[gmac]

I run Shimano w/ attack grips now.

But, my hole is old and beatup (drivetrain that is). So, I'm going to full SRAM for the gripsh*t and the 1:1 idea. So, how about it which level or mix and why ?

What I want :

1) reliable
2) reliable
3) reliable and close to XT weight if possible

This SRAM kit will have quite a bit to live up to. I've had two shimano XT rear der. in 8 yrs. They have never shifted like I would like. But, they have got i done everytime.

Hope I'm not making a mistake w/ the X.?

 

[Jesus]

Go with Sram X-9. That's what I run, and I have been very happy with it. Much better than XTR IMHO.

 

[Bulldog]

I've had two shimano rear der, in 8 yrs. They have never shifted like I would like.

Hope I'm not making a mistake w/ the X.?

How can you go wrong? X.7 works great for me. Anything more is for chi-chi factor and a few grams in weight savings.

 

[Acadian]

don't quote me on this one - I recall reading somewhere that if you compare XT drivetrain vs SRAM (probably with triggers tho) drivetrain - SRAM is lighter.

I've uses both X7 and X9 trigger, both X0 and X9 derailleurs and they all rock. Like Jesus said, much better drivetrain than XTR in my opinion.

 

[CBJ]

I have also mini tested the trigger shifters and i like for DH that you can shift with the thump as it with my brake lever placement is very difficult to down shiftk with Shimano rapid fire.

 

[gmac]

OK. The search is on X.7 or X.9 may the best discount win !

How does the SRAM trigger differ fromt eh Shimano trigger ? Or does it ?

 

[dropmachine]

It differs in actuation. its supposed to be an all thumbs affair, but i have used mine with my index fingers as well.

SRAM rules.

 

[Acadian]

If I had four hands I woudl give SRAM 4 thumbs up!!!

 

[buildyourown]

I have never used a setup that shifted as crisply or intuitively as my x9. However, after a full season, I find that it may be a bit less durable than Shimano. Though, at $27 for a new x7 trigger, I can afford 2 a season. Basically, the downshift paddle is too large and bends when you crash. Go with the SRAM. You will be pleasantly surprised by the performance.

 

[gmac]

X.7 who has it cheap ? ( no LBS )

 

[buildyourown]

right shifter only from go-ride
x7 $27
x9 $42

Even with a prodeal from a shop, it's cheaper buying just one shifter from go-ride.

 

[gmac]

Errrr $53 for a pair of X.9 via GRide

Not bad.

 

[Tame Ape]

What exactly is the diff though between the X7 and X9 models? Lighter matierials?

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

I have the x.9 love the way they shift but sram needs to come out with a jewelry shifter just like the x.0 derailure, something doesnt match up right with them....

 

[Echo]

I have the x.9 love the way they shift but sram needs to come out with a jewelry shifter just like the x.0 derailure, something doesnt match up right with them....

Word, that would cost me...

 

[SeeSpotRun]

What exactly is the diff though between the X7 and X9 models? Lighter matierials?

The difference is in the internals. The X.9 has metal gearing and the X.7 has plastic (I believe). If you want durability, spend a few extra $$ and go with the X.9.

I'm running the X.9 RD with the X.9 triggers and they are perfect. I have not had a mis-shift ever, as in, ever. I bought a demo bike, so I have no idea how the bike was treated prior to me, but I do know that it was ridden alot. The X.9 combo still works great.

When SRAM finally comes out with their FD, my XTR FD will go bye bye.

 

[Acadian]

When SRAM finally comes out with their FD, my XTR FD will go bye bye.

ya can't wait to get my hands on that babie..

 

[profro]

front derailleur? what is that?

 

[Acadian]

front derailleur? what is that?

some of us still like to ride trails I rode all last year sans front gears...fun, but its always fun to have the option you know!

 

[Transcend]

ya can't wait to get my hands on that babie..

It's out! A Jamis at my buddies shop has a SRAM FD on it..i was mesmerized.

 

[Acadian]

It's out! A Jamis at my buddies shop has a SRAM FD on it..i was mesmerized.

is it really??

top swing/Bottom Pull?

 

[Transcend]

is it really??

It wasn't anythign high end like an xt or xtr, but it was definetly a low level, frotn derrailleur. All black, with SRAM in re on the top of the derrailleur pivotey piece.

ninja edit on acadians part!

I believe it was bottom pull yes, but i don't remember. I need to drop by there monday to grab some hockey tape, so I will let ya know.

 

[buildyourown]

I don't know what the diff is between the x7 and x9 shifter. For the price, I'm tempted. On a DH bike, I really doubt that you are going to wear out the internals before you crash and bend the paddle.

