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Shimano 1996 STX Grouppo

MSRP $
# of Reviews 35
Average Rating 3.57/5
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Submitted by Gabe A. a Weekend Warrior from SLO
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:Madonna
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Purchased At:Found
Strengths:Srong
Rear Derailleur shifts reliably
Works Well as a group
Weaknesses:Front Derailleur doesn't shift perfectly with index
Similar Products Used:Tourney, Alivio
Bike Setup:1996 KHS Fxt Pro, 1998 Judy XC, 1996 STX Group
Bottom Line:As a group it it excellent and reliable. Never need to adjust the rear (use Rapidfire). The front requires a little mnipulation to shift, but it always will shift. Excellent.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Kameron Smith a Weekend Warrior from Spokane,WA,United States
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:The Bluff
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Purchased At:North Division Cycle
Strengths:Just about everything, durable, looks good, lasts a really long time with care.
Weaknesses:dosent hold adjustment very well
Similar Products Used:XT, XTR, Deore, Alcera, LX, just about anything Shimano.
Bike Setup:1997 Giant Sedona MTB/with suspension fork, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Sun Rhyno Lite Wheelset, ect. ect.
Bottom Line:The STX group was great for me, it has lasted EIGHT years on my Sedona with lots of beating over the years. the shifting comes out of adjustment quite a bit but when it is dialed in it is awesome, there is some slipage under HEAVY torque but nothing too bad. The only thing separating it from it's high line brothers is the weight. switching my wheels gave me an eight speed hub and soon i will be switching my old sedona to an 8 speed XTR group. Anyone looking for a durable smooth seven speed group buy this stuff.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Chris a Weekend Warrior from Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:St Andrews
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Strengths:Cheap, sturdy
Weaknesses:Poor shifting
Similar Products Used:Deore, Acera
Bike Setup:ATx-840RG, straight off the shelve, Easton riser monkeybars
Bottom Line:21 gears lasted me 5 years, that's pretty sweet.
Not a lot of exciting action, but cared for they last & last & last. Will not miss them when they are replaced in a matter of months
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Jason Yoder a weekend warrior from Bloominton IL
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
My first bike a trek 7000 zx came with stx-rc and i admit it has had its problems. However, i only noticed these problems after 8 months of riding mostly in town. But compared to the crap i have ridden previously (huffy) this set is a dream. Of course now that I am cultured in the fine sport of mountain biking I would like better stuff. Still as a set to break in new bikers it is very worthwhile.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Chris a weekend warrior from Canberra, Oz
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1998
Bottom Line:

Well, I got an STX-RC 24 speed setup on my new '98 Giant ATX970. The hubs seem to run fine, the V-Brakes are good (matched with Diacompe levers), the rear derailleur runs well, but I am disappointed with the Crnakset/chain/front derailleur setup. It keeps throwing tyhe chain on upshifts and downshifts from the middle chainring. Plus, it won't change under any sort of load, especially down. I am hoping that this will go away with some use to let everything bed together, but after 50-60km, it is no better. It is adjusted fine so it seems. Anyway, 3 chillies.
Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Jamie Murphy a cross-country rider from ottawa canada
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998
Bottom Line:

I recently purchased a Shimano STX rear derailer. It works great,it takes mud and dirt well, and it was not over priced. I was cosidering an lx but my stx works just fine.I tried an xt but my stx works just as well. It was a big improvment over my 7SIS.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Doug a weekend warrior from Scttsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998
Bottom Line:

I have had my new rear STX derailer for about 2 months now. I think that it functions well, however it does not match the quality and performance as on some of the LX derailers that I have tried. The Price is a whole lot less than those of the top of the line XT and XTR components, but you get a lot for your money. I love my derailer so much that i think that Im gonna change all of my components.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by sv a cross-country rider from md
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1998
Bottom Line:

