Bicycle Mechanics - SRAM X.0 and Shimano ders.

I was looking at the SRAM X.0 components and I had it in mind to 'upgrade' my Gemini. Up front, I have no gripe with the existing XT shifters. What I'd like to explore are your opinions about SRAM and some specific questions that I can't seem to find easy answers to.

If I opt for X.0 will it be compatible/usable on the existing XT rear der, and LX front der?

I notice from the photo of the X.0 that it is 9-speed only. My rear cassette is 7-speed. Is the X.0 therefore usable? I don't mind having 2-speeds that are not 'usable' on the shifter, but I'm wondering what the effect will be on indexing/shifting/adjustment - assuming its possible to use it anyway.

Is the X.0 a dual shifter? Again, the photos don't seem to explain or show what is possible. I get the impression it's not. That would assume there is a 3-speed shifter for the front der?

I'm sure SRAM would say don't mix-and-match SRAM/Shimano components. But neither do they say you must not.

What's the best way to approach this upgrade issue? I think a few of you have got SRAM so any input is valuable. Thanks.

Originally posted by Bokkie
I was looking at the SRAM X.0 components and I had it in mind to 'upgrade' my Gemini. Up front, I have no gripe with the existing XT shifters. What I'd like to explore are your opinions about SRAM and some specific questions that I can't seem to find easy answers to.

If I opt for X.0 will it be compatible/usable on the existing XT rear der, and LX front der?

I notice from the photo of the X.0 that it is 9-speed only. My rear cassette is 7-speed. Is the X.0 therefore usable? I don't mind having 2-speeds that are not 'usable' on the shifter, but I'm wondering what the effect will be on indexing/shifting/adjustment - assuming its possible to use it anyway.

Is the X.0 a dual shifter? Again, the photos don't seem to explain or show what is possible. I get the impression it's not. That would assume there is a 3-speed shifter for the front der?

I'm sure SRAM would say don't mix-and-match SRAM/Shimano components. But neither do they say you must not.

What's the best way to approach this upgrade issue? I think a few of you have got SRAM so any input is valuable. Thanks. Easy answer and bottom line is you can't use a 9 speed shifter with a 7 speed cassette. 7 speed cog spacing is 5.0mm and 9 is 4.34mm. I also think, that the XOs like the ESPs are not compatible with shimnao rear drailers.

Tks Pokey. That's what I anticipated would be the case.

Bokkie, your Gemini is only a 7-speed cassette? Is that right? It should've been a 9, or did you do a custom swap thingy at time of purchase?

If you did, do you still have the same freehub body(8/9 speed) and just use a spacer with the 7-speed cassette?

The reason I ask, if you have an 8/9 speed freehub body, the new XO will fit, no problem. If it's a 7-speed, break out the checkbook.

BTW, XO shifters will not work with Shimano Rear Derailleur. The front will, but not the rear! Shimano uses a 2:1 ratio and SRAM uses 1:1 for their shifters.

You can use a Shimano Cassette and Chain with SRAM shifters/derailleurs and vice versa. You can also use a SRAM chain on a full Shimano grouppo.

Personally, I wouldn't upgrade until you wear out or break you existing stuff. The XO is lightweight, but with that you compromise some strength. I suggest you wait until Shimano releases their XTX(current name) line of components. These are freeride specific and designed with a little more heft to them, yet maintain precision.

L8R

a2p - you are quite correct. My cassette is a 9-speed - I'm not sure what I was thinking of when I said it was 7-speed. Musthave something else on my mind.

As I understand, it's a complete rear der replacement, though the LX front der should work. I have a healthy credit balance with the lbs, so I was thinking about doing this as an upgrade. I'm put off by the 2003 XTR shifters as the the UK product reviews have mixed feelings about it and none of them rave about it. On the other hand, the SRAM X.0 has been highly praised. Thanks for your advice.

PS. How are you enjoying your new puppy. It was an Intense was it, or something like that?

I'm enjoying it very nicely thank you. Just not as often as I prefer. Damn commitments & responsibilities!

Thanks for the clarification on the 7/9 issue.

I've used both grip shift and rapid fire and don't really have a preference. I adjust to either system. I lean more toward SRAM, just because they're the underdog and give Shimano some competition which in turns keeps prices competitive.

With that, I am currently running XTR shifters and derailleurs on my bike. Why? Because that's what was there when I bought it!

I've used grip shift and prefer it for the front shifter. Micro-adjustments to avoid a chain rub just make sense! Yes, I understand the XTR has a half-shift, but with 9-speed, there is always a bit of rubbing on one end of the range or the other.

My only negative I can come up with to the XO series is the cost. HOW MUCH for just a derailleur? WOW, I thought XTR was pricey!

BTW, I don't like the new integrated shifters. I'll stick to shifter pods and seperate brake levers for the time being.

L8R

Cost?:eek:

I forgot about that side of the problem! I think I'm in credit to go the whole SRAM way if I want to. I'll price the components as a total XT/LX swap out and take it from there if I still decide to go ahead with it. On reflection, I'll chill out from the upgrade path for a while. I have a couple of wheels I want to build first, but like you say, with commitments and reponsibilities snapping at my heels, a number of bike things are on the backburner for a bit - or at least need/should be.

As it is, the UK weather is really awful right now, and they tell me that the shortest day (21st December) is the official start of winter. What the hell have I been experiencing for the last 2-3 months? Pre-winter 2003? Post-winter 2002?

BTW, XO shifters will not work with Shimano Rear Derailleur. The front will, but not the rear! Shimano uses a 2:1 ratio and SRAM uses 1:1 for their shifters.

a2p - I forgot to ask one thing. These ratios you mention? Are these simply the mechanical transfer of what happens at the shifter end compared to the movement of the der at the other end?

Exactly,

A "click" on a Sram shifter will move a Shimano derailleur 1/2 shift or vice versa, I can't remember. I tried it once just to see what it would do and it didn't work.

Now, Sachs did produce a Shimano compatible grip shift, but they had durability problems(mine did, and many others). Wouldn't recommend them.

L8R

just to add to what a2 and others have mentioned:

SRAM does have a line of shifters that are non-esp meaning they are shimano compatible. the xray, rocket, and attack come to mind these use 2:1 actuation ratio like shimano systems.

SRAM's higher end lineups use their 1:1 esp system. from my experience, using a esp shifter with shimano rear mech will result in 4 clicks/8 cogs.

one thing to note about SRAM is that they have gotten considerably more durable in their components with the use of forged alloys and less composite material in certain stress areas.