Opinion on shimano
 

What is your opinion on the bike brand shimano and shimano parts?

XTR is damn expensive and I can't get myself to pay so much for components when XT works so well.

I am a huge fan of their XT level components. XT seems to be the point at which price/quality/weight/durability all blends well for me.

LX is still good componentry and I would even say deore would be adequate. Below that level and you are pressing your luck if you are regularly riding the bike off road.

Shimano makes stuff from trash to top performing and everywhere between.

Shimano is the micro$oft of cycling. Just about every bike comes with some Shimano parts.

Very good comparison to Microsoft, they've got the brand recognition that they use to influence people into buying things that aren't top of the line, as long as it has the brand. They do have great stuff, race proven stuff, but they also have stuff that the can put on any old bike.

I personally like it in general. They're all compatible pretty much. Every Shimano product that I have used was super reliable until it was damaged...

They make good stuff but i think it is overpriced for a ot of it. It is my opinion that XT is the point on their product line (offroad) where if you go up to XTR, you pay more but the parts are weaker to make them lighter. In other words its probably the ultimate level of components for the non racer

LX is pretty much as high as the "average" rider will need, unless your loaded, or anal.

I do love those XTR cassettes though so light and beautifully sculptured- works of art

If you really want to know the honest opinions of some top shop guys regarding Shimano's components, and how they compare to SRAM's, check out the August issue of Mountain BIke Action magazine. There's an excellent article on the gruppos from each company, how they compare to each other, and how different products within each compare. Excellent fodder if the guys at the bike shop are trying to sell you the "next best thing."

I like Sram. Clean shifting in my experience and comparible durability and generally cheaper (although not with the new x.0 stuff) In either case I usually buy middle of the pack. x.0 or lx/xt. I don't like to drop a lot of coin on my drive train as they break really easily. I got through 2 or 3 deraileurs/hangers per season on both my bikes. So I don't want something thats gonna break the bank to replace.

For shifters, SRAM is definitely better. But Shimano stuff is good as well. For cranks on XC bikes, you can't beat Shimano.