I know sram made a f der a few years back. It was both top and bottom pull. Kinda chinsy and a lot of plastic though.

 

[dfinn]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42329&item=3694791756&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[Matt D]

I have never used a setup that shifted as crisply or intuitively as my x9. However, after a full season, I find that it may be a bit less durable than Shimano. Though, at $27 for a new x7 trigger, I can afford 2 a season. Basically, the downshift paddle is too large and bends when you crash. Go with the SRAM. You will be pleasantly surprised by the performance.

LESS durable than shimano? Whoa, I would totally disagree, but that's my opinion from my experience.

Edit: I see the difference is the metal gearing in the 9s. I haven't had any reliability issues at all with my 7s this year on either bike.

 

[Bulldog]

It wasn't anythign high end like an xt or xtr, but it was definetly a low level, frotn derrailleur. All black, with SRAM in re on the top of the derrailleur pivotey piece.

Yeah, we've got some of those on Trek comfort and hybrid bikes. Definately not the high-end one that everyone is waiting for.

 

[Transcend]

Yeah, we've got some of those on Trek comfort and hybrid bikes. Definately not the high-end one that everyone is waiting for.

Yep that is the one, on lower end jamis'. The higher end ones are due pre-interbike I was told.

 

[Bulldog]

Yep that is the one, on lower end jamis'. The higher end ones are due pre-interbike I was told.

Yeah it's sad that even TrekBikes can't get a hold of Shimano stuff. The bike with that Sram ft der is 0% Shimano. Hell we ran into a chain shortage a month back at the shop. Freakin chains! What the hell are they making in Japan right now anyways! Screw meeting demand, let's make more new prototypes and show pieces! Cripes.

 

[Transcend]

Production had problems due to lack of material around xmas, and they just haven't been able to catch up yet unfortunately. Lots of stuff that was supposed to be shimano is now sram/truvativ. Kinda cool if you ask me.

 

[sirbikealot]

i've had suome terrible luck this year with x-9 derailleurs, 5 to date, luckily the SRAM tech suppport at the races has been fantastic and they have stuck behind their stuff the whole way, they claim to have had a problem with the casting on a run or two, mine with snappin at the crossbrace bridge and pulling the cage out of the derailleur body, they even set me up with some new 2005 x-9 shifters to test out

that said this shifter/der combo is by far the best out there for DH, you can shift at any time under any load and NEVER worry about it misshifting or breaking a chain

so i'd say go x-9 but if you have the mulla go X0 that stuff is the bomb

 

[FarkinRyan]

Yeah, we must have gotten one of those fault batches here in Australia, people I know have been going through SRAM derailleurs like it's going out of fashion down here (try 4 or 5 a season). Lots of them go seem to let go through the crossbrace as sirbikealot said, but several I've seen have had the B-tension assembly self destruct on them.

My first X9 derailleur lasted me less than one hour, that is, commuting back home from the bike shop, the little plastic sleeve that the B-tension screw fits in broke, losing the tension screw. On the warranty replacement I received I took the plastic sleeve out, tapped a thread in the derailleur and put a big fark-off 5mm high-tensile bolt in there, no problems in 6 months now and it looks factory as

I also had the plastic gearing on an X7 shifter clap out after 7-8 months, no biggy though as these babies are so cheap as to be disposable down here.

Overall I think it's worth it, my durability problems haven't been particularly bad, but some people's have been absolutely shocking...it's worth it for the shifting though, a full X9 setup dominates any XTR I've ever ridden in terms of shifting feel, shifting precision and ease of maintenance and adjustment.

 

[Bulldog]

Lots of stuff that was supposed to be shimano is now sram/truvativ. Kinda cool if you ask me.

Now that I totally agree with!

 

[Sir_Crackien]

any of the x series are great. the x.7 and x.9 are very simular. only a couple parts are changed inbetween the systems. both are lighter than your current xt setup too

 

[thaflyinfatman]

Well, I've seen a number of X.7/X.9 shifters crap the bed for no good reason at all (including mine), they have a little tab in the downshift paddle that loves to snap off under normal use (I was literally JRA when mine decided it would be hilarious to stop working). The x.9 derailleur is the weakest POS I've ever had the joy of owning - I busted 2 in 3 rides. That said, it's incredibly easy to adjust, and shifts far far nicer than Shimano stuff IMO. Went to an X.7 (like a few of my mates have) and strangely it's lasted more than 6 months (really, wtf is up when the lower one lasts that much longer?), shifts much the same, and I don't really care about the weight difference (if there is one). I've heard the new X.9 derailleurs coming out are supposed to be heaps stronger, so I'll give one of those a go if I kill the X7. If that dies easily, I'm giving up Sram for good - their stuff just doesn't last.