Submitted by
aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: August 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
melbourne cycles
Strengths:
small chain ring has not broken...yet
Weaknesses:
Front Dérailleur never shifted smoothly, and bolt never kept tension. Casette wore out in 12 months, middle chain ring had 1 tooth snapped and both the big and middle chain rings have major buckles. Chain wore out in very little time. Breaking power is weak compared to avid juicy 3 and 5.
Similar Products Used:
Sram x.9 group, avid juicy 3 and 5, deore xt group
Bike Setup:
Scott Scale 40, sram x.9 group with pg990 casette, shimano lx hydrolic disk breaks with shimano xt brek leavers
Bottom Line:
sram x.9 was way better quality than the lx that was originally on the bike. Although Sram is good quality gear, i cant wait until campagnolo get back into the mountain bike market and then standards will have to rise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vince da pogi
a Weekend Warrior
from Kankaloo City Philippines Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
cartimar
Strengths:
good electric blue finish like shimano XTR (from afar!!)
Weaknesses:
rear derailleur shifts automatically in rough muddy trails, bottom bracket makes grinding noise
Bike Setup:
mongoose rockadile lex, bontrager tires, alex rims, manitou super six fork
Bottom Line:
if you can afford to buy a shimano xt group set much better but try trading the crank set first with Deore and rear derailleur with an XT. will save you much and make you more satisfied with your set-up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pritch
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol, UK Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
strong, light and quick
Weaknesses:
A touch of poor finish
Similar Products Used:
XTR, STX, STX-RC
Bike Setup:
Saracen Havoc '01
Bottom Line:
I bought this groupset minus brakes, cranks and hubs for the bike I got cheap where I work as my weekend freeride blaster. I wasn't prepared to spend anything more than an LX groupset cost.
In my opinion it is strong, durable and sleek, though the STI shifter pods could have had a higher degree of finish applied to them.
Always remember to use a Sachs chain. Overall, it is afine groupset and reports that it is flimsy are often exaggerated by XTR prima-donnas and careless riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Webbon
a Cross Country Rider
from Ormskirk, Lancashire, England Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Graisdale Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
www.merlincycles.co.uk
Strengths:
Lightweight, Reliable, Reasonable Smooth.
Weaknesses:
Ugly Break Levers
Similar Products Used:
00' Deore, 00' XT.
Bike Setup:
Merlin Malt 1, Judy SL, Full LX, Kore Lite, Cane Creek, Panaracer.
Bottom Line:
Brilliant! Good performace at an affordable price. Miles Better than Deore and not far from XT. IF YOU BUY IT, GET IT WITH XT BRAKE LEVERS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Green Iggy
a Weekend Warrior
from Pinole, CA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
fast and accurate shifting, everything works like it should
Weaknesses:
Botom bracket/crank has developed a creaking under power that seems to be common with the Shimano splined setups. Stock LX brake pads suck, get Kool Stop
Similar Products Used:
lots of mixed parts
Bike Setup:
Rebuilt Giant Iguana with full LX (damn thieves took all my stock parts!)
Bottom Line:
I have had no significant problems with the LX other than the bottom bracket noise. The stock brake pads suck but the brakes are very strong with better pads, especially in the high leverage setting. I was thrown off the bike because it stopped so fast the first time I maxed the leverage setting. I have been on the same chain for over a year now and it has never broken or given me any problems. Everything else has been perfect. - 1 chli for the crap pads and for the BB noise. Otherwise, its great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jens meijer
a Racer
from kollum, the Netherlands Date Reviewed: December 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
Cheapish, works well when new. Better gearspread then my old 7 spd
Weaknesses:
Doesn't work in mud, chain is hopeless (sram is way better) chainsuck from the start. Chainrings wear out fast.The bb was worn out after just 1500 km.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano stx r,shim xt, sachs centera, sram something or other
Bike Setup:
Full lx apart from the brakes (magura incedently)
Bottom Line:
This is groupo gives you pretty much your money's worth, but shimano could give the hubs a better greasing when they put them together. Dump the chain fast and replace with something better because its the biggest POS ever!!! After my bb wore out i replaced it with a 105, witch is still going (funny because its pretty much the same unit). Shimano's cartrige bb design is a waste, no servicing possible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toshi
a
from Cambridge, MA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Rear mech works decently.
