifters work great. They allow multiple up and down shifts at the same time on the rear and trim positions for the front. I find them more intuitive than the SRAM thumb shifters. Try some if you have a chance.

[bikerdom]

I like them all. Even the new generation Shimano dual control. SRAM twisters do rule. They're the lightest, fastest shifting. Twisters and dual control are the only shifters I can use when I get thumb injuries. I'm such a wimp.

[thomllama]

I find the Sram much better per $$$ but both are good. about the only other thing Is that which ever you go with make sure the cassette and chain match brands... some reason Sram chains don't like shimano cassette and the other way around... seem, heard lots of people say they have issues with a cassette or chain, switch back to both the same and it all works again. Something to do with the actual shape of the chain links and the way the ramps on the cassette are designed I think...? :confused:

I prefer Sram derailleurs and shifters, seem more solid and true. Like how you use only your thumb to shift as stated above, you never have to take your fingers off the brake!! safety first ;) Easier to adjust also.

I have to disagree with above statement that the XT cranks is better than the Stylos. think they are both good, but I find the Sram/truvativ BB smoother by far than the XT, weight is less, and they are stronger. The bolt coming loose if not installed correctly is an issue with the fireX's and stylos but get yourself a torque wrench and install to proper spec's and then it's fine. I've cracked both XT and XTR cranks, smashed,crashed and beat the stylos and they are still fine.


in all reality both systems are good, it's kinda a knit pick between the two, I find Sram a bit of a $$$ saver....

[agabriel]

I've always had really good luck running an SRAM chain with an XT cassette...

[CHSAD]

It is pretty cool that there is a US company that makes high quality drivetrain stuff. I do tend to go towards Shimano. I like the trigger better then the thumb of the SRAM. That said both are excellent. +1 on matching the cassette to the chain. It will be interesting to see the new XTR now that SRAM has launched their XX.

[TheRabid]

I have a 2010 Rumblefish 1 that comes with the new SLX setup has anyone got any info on this setup and was wondering if I should instantly change them to an XTR or SRAM? Im lost. This is my first MTN bike and Im a big guy 6'7" 285lbs will my weight have a factor on shifting any info will be great thx!!!!

[thomllama]

I have a 2010 Rumblefish 1 that comes with the new SLX setup has anyone got any info on this setup and was wondering if I should instantly change them to an XTR or SRAM? Im lost. This is my first MTN bike and Im a big guy 6'7" 285lbs will my weight have a factor on shifting any info will be great thx!!!!

beat the snot out of it till it breaks!!! :fat:

actually the SLX stuff is supposed to be more for the "rugged" riding if I remember correctly, so you should be better off with it. It's just a tad of weight you'll lose by upgrading, the actual function really wont improve much. Just ride it till it dies, then upgrade if you feel.

[TheRabid]

Thanks I dont think the added weight willbe an issue with my buitt on it lol! Thx Ill let ya know how it is!