Saw the inexpensive alternative and pricing seems reasonable. Anyone running this? Need a new drivetrain to build up my new Legend frame and planning on running either Saint 10sp stuff or possibly the Sram 7sp stuff.
Anyone running Sram GX 7 speed stuff for DH?
- Thread starter kazlx
- Start date
I just mounted the derailleur, shifter and cassette 2 weeks ago on my NS Fuzz. Got 2 good days of DH on it. Shifts great, quiet, cheap. For me, it was well worth the money.
Good to know. The cassette is only $30 on Jensen. Whole setup is pretty reasonable. My only hangup is possibly having problems getting parts on trips if something breaks.
Saint stuff is quite tuff, you know. In my view, may be tuffer thanSram. I'd go 7-speed Sram only if it was the 7-speed XO1 DH. Otherwise, Saint ftw! 
If you chose the Shimano route, we put Saint with Zee cranks and RD on my wife's Fury for pretty good prices from http://www.bike-discount.de/
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My saint derailleur, which theoretically should be their top line stuff has all kinds of pivot play in it. Clutch on or not the back of my bike sounds like a coffee can rolling down a hill full of washers.Saint stuff is quite tuff, you know. In my view, may be tuffer thanSram. I'd go 7-speed Sram only if it was the 7-speed XO1 DH. Otherwise, Saint ftw!
Nothing sram I've owned over the last 4 years (GX to X01) does that. Just gotta keep tightening it in the dropout.
The only think I don't like about that GX cassette is that it's the pinned really heavy version of their cassettes. You could neuter a 10sp to work though I think.
The X01 cassette is really the only overly expensive part imo. The GX is super cheap but the X01 is like $250. The shifter and derailleur are around $100 each. I usually get pretty good life out of mine, so wouldn't bother me to spend that. The saint stuff isn't that much cheaper. X01 cassette does require xD driver though.
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For sure, it's a solid setup for the price. I just don't really see the appeal over a 10sp X0 or X9 setup. I guess if you have to buy all new stuff anyway, it is probably the better option.
If you can afford to stretch the budget, it's worth getting the X01 shifter (assuming they're compatible) as it improves the shift quality/ease noticeably - the shifter is the heart of any drivetrain. Alternatively, it's a nice part to upgrade down the track.
The rest of the X01 parts are mostly just about saving weight (and small improvements in durability), but performance won't change much. You can check the weight savings on the website usually.
If I had to choose, I'd take an X01-shifter'd GX drivetrain over Saint any day.
The rest of the X01 parts are mostly just about saving weight (and small improvements in durability), but performance won't change much. You can check the weight savings on the website usually.
If I had to choose, I'd take an X01-shifter'd GX drivetrain over Saint any day.
Yea I'd def just buy the shifter and derailleur. Might just end up springing for the cassette. Splurge a little on components since I scored a deal on a frame. The one thing I'm curious on, is it seems to take an 11 speed chain based off part numbers?
Yes, 11spd chain.
Sunrace makes great cassettes
I'll have to check and see what I have on my DH bike now, but I switched over from Zee to sram something or other's this year. I believe it's GX or X0, can't recall, I do know it's 10 speed and not 7 speed though....I'm running the GX 11 speed on my trail bike. So far I am very happy with both set ups, shift quality is better, I'm no longer breaking cables all weekend long, derailuers seem to be developing less play, but, like kidwoo said, I do have to keep an eye on my derailuer mounting bolts as it does come loose occasionally.
I'm running the gx 11 speed stuff on my Spitfire because that's what it came with. Runs and shifts perfect.
What's the current consensus on Shimano vs SRAM for a 7 speed (10 speed cassette pulled apart) dh bike? My drivetrain is going to need an upgrade soon.
Currently running a good condition X9 shifter and a semi battered non clutched X9 derailleur. Options I see are:
1. Cheapish clutched 10 speed SRAM derailleur
2. One of those fancy X01DH 10 speed derailleurs (Not the proper 7 speed derailleur- that has 11 speed spacing)
3. Switch to full Saint
On a related note...would others concur that an X0/X01 shifter worth the expense over my current X9?
TIA!
Currently running a good condition X9 shifter and a semi battered non clutched X9 derailleur. Options I see are:
1. Cheapish clutched 10 speed SRAM derailleur
2. One of those fancy X01DH 10 speed derailleurs (Not the proper 7 speed derailleur- that has 11 speed spacing)
3. Switch to full Saint
On a related note...would others concur that an X0/X01 shifter worth the expense over my current X9?
TIA!
I know there's much debate over how it affects the suspension, but the quietude of adding a clutch is worth it IMO unless your only concern is the 0.28 seconds you could lose over the course due to your clutch being on. Fuck, run a shimano and leave it off for your race run and on for the rest of the day. I was shocked at the difference on my fury
I am not concerned about finding seconds but the funky feeling I get in the pedals when combining clutch, VPP and small cogs on the cassette. Not nice with flats, OK with clips.
Y U no Box? I have it still sitting in boxes, waiting for the DH season to start.
I'm using a low end gx 7 on mah bike. It's fine.
as in Box components?
If yours is still boxed, send it back, it's shit.
Thank me later.
a 10 speed 105 cassette (split and spaced), SRAM chain and Zee mech/shifter is the smart poverty spec 7 speed DH drivetrain.
Theres an x01 10-24 on ebay right now....