Weaknesses:
Shifter pods are fragile, front derailleur doesn't like the angle of my seat tube.
Similar Products Used:
'92 LX, '96 XTR, '98 LX
Bike Setup:
By now, the only LX part that is still on the bike is the rear mech. Everything else (shifters -> XT, BB -> XTR, rear hub -> XT) has been broken and replaced.
Bottom Line:
The poor quality of the shifter pods really is aggravating. Get XT by all means. My experience with the pods involves a cold winter day, a cracked plastic pod shell, and then a bike unable to shift out of the smallest cog.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilton, CT USA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Good group for the price Easy Maintnence
Weaknesses:
shifting not nearly as good as XT-XTR
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Alivo
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000
Bottom Line:
Good component group for the price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy Bit%$
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bought entire LX group off internet
Strengths:
-Deraillers good in most conditions(they work better as a team than as paired with XT or Deore) -Nice levers -Nice hubs -Decent shifters -Awesome crank+BB setup!! -Brakes stop decent(when they're properly adjusted) -Not as nice as XT,but performs 90% as good and is a HELL of a lot cheaper
Weaknesses:
-Occasional chainsuck problems -Chain snapped ON THE FIRST DAMN RIDE!! -9 speeds is overkill -Cassette is wearing out -Brakes fall out of adjustment quickly
Not bad as a complete group,good value too.I don't understand where all the bad reviews are coming from.LEARN TO WORK ON YOUR BIKES,and just because it says "LX" doesn't mean it's not good!!
Most of this stuff is off-road ready from the get go,except for the brakes,the chain(piece 'o' crap--there is no reason why a brand-new chain should snap on the 1st ride),and maybe the cassette.No,I don't need 9 speeds--just an excuse for more maintenance,but since there isn't much in the way of 8-speed these days,looks like we're stuck with it. 3 chilies overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cees Sagt
a Cross Country Rider
from Utrecht, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
veenendaal
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Dupree cycles
Strengths:
looks nice
Weaknesses:
chain suck, shifting is problematic in muddy conditions
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Kinesis frame, marzocchi Z5 fork, cane creek
Bottom Line:
Looks ok but definitely does not work finr in muddy conditions (typical dutch conditions)on the road it functions well, however then I prefere my race bike.Especially the chain hps over your rear cassette under muddy conditions, this results in breakage of the chain ( 3 rides results in 2 chaindefects !!!)) So if you ride on the road it is fine, if you ride trails wich are not muddy it should do as well, for typicial dutch conditions however I recommed something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Elson
a Racer
from Dublin,Ireland Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000
I've had (and raced) this bike for 18 months, after 1 year thinks started to go real bad. Free wheel seized, middle and outer chainrings had to be replaced (wear and missing teeth respectivly), rear mech is bunched (15mm of lateral play),jockey wheels look like pointy teeth. This stuff is expensive to replace here, Shimano increased prices by 25%. Bottom bracket is showing signs of wear and will require attn, or replacement. Brakes are useless compared to XT even though they have similar linkage and I've used lots of different types of pad. Bring back 8spd stuff as it lasts longer, ballerina and football player comparison could be made here. Shimano need to toughen this stuff up for mucky conditions....it's not dry everywhere and I'm not the first to complain about 9spd. Never again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sherman
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good for the money. Perform almost as good as more expensive models.
Weaknesses:
Not too smooth, but you can't expect perfection
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500
Bottom Line:
This is great for a cross country rider, it isn't bad when you are riding up and down hills. I recomend this for anyone who is not racing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Clarke
a Cross Country Rider
from San Sebastian SPAIN Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It's available (I was quite happy with 7 speed but can no longer easily get quality cogs.
Weaknesses:
Sprocket distribution
Similar Products Used:
All kinds of different groupsets for road and mountain.
Bike Setup:
I'm just using the LX cassette with corresponding shifter plus an XT gear change. Up front I use an old non compact XT crank with TA chain rings. I was pursuaded to buy a Dura Ace chain.
