Mountain Biking - Shimano to SRAM

the working gear (cassette+chain) on my blur after 6 months is starting to look a little tired. rather than replace just the shimano XT chain and cassette i'm considering moving to sram. cables are replaced every month or two. hubs are onyx, truvativ cranks, xt derailleur and shifters. what components do i have to change to go to sram. i'm not adverse to using XT it's just i've ridden shimano for 2 years now and looking to test the competition. help appreciated.

rear derailleur and shifters. i reccommend X9 for a fair comparison.

rear derailleur and shifters. i reccommend X9 for a fair comparison.
ur saying i should replace cassette, chain, shifters and derailleur with x9?

No, just the rear derailleur and shifters with X.9.

get some hope hubs, rhyno lite rims, sram x9 or higher shifting and der, king headset, hope ti bb, some race face cranks, tompson stem and post, avid or hope levers, hope or avid disk brakes, a good seat, some nice bars, and fancy fork... etc...

and make sure you have a shop set up that sram front der. it's a *****.

an fsa megaexo system bb and cranks might be good too.

and use a sram casette

Mate, get the SRAM X9, you'll never look back. You need the levers and a rear derailleur. You'll want to replace the chain and cassette too, if they're that worn. You won't be disappointed.

One place you do not want to use SRAM is the front derailleur. That is, unless SRAM has already done the "update" to it, which allows it to be used with full suspension bikes. The SRAM was not working well with full susp., something about the width or something-remember reading and hearing about it. The newest SRAM front der. are supposed to have been modified to solve that problem, but you may want to stay with Shimano for the front der.

Instead of simply replacing the chain & cassette, you will cough up 100's of dollars for a new rear derailer and shifters in addition to your chain & cassette just to "try" it? Maybe I can save you some time / money, I've know people that have done this, they hated it or broke it and have returned to Shimano.

Hands down, Shimano makes the best / toughest mountain bike group out there. Oh well, its your money and its your bike so its your choice. Cheers!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=154714

T.J.

and make sure you have a shop set up that sram front der. it's a *****.
I actually found my SRAM X-Gen front derailleur extremely easy to setup. At least, compared to other front derailleurs I've had to tweak before. That said, my front derailleur is staying on my curren bike, I'll buy another one for my next frame rather than needlessly do it again :).


One place you do not want to use SRAM is the front derailleur. That is, unless SRAM has already done the "update" to it, which allows it to be used with full suspension bikes. The SRAM was not working well with full susp., something about the width or something-remember reading and hearing about it. The newest SRAM front der. are supposed to have been modified to solve that problem, but you may want to stay with Shimano for the front der.
The SRAM X-Gen front derailleur doesn't work well on some frames because its clamp is above the derailleur mechanism (pretty high up the seat tube). Shimano front derailleurs clamp much lower, making them an easier fit on frames with interrupted or otherwise oddly shaped seat tubes. It's easy and not uncommon to use SRAM shifters with a Shimano front derailleur, it works fine.


Instead of simply replacing the chain & cassette, you will cough up 100's of dollars for a new rear derailer and shifters in addition to your chain & cassette just to "try" it? Maybe I can save you some time / money, I've know people that have done this, they hated it or broke it and have returned to Shimano.
I built my current bike with no Shimano components on purpose mostly just to "'try' it" :). I've been very happy so far. Still saving up for my dream frame, but that's another matter. But, let's not get into this whole thing: it's personal experience and opinion and it's your money, you can only decide for yourself.

We've got SRAM X9 on our tandem, with an XTR front derailleur. Flawless shifting, even with a super long cable.

the working gear (cassette+chain) on my blur after 6 months is starting to look a little tired. rather than replace just the shimano XT chain and cassette i'm considering moving to sram. cables are replaced every month or two. hubs are onyx, truvativ cranks, xt derailleur and shifters. what components do i have to change to go to sram. i'm not adverse to using XT it's just i've ridden shimano for 2 years now and looking to test the competition. help appreciated.


Hmmm, seems like an unnecessary upgrade to me...

You're going to replace your componentry after 6 months/1 chain replacement of riding?

Seems wasteful :(

You shouldn't even have to replace your cassette after 6 months of riding should you?

It's only money.

and use a sram casette


i disagree with that. i've seen them actually break teeth. that said, i haven't had any problems so far with mine. but my next cassette will probably be an XT. as for chains, i like my KMC X-9 chain, strong and smooth.

thank you all for your feedback

I ride X9 rear derailler and XO shifters. So much better than Shimano! I run a SRAM cassette too, and a SRAM chain. It all works together VERY well, and I've run 4 SRAM cassettes now with no broken teeth or anything as suggested above. I say run it.

