notenoughdaylig 

I want to go 1x9 with doubletap shifters. Can I use an xt rd? I'm thinking mtn rd because I'd like range of an 11-32 cassette. If this is possible, which rd should I NOT use, which ones are rapid-rise? Anyone running a similar setup?

jasonrobo02

Sram shifters need sram derailleurs. Shimano needs shimano.

I am running a 1x9 with Shimano XT shadow, non-rapid rise but using a barend shifter.

M_S

Short Answer: No.

Longer Answer: There are several compatibility issues, but the main one is that SRAM uses a 1:1 pull ration, whereas Shimano uses 2:1. Basically, Shimano and SRAM are never compatible as far as shifters and rear derailleurs go, with a few exceptions.

Here are your options: You can use a 9 speed shimano road shifter if you don't mind Tiagra, or if you can find and older shifter before the move to 10 speed. OR, if you want to stick with SRAM, the good news is that SRAM is moving some of its mountain groups to 10 speed, which means you will soon be able to use an X0 rear derailleur and cassette with a double tap shifter. Actually, you can already exchange derailleurs, so you can get a currently available XX cassette ($$$$$) or a more moderately priced IRD. It just has to be 10 speed.

SRAM is apparently aware of the desire to mix and match, and will soon be releasing Apex, which is a mid/entry level group with much of the tech of Rival only, heavier. It will have as an option a mid cage rear derailleur and 11-32 cassette.

Shimano is also apparently moving to 10 speed for the next generation XTR, XT, and possibly SLX, however availability will probably not be for a while.

notenoughdaylig 

Ok, so if I can't mix/match sram/shimano, can I use doubletap w/ say a x9 rd? Or is mixing 10s and 9s verboten? I really like the sram shifters over shimano. Heck I'd use 9s campy if that would work. I just never got used to the brake lever moving side to side and didn't like the cables all over the place.

CCrew

Not with X9.

XX yes, they're compatible.

M_S

An X9 derailleur should work, as it is a 1:1 actuation ratio, just like the double tap shifter. You will need a 10 speed cassette, of course. Just as with Shimano (or any system) SRAM derailleurs don't have "speeds", shifters do.

CCrew

I might be off base, but I seem to recall there's an issue with pairing the MTB derailers other than XX with the road shifters since they instituted the "zero loss" technology. Can't find the reference to it at the moment though...

M_S

You know, I haven't tried it myself, but a mechanic on another forum pointed out that zero loss is actually also a 1:1 ratio. Before that, I was under the same impression as you. But according to SRAMs tech/marketing descriptions, it SHOULD work.

I would love to hear if someone has actually tried it though.