For those of you who are grip shift experts, what does the SRAM alphabet names mean on SRAM grip shifters? I know Shimano use names and SRAM use numbers. I'm a little confused by the designations ie: MRX, SRT and ESP. Is one a better level or just marketing.

The MRX is worthless the plastic breaks I fish these out of bicycle shops trash and use the rubber grips. The older models ESP are indestructible I put 60000 miles on 2 sets and only changed when I went from a 7 cog to an 8 cog rear setup. Try to find a front shifter with 7 or 8 clicks some times they are called friction they are less finicky that the ones with 3 clicks. I have never used the newer ones for 9 rear cogs I do know they use different rubber grips than the MRX these grips last one year and cost $10 to replace. If you do buy these remove the handlebar fixing bolt and put antiseize on them they are prone to corrosion. If you have problems removing these bolts from older frozen ones it is possible to use the slightly larger english size hex wrench in stripped bolts.

Beware there are two different lines of SRAM grip shifters:

2:1 ratio which is Shimano compatible: MRX, Attack, Centera.

1:1 ratio only for SRAM: All other models.

I know there's a Shimano and SRAM version. What I don't know is what's the difference between the Shimano versions?

Poached from another forum:

I am resurrecting this old thread to give what I think is a solid answer. If I understand the question, it's about the product hierarchy of SRAM's Shimano-compatible 2:1 grip shifters.

From the SRAM spare parts catalog: https://cdn.sram.com/cdn/farfuture/x2...pc_rev_c_0.pdf

pg. 44: SRAM X.0 / SRAM X.9 / SRAM X.7 / ROCKET / ATTACK - TWIST SHIFTER (2005-2011) 3x9
pg. 45: 5.0 / CENTERA - TWIST SHIFTER 3x9
pg. 46: 3.0 COMP / 3.0 / MRX COMP / MRX - TWIST SHIFTER 3x9

So, Attack is somewhere near the upper-end products, Centera is similar to 5.0, and MRX Comp is similar to 3.0

Thanks 2014 and this thread is useful to me. Looks like SRAM is still keeping the same product line

the link to SRAM spare parts catalog is LONG dead, but I'm restoring a '95 Stumpjumper Cmp, and the above hierachy STILL aplies. Still seeing X.O, some Centera (actually got a NEW Centera 9spd just last year for the kid's build!) and obvs the MRX Comp and 3.0 Comps are everywhere...

Wonder on what level the "XRAY" 8 speed series falls? The centera grade was barely useable, never touched a SRAM x.0 / Attack series before.
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i've replaced the twist grips on the X0 twist shifters a couple times, since they get gummy and turn to Goopy messes... replacement twist grips are $20 Each.... other than that, they work great, for twisties... basic old "Grip Shift" twisties do the same thing, and the grips don't turn to goop....
X0 trigger shifts/derailleurs work well, but are "Clunky" when you shift to smaller gears... Clah.. CLUNK!

I had X-rays - they were top of the line in the mid-90s, and worked well. But old clear plastic gets brittle.

Yup top of the line before the 9 speed came out. So crisp and instant.

not exactly a grip shift fan - but have a few bikes with grip shift shifters and they shift well …

SRT 400, 500, 600 7 speed with Shimano rear derailleurs on a few bikes (including two in background of bottom pic) and the 8 speed bike (Litespeed) below with SRAM shifters and rear derailleur (ESP 9.0 SL rear derailleur ?) …