Sram XG-795 7-Speed Cassette X01 DH 10-24t Downhill XD Driver NEW | eBay
Find great deals for Sram XG-795 7-Speed Cassette X01 DH 10-24t Downhill XD Driver NEW. Shop with confidence on eBay!
www.ebay.com
I put 7 speed GX on my DH bike for this season. Maybe I'll get to ride it next year...
SRAM PG-970DH cassette. Best bang for the buck, light and still findable on eBay.
Hmmm... Except
it costs a lot more than a 10 speed 105 cassette. (and 9 speed shimano road cassettes are even cheaper)
it's quite a bit heavier than a 105 with 2 sprockets removed
isn't as durable as a 105
being 9 speed isn't clutch mech compatible (without modification/bodging)
Decent 9 speed shifters/mechs are now harder to source
Zee clutch can be turned off if you're a purist, Gwin/Mulally fan or just love the sound of chainslap
but apart from all those things, Yes finding a cheap deal on one on Ebay might be the best bang for buck for an old 9 speed SRAM DH cassette
My bad, I completely forgot they were 9 speed. Thanks for correcting me. You are right, it's almost impossible to beat Shimano road cassettes on price/weight/availability.Hmmm... Except
it costs a lot more than a 10 speed 105 cassette. (and 9 speed shimano road cassettes are even cheaper)
it's quite a bit heavier than a 105 with 2 sprockets removed
isn't as durable as a 105
being 9 speed isn't clutch mech compatible (without modification/bodging)
Decent 9 speed shifters/mechs are now harder to source
Zee clutch can be turned off if you're a purist, Gwin/Mulally fan or just love the sound of chainslap
but apart from all those things, Yes finding a cheap deal on one on Ebay might be the best bang for buck for an old 9 speed SRAM DH cassette
Band tension is adjustable on the shimano.........
With a chain guide you can turn it wayyyy down
Ever had your tire take your chain between your chainstay and tire?
My foes 2-1 equipped with a saint 9 speed would do it once in a while.
not sure what your point is.
I've had all sorts of chain jams with old shitty bikes. Now a thing of the past
My comment to irider to switch off his clutch depending on footwear choice was a joke.
To suggest the best method for a gravity bike is to run a chainguide, with lower roller for actual retention and use the clutch just to keep the chain from flailing wildly about and making a racket.
Also running a lower pulley keeps the chaingrowth down lessening the negatives of the clutch anyways
Without knowing anything about the bike or conditions it's ridden in I'm not sure there actually is a blanket "best" method of chain retention DH bike or not.
Neither of my DH bikes use a clutch mech and neither use any sort of chainguide at all. and neither have ever dropped or jammed a chain.
one is single speed, has a sprung rear tensioner and a perfectly aligned chainline and as short a chain as can be run.
the other runs a tight 12-21 5 speed (cut down and centrally spaced 9 speed) cassette with super short chain and miles better chainline than a full width cassette which means very little chain flailing can occur.
Both bikes are running 36T NW rings
One of the best things about both those set ups is how clean the drivetrain runs in properly muddy conditions. The same conditions that have caused all sorts of issues with debris fucking up, jamming and causing chain lift/deraillment using full chainguides in the past.
Neither of my DH bikes use a clutch mech and neither use any sort of chainguide at all. and neither have ever dropped or jammed a chain.
one is single speed, has a sprung rear tensioner and a perfectly aligned chainline and as short a chain as can be run.
the other runs a tight 12-21 5 speed (cut down and centrally spaced 9 speed) cassette with super short chain and miles better chainline than a full width cassette which means very little chain flailing can occur.
Both bikes are running 36T NW rings
One of the best things about both those set ups is how clean the drivetrain runs in properly muddy conditions. The same conditions that have caused all sorts of issues with debris fucking up, jamming and causing chain lift/deraillment using full chainguides in the past.
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Running now a Zee mech with a Saint shifter on my park-bike and find it quite noisy. Not sure if most of the noise comes from the derailleur, the shifter or both...? I have no issue with shifting or with the chain not staying where it should. It's just the noise.
Any advice for improvement?
The cassette is an XT without the 3 largest sprockets and there is no iscg tabs on the frame (scoth ransom). Front ring is 34t. The chain could probably be made a little shorter
Any advice for improvement?
The cassette is an XT without the 3 largest sprockets and there is no iscg tabs on the frame (scoth ransom). Front ring is 34t. The chain could probably be made a little shorter
can you describe the noise? I'm finding it hard to picture how a shifter could be noisy?
wouldn't the usual culprits be the chain running over the jockey wheels/cassette cogs/chain ring? unless you mean there's a rattle, which could be the derailleur pivots being sloppy?
wouldn't the usual culprits be the chain running over the jockey wheels/cassette cogs/chain ring? unless you mean there's a rattle, which could be the derailleur pivots being sloppy?
@slyfink
Both derailleur and shifter are new. The noise is some kind of rattle.
The index trigger is a bit sloppy and could maybe rattle? The screw to lengthen/shorten the cable is also sloppy. Same as on an older Saint shifter on another bike...
@canadmos
There is tension on the smallest gear and b knuckle is free to move
Both derailleur and shifter are new. The noise is some kind of rattle.
The index trigger is a bit sloppy and could maybe rattle? The screw to lengthen/shorten the cable is also sloppy. Same as on an older Saint shifter on another bike...
@canadmos
There is tension on the smallest gear and b knuckle is free to move