Weaknesses: Strength and durability, shifting force
Bottom Line:
Used to love it when new and set up. But put in a few races this year and within past month have worn out two front derailleurs, one rear, and a cassette, and that's only about 2 rides + 4 races going through two chains as a precaution and weekly maintenance(and I'm not a big or abusive rider). I've also always hated the shifters. I like rapidfire but the higher end has too light a action, not enough shifting force at the lever. I was happier overall with the STX but shifting couldn't be dialed in nicely as new XT. Next year - full sram 9.0 with their new triggers and cassette. But then again you could all ignore me cause us Canadians dislike Shtickmano
Similar Products Used: alivio/stx, lx/xt, xtr, sram 9.0
Bike Setup: Rocky Mountain Stratos, 98 SID, raceface crank, full xt drivetrain, sram 9.0 brakes/levers
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Devon Vig
a Cross Country Rider
from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Strengths: -cheap -strong -shifts pretty good -mostly black
Weaknesses: -rear derailleur makes me mad
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent group for the amount of money I paid. (750.00 Canadian for entire kit, everything but fork and frame at Airbomb Canada). It shifts well in most conditions and is a lot stronger than XTR (cheaper too). The only problem I have is with the rear derailleur which isn't as fast as I'd like it to be.
Strengths: 9 speed! I can just about camp out in the middle chainring Price! $500 less than XTR build kit (cranks w/ rings, deraillers, hubs, chain, shifters/brake levers, brakes, bottom bracket, cassette) for comparable performance, and only weighs a little more Shimano Reliablity! any other deraillers or drivetrain component that shift as nice or as reliable? Looks cool!
Weaknesses: Reliabilty. 9 speed is reliable so far but know that going to smaller chainrings and chain can only mean trouble (experience from motorcycles) Does not work as nice as 8 speed when dirty Looks kinda plain. XTR w/ King set-up looks way prettier
Bottom Line:
Why would you need anything else? I cannot see going XTR unless if your sponsored and your parts are paid for. The little grams that you do save by going to XTR does not justify cost. I like the 9 speed set-up but really did not see anything wrong w/ 8 speed. 8 speed is more durable and reliable. So far I reluctantly have to give a 5 because the system has been flawless, but i'm gonna try to use this for the next to years and do another post then.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Superlight w/ Z2 Xfly XT build kit, Mavic 517's
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross-Country Rider
from Laguna Beach
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Strengths: Predictable, reliable, great gear range. Like the 11. The extreme low gear is unnecessary but extends the range of the middle ring nicely. Great value.
Weaknesses: Its not XTR. Squealy front brakes even with several adjustments and sets of pads.
Bottom Line:
If you can't afford XTR this is the ticket. Good for the extra bike you don't ride as much or if you need money for food or stuff like that.
Strengths: wide gearing range, rather durable, clean shifts
Weaknesses: rough terrain can cause ghost shifts
Bottom Line:
I like the 9 speed group, i have the 11-34 cassette, it gives a huge gearing range. It shifts fast and clean, and the only problem i have is when it is real bumpy, the chain tends to skip around. Keep things tight!
