SRAM's 10-speed drivetrain has been in production for a few years, but until now, there's been no option for its renowned twist shifters? unless you're happy with nine rear cogs. Famous for their low weight, ability to shift multiple gears at once, and dependability, SRAM's twist shifters created a stir when first introduced, and were essential to the company's early success. Those positive traits and vibrant history continue with the introduction of the X0 2x10 Grip Shifters.Early Grip Shift blindsided the mountain bike market in the early 90s because it offered a much simpler, faster, and lighter weight way of changing gears. Grip Shift got the job done with few moving parts, compared to trigger shifters, which used as many as thirty individual components. Racers were quick to take advantage of the faster gear changes and lower weight. Soon Grip Shift was enjoying both downhill and cross country podiums under notable racers like Greg Herbold and Ned Overend. Jump ahead to today, and the new X0 Silver 2x10 Grip Shifter Set has already proven itself on the race circuit with a 2011 XC World Championship under its belt. Developed for use in the BlackBox racing program, the first 10-Speed Grip Shifters were successfully campaigned under Jaroslav Kulhavy. What SRAM learned racing those prototypes has directly enhanced the production versions.The X0 foregoes carbon in favor of aluminum to keep its price lower than the higher-end XX Twisters. It still rolls on ball bearings ? a first for SRAM twist shifters. This provides longer life than bushings, and reduces the effort needed to change gears. Speaking of action, these shifters use SRAM's 1:1 Actuation ratio. For every unit of cable pulled, the derailleur moves the same amount. Wide tolerances ensure consistency in every condition from dry and dusty, to sloppy mud, to frozen fat-bike adventures. 1:1 Actuation also eases setup, with simple adjustment from the shifters' barrel adjusters. Another key upgrade are the integrated lock on grips, which help prevent dreaded throttle grip, something that cursed small rubber grips of early Grip Shift. The integrated lock on grips hide the clamp to provide a seamless ergonomic transition from grip to shifter.The X0 2x10 Grip Shifters is compatible with SRAM's 10-Speed mountain and road rear derailleurs, opening up possibilities for touring or commuting applications. However, it's only compatible with SRAM's 2x10 front derailleurs.
Strengths: weight, speed when used with non type 2 derailleur.
Weaknesses: design, PRICE, durability.
Bottom Line:
I am a gripshift guy through and through. I was very excited to buy the new 10 speed shifters but when I heard the price, I almost laughed. $225 for some plastic and bearings. For some reason I still purchase them and I originally had them on a Trek Carbon HT and with a long cage X9 non type 2 derailleur.
From the get go the design with the metal housing cover makes installing a cable somewhat cumbersome. Make sure you get the cover on there tight and straight or you will have a rattle that will annoy you. I wondered why did they just did'nt keep the cable and tightening clamp as the old models. Very simple and user friendly. Now you have a cover and the clamp that hold the shifter itself which is very unuser friendly, because you will have to move your brakes, unclamp the shifter and then pull off the housing to get to the cable. That is not very trail friendly at all.
Once installed they worked great but the rubber on the end of the of the shifters wear very quickly and will have to replace them soon.
I upgraded to a type 2 derailleur and had them on my Foes XCT that had X9 10sp trigger shifters and they worked great, they were a bit harder to engage but nothing big. I soon took off the derailleurs and swap them on each bike so I could see how the gripshift worked with it. With the gripshift and a type 2 derailleur it is alot harder to get find the gear since SRAM designed the shifter without a noticeable click like past shifters.
I like the shifters but not like my old 9sp X0 setup (shifter and derailleur). If you go this route stay away from the type 2 derailleur unless you like the feel of the shift, which most likely you won't feel and will be guessing until you physically look yourself. A standard 10 speed derailleur works much much better. If you go type 2 go with the triggers.
As a fan of SRAM products I am very disappointed in the design and compatilbility with a type 2. I hope they make some revisions and drop the price because $225 is alot to pay for a 1st generation design that is not really proven.
Strengths: SPEED, simplicity, light weight, being able to shift All gears,up or down, clean looks
Weaknesses: Pricey, outer locking on grip is raised
Bottom Line:
I was very surprised how fast the front shifter works on 2 ring front crank.It takes maybe a 1/4 inch to rotate the grip.
The best thing I like about the shifters is the ability to shift the whole cassette range ,up or down,which is very useful on steep up and down transitions.
I would like to try a clutch type 2 rear der with this setup
After being a loyal grip shift user for many years, I was excited when they came out with a 10 speed twister. My old 9 speed was rock solid reliable. The new one is $$$ P.O.S. Broke after 2 rides. They took a great design and screwed it all up. The barrel adjuster is made from egg shell thin plastic and recycled beer cans (metal cover). EPIC design fail. Heading back to Shimano. Don't waste your $$$.