I love sram cassettes! They work really well:)

I think they're a better value than Shimano cassettes. Look at what a top of the line SRAM cassette will run you versus a Shimano XTR :rolleyes:

XTR has titanium cogs at the big end...

XTR has titanium cogs at the big end...
Which the average jabrone totally needs to fart around with his buddies

Which the average jabrone totally needs to fart around with his buddies

Why bring the word "Need" into the discussion? I don't need any of the bikes or gear I have.

There are two key equations: want>afford and want=afford

It's all about priorities, and which category you fall into.

I would look into the Sram x7, its a better deal in my opinion. I am pretty certain the difference between the 9 and 7 is marginal, and from pricepoint you can get a derailleur+shifter combo for a 90 i think

Why bring the word "Need" into the discussion? I don't need any of the bikes or gear I have.

There are two key equations: want>afford and want=afford

It's all about priorities, and which category you fall into.
Extra beer money is always a good thing.

Extra beer money is always a good thing.

And you'll have extra beer money through the savings you get when you don't have to replace your casette as frequently...

That's been my experience with XTR casettes over the years.

And you'll have extra beer money through the savings you get when you don't have to replace your casette as frequently...

That's been my experience with XTR casettes over the years.
Let's see now $160 for an XTR cassette that might last perhaps twice as long as a $35 SRAM? Yeah that's GREAT value.

Let's see now $160 for an XTR cassette that might last perhaps twice as long as a $35 SRAM? Yeah that's GREAT value.


Ouch, the way I see it 160 > 35*2. I don't know about you guys but for me there'd be no way in hell I'd pay that much just for a cassette which wears away and needs replacing.

Ouch, the way I see it 160 > 35*2. I don't know about you guys but for me there'd be no way in hell I'd pay that much just for a cassette which wears away and needs replacing.
There are people who pay more.

Let's see now $160 for an XTR cassette that might last perhaps twice as long as a $35 SRAM? Yeah that's GREAT value.



Oh. I got my XTR stuff for free.

We're on top of that other issue right now.

Oh. I got my XTR stuff for free. Now that is good value


We're on top of that other issue right now.
Good to know. More extreme measures have proven themselves to be needed

There are people who pay more.
That's very true, there's always someone willing to pay more than you. :D

You need to compare apples and oranges.

Top of th eline SRAM to XTR casettes. The ti cogs don't wear as quickly, in my experience.

side note--- I'm just a fool with too much time on my hands, and rather annoying at that.
Fine. Sram PG-990 is $60 the XTR is $160 Your arguement is STILL busted.

I don't think Titanium is a very hard metal, either. So if anything it would wear more quickly.

Cassette reviews at MTBR

12 for SRAM PG-990 = 3.08 / 5
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Cassette/product_124169.shtml

135 for XT = 3.99 / 5
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Cassette/product_20584.shtml

107 for XTR = 3.79 /5
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Cassette/product_20585.shtml


Price Point Cassette Pricing
http://www.pricepoint.com/thumb.htm?dept_id=3&deptName=Parts&sub_id=51&subName=Cassettes&category=True&sort=styleName

2005 SRAM PG-990 - $60
XT - $76
XTR - $156

JensonUSA Cassette Pricing
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/128-Cassettes.asp

2006 SRAM PG-990 - $79
2005 SRAM PG-990 - $60
XT - $76
XTR - $156

You can't compare XTR vs. PG-990 because XTR's 4 largest cogs are made with Titanium for the extreme wieght weenies. This is reflected in the price of XTR. The PG-990 is all steel which is more comparable with the all steel XT cassette.

I'll take a XT over PG-990 & XTR any day.

T.J.

I don't think Titanium is a very hard metal, either. So if anything it would wear more quickly.

Not by a long shot. Call your LBS and ask if they can face the headtube and BB on a titanium frame. And can they chase the BB. It's very hard, and not friendly to tool steel. We used it for disc brake rotors, and the pads lasted about 200km. It wears very well.

SRAM 990 - 280 grams - 70 bucks

Shimano XTR - 240 grams - 156 dollars



If 40 grams is worth more than twice the price to you, then the XTR is better. Otherwise, the XT and SRAM are virtually identical in terms of price and weight.

