Originally Posted by
soma5
I do not know whether the XTR derailleurs are compatible with road brifters. I rather suspect not, but like I said, I don't know.
-soma5
They are.........I have a XTR rear derailleur and use DuraAce 9 speed road brifters on the bike I use for road rides in the mountains (any of the Shimano 9 speed brifters would work). When combined with a 50/34 compact crank and a 11/32 cassette it provides and an even wider range of gears than a 50/40/30 triple with a 12/27 cassette-with a little less weight. Shifting is very efficient and reliable when combined with Shimano's R700 compact...... I've never had any shifting issues. Not sure what more folks don't lean towards that type of setup.......I never seemed to be able to get a triple front chainring completely dialed in......at least that latest for a full season.........