Bottom Line:
I only made the above changes because my old setup was getting old and sloppy and 7 cassettes are difficult to come by, and changing to 8 seemed like a stop-gap solution for the same reasons. So far it all works perfectly. However, I got rid of the 11 cog and replaced it with a 13 to get 12-13-14-16-18-21-24-28-32 combination which works perfectly with 46-36-26 up front. Having a 32 (previously my largest cog was a 28) enables me to replace a 24 chain ring with the 26 and thus avoid some chain suck problems I was having. The other possibility would be to use a 12-34 XT cassette but that means much more money and I don't need a 34. Having a 12-13-14 progression is nice. Why don't Shimano make this cassette combination? The bottom line is that I am for the moment very happy with my modification and I'm glad I've done it. The feel of the LX shifter is great and a big improvement on the old XT one. One question, if the modern compact chain ring system is so good how come XTR doesn't use it?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian Hughes
a
from Exeter Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
blah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
excellent shifting right through the range...though i raraely use the 22 ring. light shifters,positive action of front changer. cassette is fine but heavy,no problems with chain,after about 1000 miles of mostly wet dirty country road use
Weaknesses:
cassette is heavy.rear mech is heavy. durability yet to be demonstrated. It does need to be cleaned occasionally...do you get the feeling a lot of people spend big bucks on bikes and cool bits but don't spend any on lube,rags,brushes and a hosepipe or bucket...?
lx rear changer,cassette,chain,front changer,shifters. magura raceline brakes,stx rc hubs on zac19 rims(get the shop to tension them by hand! all the rotten reviews are almost certainly down to then being machine built.)chainset is a low end suntour 4 arm 9sp,alloy outer ring,steel inners,i would guess quality is similar to lx...cranks fine,rings to be replaced as soon as worn out...not long to go...1000-1500 miles and the "big" ring is looking worn.
Bottom Line:
It's fine,it's ok.It isn't xtr or dura ace but what does anyone expect? It works perfectly as long as you do ACTUALLY CLEAN AND ADJUST IT AS NECCESSARY...agreed it may not last forever....there is too much plastic and cheap steel where there should be lightweight alloys but that costs more. The shifters are actually ridiculously light. I don't do any serious off road cycling,I do a lot of miles on broken roads in very wet and surprisingly filthy rural roads!(anyone for pigsh*t paste all over?) I climb a lot,this part of England is anything but flat,plenty of 10,15 and 20% hills and steeper...this puts a lot of load on a drivetrain. lx works well. good upgrades:cassette,get something lighter. chain:get something which doesn't need a special pin,i.e sachs/sram pc99/89r.chainrings:get some made of anodized alloy.bottom bracket:get something lighter.this can all be done when the old stuff wears out..about 500 miles if you don't maintain it and 2000 miles if you do...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from East Lansing Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
shifts well, front and rear. durable so far.
Weaknesses:
Havent encountered one yet.
Similar Products Used:
lower end shimanos
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab 2
Bottom Line:
I think everyone on this site is too picky. I haven't found one problem yet with this! My entire drivetrain is LX and it seems to be running smoothly so far. I'll let you know if anything happens. But for now...it deserves a very good rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guido
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Affordable
Weaknesses:
Chain breakage like crazy, easy mud and debris jamming in cassette, finicky setup of rear shifting
Similar Products Used:
older 8 speed LX and XT parts
Bottom Line:
I'm a mechanic at a bike shop and in the last month I've seen 2 brand new 9 speed chains break within a few hours of leaving the shop, the most recent one occured while the guy was crusing on a paved bike path, which resulted in several injuries, including a broken collerbone. It sounds like people have been having more luck with the Sachs chain, but it's hard to tell a customer that his new expensive bike should have the chain replaced in order to make it safe to ride. It's 8 speed for me and almost every other mechanic I know. Do yourself a favor and make sure you have good health insurance before riding the stock 9 speed setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill czajkowski
a Weekend Warrior
from killeen, tx Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Generally shifts well though it must be adjusted just right
Weaknesses:
Won't adjust out chain rubbing on the front derailleur
Unless you like listening to your chain rattle against your derailleur don't buy this. Too much angle on the chain between the front and rear and not enough play in the front derailleur. Also have a problem with the cassette wobbling which I'm not sure if it's not installed properly or I have a problem with my rim. It's seems pretty straight so I'm assuming it's not mounted right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Strick
a Cross Country Rider
from Santee, Ca 92071 Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Santa Anna River Trail or Marthas Oak Grovee
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stength doesn't apply to the 9 speed system.