SRAM 990 - 280 grams - 70 bucks
Shimano XTR - 240 grams - 156 dollars

If 40 grams is worth more than twice the price to you, then the XTR is better. Otherwise, the XT and SRAM are virtually identical in terms of price and weight.

The SRAM & XT cassettes are comparable for price & weight but, according to the reviews on MTBR, you are more likey to bend the cogs on the SRAM.

The SRAM & XT cassettes are comparable for price & weight but, according to the reviews on MTBR, you are more likey to bend the cogs on the SRAM.


You put a little too much weight on what a bunch of random people on the internet think about various components. I've run lots of awesome stuff that everyone on MTBR said sucked. Real life experience > strangers from the internet

You put a little too much weight on what a bunch of random people on the internet think about various components.
(Insert reflective, confused pauses.) But, but we're a bunch of random people on the internet discussing various components... ;)

You put a little too much weight on what a bunch of random people on the internet think about various components. I've run lots of awesome stuff that everyone on MTBR said sucked. Real life experience > strangers from the internet

Your right, all opinions posted on the internet by 1000's of random people on thier real life experiences with various components do not count at all.
BTW, Who are you again? Another random internet voice?

T.J.

Your right, all opinions posted on the internet by 1000's of random people on thier real life experiences with various components do not count at all.
BTW, Who are you again? Another random internet voice?

T.J.


Yep, another random internet voice. The point is.. what works for you might not work for somebody else. Plus, there are reviews on components that span from 2 or 3 years ago on some components. Flaws that may have been fixed by the manufacturer are still on there. Plus, if you ask me, you're more likely to get online and bash a product than you are to sing it's praises. Some really good stuff has ****ty ratings over there. I remember when tubeless first came out people were complaining about it being hard to mount the tires.. people were giving everything tubebless bad reviews :rolleyes:

So, are you saying people tend to bash crappy products rather than praise it? http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/TequilaJoe888/Junk/pat.gif

MTBR Ratings: SRAM = 3.09, XT = 3.99, XTR = 3.79

Enough said....

T.J.

according to the reviews on MTBR, you are more likey to bend the cogs on the SRAM.
Applesauce. I've run SRAM cassettes and chains for years with no issues.

Your right, all opinions posted on the internet by 1000's of random people on thier real life experiences with various components do not count at all.

12 people do not equal "1000's".
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3250/sramreview5ch.jpg
I'd sooner take the word of someone I can interact with here than some random Jabrone on MTBR

Applesauce. I've run SRAM cassettes and chains for years with no issues. ]
Applesauce??? Thanks for sharing your experience but there are other folks that have run SRAM cassettes/chains for years and have had major issues. (Myself included) Does your positive experience with SRAM overule everyone else's?


12 people do not equal "1000's". ]
Read the post again. The reference to "1000's of random people" was in the context of real life experiences with "various components" not just SRAM cassettes.



I'd sooner take the word of someone I can interact with here than some random Jabrone on MTBR
Hmmmm.... your intereacting with me on BF..... (Cautious question coming... be careful now) are you calling the folks that post on MTBR Jabrones?

It's funny how some folks religiously defend thier bike / componet manufacturer they use just because they ARE using it. If someone is told that thier ****** is not as good as another, it's like insulting them personally. They end up getting pissed off and defensive and start calling people names.

Bike Forums are for folks to share experiences. I'm sharing mine and refered to others on another forum. Don't take things personally.

T.J.

Applesauce??? Thanks for sharing your experience but there are other folks that have run SRAM cassettes/chains for years and have had major issues. (Myself included) I doubt that. People who have "major issues" with a product more than once do not continue to use that product for "years"

Does your positive experience with SRAM overrule everyone else's?
I have a better perspective on it than many due to my profession


Read the post again. The reference to "1000's of random people" was in the context of real life experiences with "various components" not just SRAM cassettes.That's what you attacked Sparky. If there were thousands of reviews on the part I'd be swayed. 12 people isn't a representative sample of a customer base that bought thousands of the part


Hmmmm.... your interacting with me on BF..... (Cautious question coming... be careful now) are you calling the folks that post on MTBR Jabrones?MTBR allows RANDOM non members to post reviews. There's no accountability.


It's funny how some folks religiously defend their bike / component manufacturer they use just because they ARE using it. Not only do I use it, I recommend it to my customers

If someone is told that their ****** is not as good as another, it's like insulting them personally. You made a claim based on a MTBR review that "You're more likely to bend a cog with SRAM". I refuted that claim with my personal and professional experience

They end up getting pissed off and defensive and start calling people names.

