Falken2C

I wanna get new parts for my bike and im not sure which brand i should pick. Im not talking about a $1000-$2000 Specialized or Trek bike, its just a $300-$400 entry level, Dual suspension steel frame (I just love steel frames) My bike comes with SRAM MRX shifter and a Shimano Tourney Derailleur. I replaced the old crank with a Shimano Crankset. I like SRAM and Shimano, but should I go all one way or have a mix with shimano derailleurs and SRAM MRX/TRX Shifters. I dont use this bike for racing or touring, i just bike with my friends around the city, and im only a 15, so i dont need any XTRs or X0s. can you suggest anything good for a "bang for the buck" bike?

free_pizza

here we go....

santiago

Do you WANT to get new parts or do you NEED to get new parts? If what you have is working fine then wait until something breaks and replace it. At that point, depending on what broke, you can then determine what you want (SRAM vs. Shimano).

WannaGetGood

I use sram X.7. Way better than the deroe that I was using before.

Flak

Im having some issues with my shimano drive train recently, so SRAM would be a good alternative. Although after reading an article about the 2007 XTR stuff, Shimano looks good too. If some of the XTR tech has trickled down to the deore level for 2007, then i think you cant go wrong either way.

Falken2C

thanks a lot. I dont need to replace any parts, i just wanted some newer parts for a better ride. the only thing i have a problem with my bike is my v-brakes, and the shimano derailleur. The v-brakes have rust spots and dont stop smoothly, and the derailleur gives a little bit of shift shock. So I guess i should maybe wait till i outgrow my bike (its a 24" wheel size) or look for some deals on SRAM/Avid and Shimano stuff. But is there really a big difference between SRAM and shimano components, especially the entry level stuff like the SRAM 3.0 and SX or the Altus and Acera? thanks

LowCel 

Most likely your shifting problem just needs properly adjusted.

As for is there a big difference between shimano and sram the answer is not really. It's mainly just a matter of personal preference. They have both been around for a while and they both work.

Falken2C

i adjusted the mech as best i could, still that little bit of shock.
my friend rides a Raleigh Tora (yes i know, budget-oriented) which has the same derailleur and he has that same shock when he shifts. I guess thats what you expect from a $15-$20 rear mech

mtnbiker66

What kind of steel frame are you riding. Most folks that like steel frames ride hardtails.

Falken2C

It seems like you have a habit to go after me lol. just kidding. I ride a dual suspension steel frame (Its a Mongoose Fission that I fixed up with some new stuff) What would you expect from a 15 year old

I used to ride a rigid cromoly frame but started doing more off roading with my friend mentioned above.

mtnbiker66

I'm stalking you...........not really.I started on a rigid CroMo as well about 15yrs ago. I've got a sweet old steel frame I'm gonna build up when I get around to it. As far as components,if both are adjusted they will both work well.I run XT on my bullit and my son (girlscout13) runs Sram on his Enduro and they both work fine.

Falken2C

the hobby seems to start with a rigid cromoly lol.

mtnbiker66

When I started riding thats all there was. It will make you a better rider.

hopperja

I do not know about the SRAM entry level stuff. I can say, however, that I have not had good experiences with ANY Shimano components on my mountain bike. SRAM chains, shifters, and derailleurs are superior. Don't believe me? Go to the product reviews at mtbr.com and you'll find X.7 (roughly equivalent to a Shimano LX) out-rates the Shimano XT! Why? It's more durable, shifts better, and requires very little (if any) maintenance adjustments.

I have a 2005 Kona Caldera. The Shimano chain broke at 30 miles. The XT rear derailleur broke at 300 miles. I put on a SRAM chain and an X.9 rear derailleur/shifter. When I put it on I adjusted it and that was it. Believe it or not I didn't even have to adjust it for cable stretch! I don't recall how long the chain lasted, but I got 1800 hard miles out of the derailleur before it broke.

octico

I have always had XT last year I switched to X-9 and I am never going to look back. They shift great. I can even shift going up hill as if I was on the flats. X-9 this grip shifters a great way to go!!

free_pizza

if you couldnt shift going up hill with a shimano system, there was something seriously wrong with how it was set up.

DylanTremblay

I have Sram X-9 and I love it. Run what you have now if its working then just replace as you go.

Killer B

BEANS or POTATOES ???

I've lost track of how many times this has been asked...

willtsmith_nwi

I have nothing against steel (especially if it's cro-moly). I do have something against a $400 full suspension bike. I good rear SHOCK costs $300-$400. I would not add a single part to this bike. I would tune it the best I could and save $$$ for a quality bicycle.

Since you say you only ride around town, you do not need a full suspension bicycle. Decent full suspension bikes start at ab out $1100. A hardtail will do you just fine. If you're not heavy (over 200#) any aluminum hardtail with Deore above (or SX-5 or above) components will be perfect. Steel is fine as well. If you're over 200#, it's preferred. But "good steel" frames tend to cost more than then the cheap mass produced aluminum frames. It's strictly a function of production numbers and marketing.

So plan on saving about $500-$600 if you want a good bike.

Girlscout13

I run x9 stuff and love it.

khuon

You say you're encountering shift-shock. Most shift-shock is not really as much a byproduct of the derailleur but of the cassette or poor adjustment. Another and probably more common explanation (and please don't take this the wrong way) is probably shifting technique. Can you explain the conditions by which you are encountering the shift-shock?

hopperja

free_pizza: if you couldnt shift going up hill with a shimano system, there was something seriously wrong with how it was set up.

You're right. However, the SRAM, once you have it set up, it rarely needs to be adjusted. With Shimano, however, one needs to ajdust frequently. My XT needed adjustment several times in the 300 miles it lasted; my SRAM X9 needed no adjustment in the 1800 miles it lasted. I now have nearly 1000 miles on my new X9 and it hasn't needed any adjustment.

Blazinall91

i run X.9 with X.0 trigger, it's impecable

EJ123

Shimano. Though I have never ran X.9/X.O I do think it would be pretty nice.

LowCel 

SRAM, believe it or not I still had great shifting even in this.