But when it is brand new, and adjusted perfectly, nothing shifts as fast or as well. (although I can only imagine what it is like to finish a ride like this, the system always failed on me before I got home..)
Weaknesses:
Bent chain rings in LX cassette Broke teeth off the XT cassette 5 broken chains!!!!! Both shimano and Sachs PC-91's Broken 22t front chainring, Bent 42t front chainring
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 7sp HG-90, XT top thumb mount, DX cranks with ONZA stainless steel chainrings. (why dont they make these anymore? people will not ride something 300 grams heavier that lasts forever and always performs perfectly, under abuse, they would rather keep spending money.) And 200GS 7sp, LX 7spd too.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F800 2000 model
Bottom Line:
In fewer than ten miles of off road I broke everything listed above. I had problems that I never fathomed could happen to a bike with this system. Chain sliped on chainrings, and then caught again! Every problem you can imagine. I was riding this system carefully too, I avoid the extremes, and ease through shifts. I have ridden rapidfire systems from shimano for 10 years and I know what they can and can't take. The 200GS was better than the 9 speed.
Moral: Buy the Cannondale. Demand that the store give you 8spd everything, and for the first three months you own the bike, everyday take a moment to think how lucky you are to have the wisdom of those poor riders that tried to ride 9sp.
***Lets Demand that Shimano make durable, quality stuff like they used to.*** Has anyone seen any stainless steel front chainrings latey?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Hardesty
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: January 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I never met a trail that I didnt like
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The LX 9 speed groupo is inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
The crankset and chainrings are inferior to most others.
Similar Products Used:
I have used LX and XT components before but this was my first 9 speed experience.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caad2 w/ all LX componentry.
Bottom Line:
I caught a special deal on this new C-Dale at a bike fair last spring. I had already test ridden several 9 speed bikes that were built with XT and XTR componentry and was very impressed. I thought that first I should give 9 speed a good try before I considered upgrading any of my other bikes (that is, if I really liked 9 speed). I could not think of a better way to try it other than to buy an "inexpensive" bile that was already equipped with a 9 speed groupo, so I decided to purchase this one.
Well, it was not a good first experience with an all new LX 9 speed groupo. First of all, the chainrings were absolute garbage (teeth breakung off right and left). The bike never really shifted all that well either. Along with the chain breakage (which was paper thin) the chainsuck was an everpresent problem too. The LX brakepads were shot after the first month.
The dealer was very sympathetic about all of the problems that I was having with the new bike, and he upgrade some items at a sustantially good price (I believe he made out okay on warranty replacement of the chainrings).
I upgraded to XT cranks and chainrings (5 arm compact), an XT cassette, and a Sachs PC91 chain. I on my own purchased new brake pads (Ritchey reds).
The shifting improvement with the higher grade components was like night and day. The chainsuck went away and I was now getting the full benefit of having a decent 9 speed bicycle. The new Ritchey brake pads also greatly improved braking performance.
After three months of riding this 9 speed bike, I came to the conclusion that being a "9 speeder" just was not really for me. Sometimes the extra lower gears were nice, but not really all that often. I guess that my riding style just does not demand all of those gears! I had been getting along just fine so far with my 8 speed 11-30s and 12-32s. I probably still will be getting along just fine with them for many years to come too.
I sold the bike after owning it for only three months. It was in perfect condition and the upgrades helped it sell rather quickly.
There is no need to steer clear of a new bike just because it comes with this groupo. My advice to anyone who is contemplating the purchase of a new bike with the LX 9 speed groupo is to just ask the dealer if he will upgrade you to the XT crankset, XT cassette, and a better chain before you take delivery of the bike. If he will not, try to find a dealer who will or just be prepared to make the neccessary upgrades on your own in the very near future.
