wheelhot

If you like a company that innovates a lot (good or bad) go for Shimano, if you like things that have been proven and worked, go for SRAM

misterC

I think you have this backwards.

wheelhot

Hmm, I dont think so, so far I always see Shimano releasing new concepts and new designs. SRAM practically stays on a concept and just improve it as time needs it

crash13

I just installed the new XTR shifters and derailleurs...I must say...a huge improvement over my XT/LX setup. Upshifting with your thumb feels good. I'm glad Shimano added this feature. Its nice to have a choice between pull and push with the thumb. I use my thumb when descending and my finger when climbing...this seems to work well. The shifting doesnt feel as firm and mechanical as the X.0. The lever pull on the XTR feels quite a bit softer than the X.0 Shifters. However, the levers are not adjustable like the X.0 levers. This is a great feature that SRAM built into the X.0 product that I wish Shimano would have.

Raiyn

It's not the price at all. It's the value. Sure the XTR might be a smidge lighter, but it's not THAT much lighter, nor is it that much smoother. It's a half step at best, and that doesn't make it worth the extra cash.
Didn't we just do this with Chris King headsets? Nobody said I can't afford XTR parts, I just don't see the value nor do I think that everyone who comes onto a board like this should have the illusion that if they don't run XTR (or a King for that matter) they ain't worth ****. XTR doesn't give you a better warranty, it might make the bike a touch lighter (not enough in the real world), but if you're not racing what does that matter? The main things XTR does do well is lighten your wallet, give your buddies something to ogle and inflate your ego.

Minesbroken

Open mouth and insert foot here

Minesbroken

I like my xt rear...and my cane creek headset...not top of the line but works great...But I dont think that buying top of the line parts is just stroking your ego if you can afford it...one thing is true in my line of work and I believe its true nomatter what your talking about...you get what you pay for. I can afford xtr its just not important to me right now. I just want to ride my bike.
although you make a valid point...it should go both ways...nobody should think there riding crap if they dont have xtr but people also shouldnt think there posers if they are.
just ride
ride....

Raiyn

That's the whole crux of my argument. With XTR it's not that much better (in my view) to justify the premium pricing. XT is damn good and is the first to get the best out of what's good about XTR without having to be the test bed.

If I didn't have to pay for my parts I'd use XTR in a heartbeat. I'd be a fool not to, but I don't live in that world. I have to buy my parts, and even thought the money is there I want as much bang for my buck as possible. The added flash of the XTR label just isn't enough for me.

cryptid01

But Chris King's is.

Curious.

Minesbroken

I agree...but I'm not going to point at everyone with xtr and xo or a 7 thousand dollar bike and snicker and call them posers either. Some people need that stuff...some people are weight weenies ( no offense people...but you know who you are ) and some are just morons... I put BBS rims on my car...they were twice the price of some other rims that would have done the job just fine...but this was MY car and I wanted BBS because it was the best stuff I could afford... I have seen nicer cars with cheaper rims and the thought of the cost of rims or the quality of the car never crossed my mind...just...damn thats a nice car

I am nobody's judge is all I'm saying I guess...everyones got there own reasons for things...I just want to ride.

Minesbroken

CANE CREEK dammit!!!!

Raiyn

What's so hard to figure out about a ten year warranty so good you can turn in your headset because you don't like the COLOR? I don't see XTR with that.

I wait to see them ride first. If they stick to the bunny trail, then hell yeah I'm going to chuckle to myself.

Minesbroken

yeah...me to...lol

Minesbroken

one of my friends just bought a trek top fuel and upgraded everything on it...he only rides pavement lol I bust his hump every day.

Raiyn

That's certainly overkill. I presume he's not doing any kind of "urban' riding?

Minesbroken

he does nothing thats worthy of a brand new fox fork and a set of xtr cranks lol...he didnt even ride the bike first before he bought all this stuff... Granted its a nice bike and it rides really really smooth on and off road...I did alittle breaking in... but he didnt buy it to ride it where it belongs...he could have bought a huffy

Raiyn

Ouch must resist urge to mock
It can't help but to.
I'm sure you did
I don't know that I would have gone that far.... (a Huffy? <shudder>) He could have gotten himself a nice comfort bike or the Rolling Barca Lounger"

Minesbroken

I havent given up on him though... I WILL drag him through the woods and if he doesnt die...I'm sure he will do it again

MattP.

New flash genius! It DOES!

Minesbroken

evening pete

_beaver_

Not true.

_beaver_

Does that make him a "poser"?

z415

It is a matter of preference, as you can see from the little debate. I don't believe either company has any major advantage to the other, at least not enough to consider, so go find bikes with both and find which ones feel/look better to you.

z415

It can get more demanding if you go really really fast or if you ride for a really long time non stop

mtnbiker66

Why do you care? Why not just ride and let other people ride what they want?