[Streamline]

I am in the middle of a build and am trying to gather the final pieces. I was wondering if you guys could give some advice on a cassette and chain. I have 9 speed Sram X.9 trigger shifters, Sram X.9 X-Gen front derailleur, and a X.9 rear derailleur. All 2006 models. I would prefer not to break the bank on this one. Also what would be the best chain or should I say bang for the buck chain. I am not a racer but love to tear up the trails.

Thanks!!

 

[DownCycles_Stef]

Honestly the shifters/derailleurs really only matter with each other. In other words, you should use SRAM shifters with SRAM derailleurs. When it comes to the cassette/chainrings/chain they should be the same family as well. In "theory" you should use all the same companies stuff since it was made for each other, but as long as you use chain/chainring/cassette combo's made for each other, shifts should be damn good.

If you want to stay affordable, go LX or SRAM 950/970 stuff. You also didn't mention what rings you are running. If it's TruVativ rings, stick with SRAM, if it's FSA or RaceFace you can go either way, Shimano rings...go with Shimano chain/cassette.

-Stef

P.S. check out the last issue of BIKE for a great article on shifting components.

 

[$tinkle]

i've had 0 problems w/ my sram powerlink chain on shimano drivetrain (M760 cassette & hollowtech II cranks). i chose the sram b/c of easy install (powerlink is very sweet) & i saved $10 over the competition.

 

[jhhubb]

I run LX cassette with SRAM chain. It shifts good (SRAM X9 shifter and der.) but when the cassette wears out I will replace with what ever cost effective cassette I can find. I've found very little difference between SRAM and shimano cassettes as long as they are on the same level.

By the way I use shimano cranks.

 

[ridefast]

ive always been a fan of, and recommended to customers to stick with the same company throughout the drivetrain when possible.

the 971/991 SRAM chains and the 970 cassette will give you great performance, without killing the checkbook. also, they are fairly lightweight and will complement the shifters and derailleur. i have been running this set up on my trailbike for about 8 months now and have had zero complaints/issues

again, as has already been mentioned, we dont know what crank you are running so there may be some issue there if you happen to be using a shimano, or shimano based crank