Now the moment of truth. As far as the whole groupo is concerned, I had no trouble out of the bb, the wheelset, the shifters/derailleurs, the brake calipers and the brake levers. The cassette probably would have been okay but it was definetly a good idea to go to the better XT.
I can only give the complete groupo a three across the board (although if I were only rating the shifters/derailleurs I would give them a five). The inferior quality of the chinrings and brake pads resulting in the poor overall shifting and braking performance of a bicycle equipped with this component groupo is not a good value even at the cheap price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tjitte v.d. Buys
a Cross Country Rider
from Rotterdam, Holland Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The Shimano LX group has proven to have a good price / quality so far and is ideal for bikers that want to get the best out of their group for a reasonable price
Weaknesses:
Last year I bought a new LX - group but after 6 months it started to give problems when I was riding up hills. The chain gets stuck because of the front driverschain. I informed Shimano about this and they said it was a common problem on the LX - group of '98 and '99. They are trying to fix it but have not succeeded so far and are not willing to send a new one.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX 7-speed '97
Bottom Line:
Shimano LX has always been a good group but the latest versions can give some troubles
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lots-o-gears
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 7-speed
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Oxygen w/Manitou SXR
Bottom Line:
I have spent many years learning the correct way to fix a bike, namely derailleurs. I found the 9-speed a little tricky to adjust, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can have your bike ready to ride in no time.
It also helps to ride with style, skill, and finesse to avoid trashing your bike. Some people have problems with this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Higher high and lower low, finally.
Weaknesses:
chain suck, limited replacement options
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 7-speed
Bike Setup:
Bontrager, Judy XC
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my previous posting. Upon the advice of the bike shop where I purchased the bike, I switched to a Sachs PC-59 chain. That seems to have totally eliminated the chain suck problems when dry and clean. I have not encountered muddy conditions since then, due to a long Indian summer here is Colorado.My LX crank uses the 4-bolt setup, severely limiting the options in replacement chainrings. The bike shop recommended a steel granny ring, but they only listing they have for one is Quality Bicycle Products, but the shop has been trying for several months and still has not acquired one. Must be a hot item.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
edward lim
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sungei Buaya Crocodile River, Tropicana Malaysia
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
wide gearing
Weaknesses:
Chain suck.
Similar Products Used:
STX RC 8 speed
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Paragon 99.
Bottom Line:
My 99 Gary Fisher Paragon comes with LX crankset and xt rear deraileur LX front deraileru. I have a serious chain Suck problem. It seems to be getting worse. I had my first chain suck on the second/third ride. So it couldn't be due to dirt or mud causing it. It usually happens just as one is going uphill as I downshift to the second or smallest chainring.The problem is intermitent in that the mechanic cannot reproduce the chainsuck. But I can - when I ride. It happens about 1 - 3 times every second or third ride. Recently it got really bad with the smallest chainring preventing me from successfully attempting a hill. I have decided to try out the XT (HG 92) chainring (Shimano still wins). I hope it works out. My mechanic shared with me that one other customer's specialized strongarm cranks also chainsucked. They changed the chain to the XT chain. IT still chainsucked. He eventually went all XT crankset and seemed to solved the problem. My advice is if you have a choice, do not get the 9 speed LX drive trains - chains & cranks because they SUCK like a bad italian porno star.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross-Country Rider
from East Coast Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Inexpensive Works well so far
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
LX/XT/Sugino/Sram 7 spd and 8 spd mixes
Bike Setup:
'99 LX/XT
Bottom Line:
In theory, Shimano's nine-speed group should result in more chain suck, more maintenance and more bad shifts. In my real-world experience, however, (for what it's worth, after only 3 months) this is the best system I've had. Shifts are crisp and easy and quick and ultra reliable. Everything works great. I've had almost no problems at all, compared with multiple probs with my old 7 spd and 8spd systems. NOW, THIS IS A FULL '99 LX/XT KIT, ALL BOUGHT AT THE SAME TIME, AND THAT MAY BE KEY TO WHY IT WORKS WELL. MIXING AND MATCHING WITH NON-SHIMANO CRANKS, CHAINS ETC. CAUSES PROBLEMS. IS THIS GOOD FOR THE CONSUMER? NO. BUT IF YOUR MAIN GOAL IS A GOOD RIDE, THEN FULL SHIMANO 9-SPD IS GOOD STUFF.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Mihalyka
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canberra Australia Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Greenhills Kowalski single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Ratio selection and top end speed.
