SRAM Compatibility
 

Can I use SRAM X7 trigger shifters with a SRAM Rival rear and front derailleur? I’m doing my first build and I’m using a flat bar on a road bike. Prior web searches lead me to believe that X-series shifters with a Rival derailleur would not be an issue, but I just watched the SRAM Tech YouTube video and it states that SRAM Road Derailleurs are designed for exclusive use with double-tab technology and are not compatible with other SRAM shifting systems. The video is from 2009, so has SRAM shifting technology changed since then?

I believe (hopefully someone will confirm) that like Shimano, Sram road and mtn derailleur systems have different cable response ratios. So you can't mix mtn RD with road levers and vice versa.

As I said, I say this based on sloppy memory and a belief which can easily be wrong.

Sram MTB Derailleur works fine with Sram road shifters. They will work.

The majority of of Sram stuff is cross compatible so a basic model RD like the rivel should work fine with most Sram 7/8/9 speed shifters properly set up. Issues may come if you are using a late model 10/11 speed specific DR with a 7 or 8 speed shifter. Yet even in That case it should like work fine nicely setup.

Good to know; it's a bit of a drag that this is no longer the case with a lot of Shimano stuff.

No. Rival shifters are 10sp. Rival shifters will work with 10sp MTB derailleur.

Thanks all of the quick replies today. I have the X7's in a box in the garage. I'll give it a try once the handlebars arrive, which should be hopefully later this week. I also need to find a shim for the front derailleur. My Rival derailleur is a 31.8 clamp, but the seat post on my steel Kona is 28.6.

A basic correct FD shim is about $4 online or $7 at a better stocked LBS.

I upgrade my touring bike Peugeot Alpin Pro: SRAM 2x10
- Rear derailleur SRAM X0 medium
- Front derailleur Shimano XT
- SRAM TT900 bar end shift. (friction front mech shifter)

I'm very happy whit this setup :-)

Kona
 

I did finish my first build. It came out just how I wanted. The SRAM Rival does work great with the X7 shifters.

I was unsure if I should run the cable for the shifter on the right to the inside or the outside of the front brake cable. I opted to run it on the outside, because it does not bind on anything when I turn to the left or right.

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...psc039d9bb.jpg