Cams

Hi,

Im in the middle of a build around a hardtail frame and having great fun with it. Ive got to the point of choosing drivetrain and have come a croppa. Its been a while since I was out and about on bikes (in fact the best part of 3 years since I was at uni). Ive heard various rumours about Shimano being smoother than SRAM, but SRAM being more direct and more positive- does anyone have any strong opinions on the differences between the two? Ive only ever owned Shimano.

Many Thanks,
Cams

ed 

Ya may wanna run a Shimano vs. SRAM search before you ask this question so you don't get ripped a new one by the forum vets who hear it e/o day.


I like both...but I'm XT @ heart.

apclassic9

I have no opinion, but my son is also building a bike (waiting on the frame), and after using XTR for years, he has decided to go with SRAM x0/x9 for the new bike. He's tried them on other bikes and felt they were equal to XTR, but SRAM is less expensive.

Al.canoe

It appears from some users I know that the better SRAM rear derailleur is not as sensitive to cable friction/crud as the Shimano. It's apparently due to the stronger spring. Also, they like the shifter pod operation better than Shimano.

However, a lot of the better Shimano stuff has just been redesigned due to the competition from SRAM. I've got the older Shimano stuff (XTR pods, XT derailleurs and Wipperman SS chain) and it all works very well. It's a personal preference issue I think.

Al

mikejo

Again, do a search and will find a lot of info. on this-- that means almost nothing. Basically it will come down to what you like.
I am finishing my hardtail build and all I have left is to answer that question for myself, and then I will be done. I'm leaning towards XT because the push pull of Shimano just seams easier that the push push of Sram. I have been with OTB thumb shifters on my currrent bike so either way I go, it will be new to me.

jetta_mike

I have Shimano Saint on one bike and Sram X7 on the other. I like the way the "cheap" Sram shifts over the Saint.

I'm not saying the Shimano is bad, I just like the Sram way better.


-mike-

mx_599

it's about time for change....don't you think? did i really have to tell you this?

go with SRAM.

everything bad you heard about them is simply untrue.

your welcome.


*edit*

give grip shift a try again for the first time.

*edit 2*

i have an X7 RD on a bike i don't take care of much and the shifting is still spot on

*edit 3*

welcome to the bike forums dot net! hope you learn a lot and enjoy most of the friendly members who are sincere.

euroford

i've been very very happy with the function of my x.9 system. but i think the single biggest advantage is in the ergonomics of the pods. performing both up and down shifts with your thumb is leaps and bounds ahead of shimano's trigger system requiring you to remove your index finger from the brakes to shift.

now that i've seen the light, that right there is a dealbreaker for me.

(okay, now somebody is going to post about how they find their sram gripshifters to be the 'one true way')

mx_599

i will. what's with all this trigger talk? i just twist either way and my fingers never leave a thing.

you haven't truly been enlightened yet grasshopper.

cryptid01

If you're shifting, you should be pedaling, no? I can't imagine any situation where I'd want to be pedaling and braking at the same time.

free_pizza

at a very pro-sram bike shop in my town, the salesguy tried the very same arguement "you gotta take your index finger off the brake lever to shift" and i said almost the exact same thing you just did. The salesman didnt have a response.

apclassic9

I think some people like triggers, and some like grip shifters - the set up my son wanted & got was the SRAM trigger set up - he likes triggers.

FreeRidin'

Unfortunately I am running Shimano.

But soon to be SRAM!

mikejo

Just made my decision five minutes ago- new 07 XT rear derailleur for $48 total on the way (eBay of course). Now looking for shifters to go with it.

erhan

I shift down while braking (and pedaling slow at the same time to complete the shift) just to be in the correct gear out of a turn, and to accelerate without killing my momentum. Right or wrong, but I do it all the time

Terrapin Ben

i just got a pair of xt hydrualic brakes with an integrated shifter brake lever set. its awesome. you use the brake lever to shift up! it uses a different motion from the pull of the brake lever to do it. i am not good at explaining things but i was really impressed with the overall design. i ride xt on my hard tail and i have a sram x.9 rd on my communter with grip shifts. while i think my xt preforms extremely well, i feel like i have more touch and control with the sram and grip shift. the sram has a clicking noise so i know i have actually shifterd.

willtsmith_nwi

The stronger spring on a SRAM keeps the chain from tapping cadence on your chainstays. It also helps keep the chain on the rings where it belongs and reduces the incidence of chainsuck. The 1:1 (ish) actuation ratio makes the system more resilient to crud.

For the ultimate in reliability in shifters, the SRAM gripshift is the best. Say what you like about the composite Grilon (fiberglass reinforced nylon) the stuff shifts true for years and years. There are no levers to break. The gripshift is also the most flexible system out there allowing you to shift as many as 6 gears up or down with one action.

For the cranks however, Shimano makes the top notch stuff.

LowCel 

Shimano also makes the best cassettes. That is the only shimano component I run on my bikes (other than my cross bike). I can't wait until SRAM starts making some cassettes that are as nice (and light) as Shimano's.

For cranksets I go with FSA though.

Al.canoe

There are some hilly turns where I have to scrub off so much speed so quickly that I get to my middle ring from my big ring while braking. You don't need pressure on the pedals, just move the crank a little. I do this some times on some of the mountain trails I ride to keep in the best gear possible. I can see the SRAM having an advantage for me at least in this case.

I believe I've read where with the new XTR shifters can be shifted like the Srams if one wants them set up that way. I could be mistaken though.



Al

mtnbiker66

I don't like the thumb only system at all. I brake with my middle finger so I prefer the thumb/finger set up. I've had good luck with Shimano. Sram sucks.

Dannihilator

Screw that crap, go ss.

mtnbiker66

SS sucks!

LowCel 

Gears are awesome!

sdr

for what it's worth--i ride both, SRAM & Shimano.

i have been riding shimano on my g-fish for some time now and swore that it was the way to go, resisting the SRAM with a vengence. then, a couple of months ago, i got a new specialized bike that came with X-9 shifters and an X-0 derailleur. it took all of about 5 miles to overcome my shimano preference--i absolutely love the SRAM!

THUMBS RULE!

WannaGetGood

I have used both. I like my Sram better.