Weaknesses:
chain suck
Similar Products Used:
7 speed
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V 500
Bottom Line:
The upgrade from seven speed to nine speed was a great change as one would expect. In the beginning I encountered problems with chain suck when shifting to the granny ring which was really annoying. On further inspection,Dr Mal, my trusty bike mechanic noticed that I required a new granny ring as the old one was fragged. Since then I have only had probably one or two events of chain suck which I put down to incorrect shifting.If you keep your group properly adjusted, clean and well maintained, you shouldnt encounter many problems at all. It also helps to take your bike to a top mechanic for a good service and adjustment if you dont understand the finer points of gear adjustments and set up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a Weekend Warrior
from pembroke, ontario Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
20 mile loop (Jasper, AB)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
creates work and money for Shimano engineers
Weaknesses:
thin chains break and less tolerance between cogs means more frequent adjustments
Similar Products Used:
8-speed Shimano LX group (bullet-proof, hassle-free set up)
Bike Setup:
99 Specialized Rockhopper with Manitou Spyder
Bottom Line:
7 speeds was fine, 8 was pretty cool but 9 is too much. The benefit of 27 speeds over 24 is open for debate, but if you throw reliability and simplicity factors into the debate, 9 speeds don't add up to anything but profit for Shimano and the aftermarket. As well, the off-centre rim required to squeeze that extra cog on is highly suspect, though I've only had to true it a couple of times (so far). My 96 Rockhopper got ripped off and my insurance bought me a new one - the bottom line is that I'd rather have my old one back.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Shifts wells and easily if no load on chain
Weaknesses:
chain suck, chain suck, chain suck
Similar Products Used:
Older 7-speed Shimano LX and XT with Shimano and Suntour cranks and Grip Shift
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Privateer S, Judy '99 XC
Bottom Line:
My girlfriend and I bought identical bikes, different sizes, the same day. Right away we experienced chain suck, or the chain getting jammed with some links on the small chainring, and some links of the middle ring. We discovered that if you have absolutely no load on the chain when shifting the front, chain suck seldom happens. This seems like a step backwards to me.Then I did a long ride in Crested Butte the other day (Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadman), and it started raining shortly after dropping down from Reno Divide. Due to flying mud and grit, pretty soon I could not pedal in the small chainring without chain suck. This made a long, miserably wet, ride so much worse, trying to pedal uphill in the middle ring. I put oil on the chain, which helped for about 10 minutes.I think the whole compact drive, 9-speed concept is crap. Who really needed one more increment? As I understand it from personal experience, reading magazines, talking to mechanics, and my engineering background, the first thing that Shimano did wrong was reduce the sizes of the chainrings. This puts more load on each tooth and decreases the radius of the chain, both of which contribute to chain suck. Notice that the XTR crankset, which racers count on to perform reliably, still uses the traditional, larger chainrings.Then Shimano went to 9 cogs in the back, requiring a narrower chain. It seems that, even though the teeth on the chainrings may be narrower (I can't find my micrometer), the clearance between the teeth and the link plates of the chain is reduced, so that getting a piece of sand in between will keep the chain from releasing from the bottom of the chainring.Now I have to worry that if I see a rain cloud, I better head back to the car before the drivetrain craps out on me. I would give the system 3 stars for fair weather riding, and barely 1 star for wet conditions, so I will settle on 2, although with the memory of my recent ordeal still so fresh, 2 seems a bit high.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D.Black
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anything dry
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good gear spacing and ratio.
Weaknesses:
Skips, chainsuck, ghost shifts, Chain pops off middle ring, chain busted first ride. Don't but it.
Similar Products Used:
Never tried anything this crapy!
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F 700
Bottom Line:
Don't buy it. If you have it take it off your bike, smash it with a hammer, put it in a box, mail it to shamano and tell them to shove it up there asset.
Overall Rating:
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