[SourMonkey1]

My last ride had XTR pods & derailleurs, which worked fine, and I had the SRAM 9.0sl halfpipe set-up prior to that ... which also has it's advantages. I ride XC mostly, so use both shifters.
I am building another FSR up, and am wondering if anyone has tried the new SRAM trigger shifter/derailleur combo?
The '05 stuff is out there, and if anyone has had a chance to try that I would like to hear about that too.
Last, seems lots of people go with an LX shifter/XTR deraulleir combo. It would obviously save a heap of cash - with quality cables, is it "getting the most" out of the derailleurs?
Lots of questions here, but any info would be appreciated. Happy Holidays to all here at RM!

Sourmonkey1 (formerly HowlerMonkey who lost his new password, had to start over and shamefully has lost all status).

 

[EBasil]

I haven't tried the '05 SRAM shifters, but I switched from XTR RF+ to SRAM X.9 trigger shifters and an XO rear derailleur last year. The SRAM units shift very nicely, very crisp and fast, and only took a few minutes for me to get used to the new trigger position. Now, I shift the "trigger" with either my thumb or index finger, depending on where my hands are on the bars.

I am a fan of XTR, and did not expect the XO to be "better", but it is. It's even more resistant to jouncing on the trail and is very easy to setup.

The '05 X.9 shifter is altered to resolve a lawsuit SRAM lost in Germany: the trigger is changed so you can't reach it with your index finger. Personally, I suggest you score the '04 stuff.

 

[Lumberjack]

The new Sram triggers rock. If you liked the XTR set up go ahead and try the X-9 trigger/derail combo. If Santa was really nice to you get the X-0 r derail. Smooth.

 

[Repack]

I like to go nicer on the shifter than the derrailleur. Personally, I think it is supid to spend money on XTR derrailleurs, unless you are desperate to cut grams from you bike. I do not care what MBA says about what you should ride, but remember that a derr spends 99% of its life doing nothing beyond keeping the chain tight.
That being said, I like the SRAM 9.0 stuff. I was once a gear whore, but am now much more interested in specing my bikes with parts that will work well and last. XO is very nice, but 9.0 is a better investment IMHO. It will free up money to spend on other parts for your bike.

Just my .02.