STX is a great value for the m oney, I have been through mud, sleet, rain, snow, dirt, and anything else that has been thrown at me and I haven't had a problem. The rear d. is great, I have thought of upgrading to xt but why, Stx is all you need for mountain riding.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Guillermo a cross-country rider from Honduras, Central America
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1997
Bottom Line:

I've ridden a combination of Shimano '97 STX/STX-RC with LX V-brakes group for about 6 months now, I ride 2-3 times a week and raced it in rain, mud & sand with normal maintenance and it has never missed a shift.Brakes are ok, but the pads wear quickly and are able to trap small stones in their wear indicators. I would recommend it to a beginner/racer type of rider who does not want to spend a lot of money and expect a good & decent performance for the price.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by cg a weekend warrior from s.f., ca.
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1997
Bottom Line:

have had the stx grouppo on my 95 hookooekoo for over 2years...shifting has been smooth overall and braking average ( i recently switched to kool stop pads and now know the meaning of stop). lx cranks have replaced my stx cranks due to numerous missing teeth. i really can't think of any reasons why i should upgrade my deraillers, other than spending money i could use elsewhere...
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Ian a weekend warrior from London UK
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1997
Bottom Line:

My STX gruppo has seen mud, rain, snow, sand etc and has never not shifted smoothly and quickly. I have never had chainsuck and it has survived a few nasty crashes including a bent gear hanger and a broken collar bone (mine!). I have kept it clean and lubed but not had to adjust it for a year. What more do you want? It may be too heavy to race with but i'd think long and hard before spending more.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Clint Matthews a weekend warrior from Atlanta, Ga., USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997
Bottom Line:

STX is as low as you'll want to go in the dirt and still expect the parts to live a few months. STX works ok but you must clean it often or grime will kill the chain rings and rear cluster. STX is heavy. Sunigo is lighter and cheaper and looks better. Still, if all you have is a few bucks to spend on a bike STX will get you down the trail. It just won't do it for more than a season or so. Up grading the rear cluster to a more expensive 13 X 32 will make the pedaling smoother and shifting more accurate.
Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Fred a cross-country rider from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997
Bottom Line:

The STX-RC derailleurs gave up on me really quickly, 2 months. I got to upgrade to XT under warranty, and they are sooo much better. I guess they aren't too bad though.
Overall Rating:3

Submitted by jerry a cross-country rider from Corvallis, Or
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1997
Bottom Line:

My experience with STX-RC is on my kids' and wife's bikes. I like the STX-RC rear and front derailuers, functional and budget priced, the STX-RC hubs are also very good and priced right. However, the STX-RC brakes are only OK, they work but I think that the LX V-brake is much better and not too expensive. The STX crankset is weak and very heavy with the steel rings, plus you have to add adaptors if you want anything other than stock rings. So, in summary, good stuff (not great), Brakes OK but replace them when you can, junk the STX crankset and buy a Sugino Impel or LX. Four stars for most stuff, 3 for the brakes, 2 for the crank, overall 3+
Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Andrew V a weekend warrior from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1997
Bottom Line:

Highly underestimated they are. LX doesn't fit my budget but I haven't had any problems, it shifts almost instantainiously, what's wrong with that? How much does an XT, XTR derailleur cost? Is it worth it. For the difference in time with the shifting, braking, etc...maybe about a second or less. Who really needs that? It is great and if you race it may seem reasonable. Why scrounge for money to get XT, XTR? If you don't feel you need a change in components don't waste your money. Maybe you feel your trail buddies are harassing you about only having STX, STX-RC, don't even think about buying it. STX, STX-RC is good enough, however much it is underestimated. I am not trying to bash anyone with LX, XT or XTR but I am telling all you component buyers, think, IS IT REALLY WORTH IT, to get better components? Maybe you are buying a bike because it has certain components that are said to be MUCH BETTER. These components are great, especially a good deal for the price
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Doug Landers a weekend warrior from Los Alamos, NM
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1997
Bottom Line:

Heard bad things about STX components. I haven't had any real problems. Couldn't afford LX and higher end, so I'd say I'm more than satisfied with STX's performance. The brakes have saved me quite a few times, and the shifters (Gripshift) have not failed me if I plan my shifts well. Very impressed as I am somewhat hard on the bike and its components.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by ARBYSAUCE a from northern VA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1997
Bottom Line:

Stx is poopy. I'm struggling to upgrade this junk off of my bike. The shifters are bad, the cassette is shot, and I didn't even kid myself with the brakes, ditched them before I even hit the trail. Bad stuff if you're going to get dirty. Perhaps good for commuting and bike path stuff... you know, they say this years STX is better than 1995 XR...?
Overall Rating:1

Submitted by john adamo a from West Chicago, Il
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1997
Bottom Line:

I bought a Fisher Kai Tai back in '95 equiped with stx components. At the time I wished I could afford at least LX, but my wallet wouldn't allow it. After two years of hard riding and a few messy races(after one my bike weighted 45 pounds, 20 of it mud), it still shifts close to new. The quality of shifting was never as good at LX or XT but they sure do take a beating. On my previous bike I went through 3 LX derailers in 3 years, they all broke one way or another-probly bad luck. I have considered buying an XT derailler, but I'll need all new 8 spd stuff and thats the only problem I have with the stx rear. Now I think I'll see how much longer I can beat this thing. I'm very impressed with its durability.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Taras a cross-country rider from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1997
Bottom Line:

95/96 STX-RC:
Shifters/Levers: Crap. The nuts on left hand set striped, cant even remove the suckers. The rear(right) seems to be in better shape. The feel is pretty good though.
Derailers: Good. Shift good, look good.
Brakes: The arms are as good as LX but the pads suck. Richey logic pads make a huge difference.
Hubs: Need repacking after a year or so, otherwise no complaints.
Cassette: Sweet.
Crank: Not flashy, but does the job fine. Kinda heavy.
Overall: Exelent for the money.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Matt Chum a cross-country rider from Toronto, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1997
Bottom Line:

I have STX-RC being stock on my bike. After 1200 km, the rear derail. works flawlessly. But the front is a bit naughty, maybe I haven't been adjusting it. The cranks are fine if you're not a hammerhead and are under 150 lbs (me), they're just as good as any other crank. As far as the brakes goes, they work ok if you adjust them right.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Maurice Jeter a weekend warrior from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1997
Bottom Line:

This group came with my '95 Tequesta and it has performed relatively well
since, esp. for the price. The only problem I've had is difficulty with front-shifts;
I'm considering upgrading to Sachs chain/frt der/shifters. The rear der has
performed flawlessly and I've been quite impressed.
BTW: Responding to the comment at 'STX is only good for beginners', I've
been riding off-road for 17 years (beginning w/ BMX) and consider myself
somewhat experienced! Unfortunately cycling is not usually at the top
of our 'budget totem pole'.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Greg Taylor a cross-country rider from Alexandria, Virginia
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1996
Bottom Line:

For the money, this is a good deal. I've been very happy with the STX components that came on my Trek 930. After 2,200 miles this year, it still shifts fine. The caveat here is that I've been fairly meticulous in keeping it adjusted and lubed, and blowing off the accumulated crud. Do I wish that I had XT or XTR on my bike? Sure. Do I really need it? Nope. The STX components do the job.
Overall Rating:3

Submitted by John Braun a weekend warrior from Wi, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1996
Bottom Line:

A good product, but I have had some problems, but I think it was bad setup, not the components fault...Once it is properly set up, it works great!!!
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Dave a weekend warrior from Honolulu, HI
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1996
Bottom Line:

Being new to MTBing, I wisely bought a $520 bike (wait for dust to settle with FS). The frame and fork are fine, but I've been upgrading everything else on the bike because of my newfound enthusiasm.I must say I haven't had an excuse to upgrade my STX rear derailleur yet. Once adjusted, I've had no trouble shifting, and I'm not running Gore-Tex cables or a Rollamajig. Shifts fast and reliably, and taken it's share of crashes. I guess it will be the last thing on my bike to go.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Luther Solomon a cross-country rider from Kansas City, MO
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1996
Bottom Line:

The STX set that came with my Trek 930 is an excellent mid level performer. I have been pushing them hard and riding it rough since getting into the sport earlier this year. I have yet to have any problems with the gearing or deraillers. I have ridden with the guys with the XTR's and, hey, it isn't the gear set that will keep you behind them. I have to say that the STX group is a great set.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Marius Bothe a cross-country rider from Berlin, Germany
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1996
Bottom Line:

The STX Group is only good for beginners, not for experienced riders. The function is not as good as a LX. It´s good, that 97 the STX-RC gets 8-speed drive.
Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Matthew a weekend warrior from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1996
Bottom Line:

I bought a bike with all STX compenents thinking that they would be pretty good but am quite disappointed. After every offroad ride I have to fully clean the drive train, relube and the adjust the shifters again(not to mention the rest of the components like the dud brakes). Also as soon as there is a bit of mud the rear derailleur tends to stop working.The front derailleur almost always mis-shifts requiring extra fiddling with the shifter however this may be partly due to my replacement sugino large chainring after I bent the STX one. It is also impossible to change up or down on the front when applying a bit of power.In my opinion if you can hang out for a bit, save up for an LX or XT drivetrain at least.
Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Matthew a weekend warrior from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1996
Bottom Line:

I bought a bike with all STX compenents thinking that they would be pretty good but am quite disappointed. After every offroad ride I have to fully clean the drive train, relube and the adjust the shifters again(not to mention the rest of the components like the dud brakes). Also as soon as there is a bit of mud the rear derailleur tends to stop working.The front derailleur almost always mis-shifts requiring extra fiddling with the shifter however this may be partly due to my replacement sugino large chainring after I bent the STX one. It is also impossible to change up or down on the front when applying a bit of power.In my opinion if you can hang out for a bit, save up for an LX or XT drivetrain at least.
Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Marc Jones a cross-country rider from methuen MA 01844
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
Bottom Line:

The Shimano STX-RC was a nice addition as a middle range rear derailler component.
However, what I have found is that the STX-RC combined with Grip Shift produces
less than desireable shifting. It does not have enough spring to it. Shimano
please fix...SOON! Its all some of us can afford!!!
Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Jason Chiu a weekend warrior from California
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996
Bottom Line:

Shimano STX components are great for someone like me who uses a bike for transportation and some mountain biking. I am very impressed with the performance of these components. Anyone who does some light mountain biking and wants descent components should definately buy a bike equipped with STX components.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Paul Fogle a cross-country rider from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1996
Bottom Line:

I went with the STX grouppo, allowing me to purchase a better bike for the money. I have never had a problem with this set.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Travis a weekend warrior from edmonton,canada
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
Bottom Line:

For the price,the stx grouppo is the way to go! Sure, you only have 21 speeds, but who cares about 24. I've had my set for 3 months and havent had one breakdown.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Andreas a weekend warrior from San Francisco,CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
Bottom Line:

model: stx-rc

The best grouppo I've seen. I prefer it over the XT parts. It's less expensive
and shifting is much smoother than on the XT derailleur.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Nick a cross-country rider from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1996
Bottom Line:

I am running a full STX groupset and have found it to be extremely strong and reliable, the only complaint is that shifting quality is not amazing.
Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Brad a cross-country rider from Pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1996
Bottom Line:




The STX group is wonderful for the price. It shifts well and fast, holds up, is moderatly light, and is made forom quality p
parts. I also like the fact that when I break my deraileur, its only $25 for a new one, not near $70 for XTR. The only problem I have
is that it's only 7 speed, and it doesnt seem 100% compatible with my sugino
chainrings. Other than that, this group rules!

Overall Rating:4






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