Originally Posted by jm01
Lots of good advice here, and if i recall, XT FD's are interchangeable...they have a plastic bracket that allows for both top and bottom pull cable routing.
but most important, when you mix Sram and Shimano drive train components,make sure that the shifters and derailleurs are compatible...Sram RD's need a 2:1 ratio shifter, Shimano 1:1...both manufacturers make models that are comaptible with both so make sure you specify your build when buying the parts.
Actually, it's Sram that has a 1:1 ratio shifters/rear derailleurs and Shimano 2:1. Sram does make the Attack shifters that are Shimano compatible with 2:1 ratio. Both companies use a 1:1 ratio for the front derailleur so it doesn't matter. You can mix and match freely with the front. Hope this clears that up for you.
For what it's worth. I have XT shifters w/ XTR front and XT rear derailleurs on my Specialized FSR XC Pro and XT shifters w/ STX front and XT rear derailleurs (8spd) on my 98 Schwinn S30. If I were to start from scratch I'd probably go with XTR in the front with Sram X9 shifters and rear derailleur and either Shimano XT or Sram PG990 cassette. Either chain is fine for me. Whichever is readily available.