Bike Forums are for folks to share experiences. I'm sharing mine and referred to others on another forum. Don't take things personally.

T.J.You're the only one taking it personally bub. Trust me you'd know if I was mad at you.

This is why bike forums are fun. Everyone has an opinion and many need to preach.

The tone of your post does sound like you are a bit miffed, not mad though. I've never been called "Sparky" before. I'm not here to piss people off, just discuss cycling. So, instead of posting again, (although tempting as hell) I can leave well enough alone except for one thing;

I was stuck using SRAM for a few years because it did not make financial sense to switch the entire 1:1 system for 2:1 at the time. I waited until I bought my latest MTB.

Cheers :beer:

T.J.

Next topic:
Martin Gelina's goal was IN the Lightning net in game six. The replay cameras were not absolute so play went on. However, after the game still camera photo's clearly showed the puck in the net. Flames won the cup in game six :D

My next upgrade will be x.9 rear and x.9 triggers. This is coming from xt rear and LX shifters. I try to keep an open mind so I wanna feel what the sram buzz is all about.

SRAM triggers are nice. (See, I'm not totally against SRAM)
However, I'm not a fan of thier grip shifters or deraileurs.
(Please don't ask why because you'll get me started again and I've already been called "Sparky" once today) :D

T.J.

I was stuck using SRAM for a few years because it did not make financial sense to switch the entire 1:1 system for 2:1 at the time. I waited until I bought my latest MTB.Nice try. You could have changed the cassette at any time for a Shimano


Next topic:
Martin Gelina's goal was IN the Lightning net in game six. The replay cameras were not absolute so play went on. However, after the game still camera photo's clearly showed the puck in the net. Flames won the cup in game six :D
More trolling?
Hmmm funny even the commentators retracted their statements after ABC did a bit of computer animation based on all the evidence provided by the exact same camera angles that the officials had.
This was also interesting:


And while disappointed, Sutter agreed that replays couldn't tell the tale on this one.

"No, I looked at it and that's got to be a conclusive play," Sutter said. "I looked at it from two different angles and unless they have a different one, you can't say that's a goal. ? You can't argue that point." (http://www.nhl.com/cupcrazy2004/serieso/game6.shtml)No you really can't. If I know anything about Coach Sutter at all he would have stuck up for his guys if the wrong call was made.
Go squeeze your sour grapes elsewhere

Give it a rest. Really.

SRAM triggers are nice. (See, I'm not totally against SRAM)
However, I'm not a fan of thier grip shifters or deraileurs.
(Please don't ask why because you'll get me started again and I've already been called "Sparky" once today) :D

T.J.Gripshifts are one of those things you either love or hate. Personally I don't like them either, but my girlfriend chooses to run them. The older derailieurs did have some issues especially in the early days of Grillion. The new stuff works just FINE .
Of course none of what you commented on has anything to do with cassettes in the slightest

Give it a rest. Really.

This is just like the Campy / Shimano threads in the Road section. To paraphrase a line from "BeBe's Kids" They don't die! They MULTIPLY

Werd on the no-accountability thing when it comes to MTBR. Like I said.. there are reviews from 2004 on products that were COMPLETELY revamped since then.. THIS CASSETTE INCLUDED! It doesn't even use the same style carrier. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that 12 reviews (like 5 of which were from 2004 on a completely different product) isn't enough information to base ANY sort of comparison between the two cassettes on. For one, you'll notice there are no negative reviews on the NEW cassettes. It's not really fair to base your comparison based on like TWO people on MTBR who had a negative experience with a completely different product almost 2 years ago. Especially when reviews on the Shimano cassette are FAR more numerous. I also noticed that there are THREE completely different reviews for the XT cassette. You conveniently chose the review from the one that has reviews from as far back as 1996! Not the review on the M760 cassette that Shimano is currently producing. The review for the 760 cassette rates at a solid 3.18, very close to the SRAM cassette. All this stuff I've listed is reason enough to believe MTBR has as much misleading information as you can find on the internet. Old reviews, reviews on products that should have been placed in different sections, reviews from people who aren't even REGISTERED at MTBR (read: no accountability) all adds up to a flawed system if that's what you're basing your opinions on. I decided a long time ago that MTBR was a poor way to choose what you ride. Run whatever cassette you want, but realize that MTBR is shltty.