The versatile SRAM X.7 rear derailleur crams maximum features into a tiny package. This rear derailleur handles 8 and 9 speed drivetrains with ease and offers superb, reliable shifting thanks to its 1:1 actuation ratio.
Submitted by
fuelinjection23
a Weekend Warrior
from Stratford, Ct, USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Diablo Freeride Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Good shifting, when its actually working
Weaknesses:
Cheap plastic cage
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky
Bottom Line:
I have been using x7 derailleurs now for the past 2 years and all I have experienced with them is trouble. They do shift well,but they break constantly from little use. I dont ride every weekend on the trail and i have only been to a freeride park 3 times this summer. Just recently, after landing smoothly on the trainee of a table top, the cage of the x7 split apart. I came to realize one side of the cage is plastic and could not withstand a smooth landing. I have only used this derailluer 3 times and am very dissapointed with the garbage sram is putting out there. Im going to give sram one more chance, but i would suggest going with shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
_Lac_Man_
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: January 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
SoMo - McDwll Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Quick, stable enough, durable enough
Weaknesses:
Sometimes it sticks on climbs.
Bottom Line:
This came on my Fuel EX, and I can't really complain about it, it shifts every time I push a trigger, but sometimes Ican hear it stalling, sticking on a certain gear, usually on uphill climbs. It held up through rocky downhills though and withstood a hard fall right onto some softball size rocks.
I'll hold onto this until it poops out on me, then I'll probably switch to a Shim. XT, which have always been good to me, and that new Shadow design is iteresting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joshwalee
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: December 30, 2008
I have 2 bikes and run Sram drivetrains on both. My Mongoose Teocali came with X.5 shifters and rear derailleur. My other bike (K2 Lithium) runs an X.7 drivetrain. The X.7 products simply have some machined alloy parts in place of composites found on the X.5. Besides appearance, I would have to say the X.5 does the same great job that the X.7 performs.
The shifts are quick and accurate! It does it's job great for a product you can find at half the price of an LX. It has a bit of a large size, but the performance and price make up the difference. 5 flamin' hot chilis for an excellent product line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Gramlich
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jacinto Date Reviewed: December 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Downdown_ Mammoth Lakes,CA
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Skyline Bicycles Oge
Strengths:
Never misses a shift, even uphill. Easy to adjust and maintain. Cable is neatly routed so as not to catch on something.
Weaknesses:
None noted
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT.
Bike Setup:
Raleigh 2007 Mojave 8.0
Bottom Line:
Good deal for the money. Everyone is looking for the best deal. This is it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tuneinlito
a Cross Country Rider
from Date Reviewed: December 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Excellent shifting. Can shift fast, light weight and strong. Reliable as well
Weaknesses:
non
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Kona fram and SRAM components, FSA.
Bottom Line:
Reliable, strong and light weight. I've used shimano xt, sram x7 components are obviously way better than the xt. Two thumbs up for SRAM and two thumbs down for shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mdorado
a Downhiller
from Davis, CA, U.S. Date Reviewed: December 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Livewire
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Precise shifting, looks good in all black.
Weaknesses:
Bent after about 3 months while dirt jumping.
Similar Products Used:
Sram X.5, Sram X.9, Shimano Deore LX
Bike Setup:
08' Bighit, Manitou Dorado. Truvativ, Easton, and Thomsen components.
Bottom Line:
Okay weight, kinda strong, pretty much average. I just got a Shimano Deore XT Shadow and its much lighter, stronger, and has more precise shifting. The X.7 is an okay derailer for xc, dj, and ss, but not so much for dh or fr.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yoopee
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: November 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com incl.
Strengths:
shifts quick and holds it's adjustment
Weaknesses:
it's not a rohloff.
Similar Products Used:
deore, LX, XT
Bike Setup:
NS society HT, all-mountain SL150, NC17/rynoliteXL, FSA moto, deore hyd brakes.
Bottom Line:
i'm a very happy SRAM convert. i built these on a new frame and have ridden 700km since with no adjustment needed. they're as smooth as in day one. they stick out of the bike and seem too flimsy for their intended use just like their shimano peers but work much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Generalcuz
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Everywhere I Can Ride Anytime
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Treds on my Cannonda
Strengths:
Okay, so it is a smooth shifting setup and could definitely work on my commuter bike. Sadly that wasn't what I bought it for.
Weaknesses:
Within the first 8 miles of the Nederland Xterra in Eldora, the entire thing broke right off the skewer. I have never seen anything like that happen and it really made me get choked up considering how much fun the bike course was and how many people I was passing thanks to the 29er tires rolling over rocks. I basically dropped almost a hundred dollars in entry fees to swim a 1,000 meters and ride 8 of the 14 or so miles on the trail. Plus, when it broke off, it took out four of my spokes, chipped my frame, and scratched my rims. It looks like the derailer just couldnt support my riding habits.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
07 Cannondale 29er, Avid Juicy 7s (that finally work right)etc. Currently in pieces thanks to the Sram X-7 doing so much damage when it let go.
Bottom Line:
I am giving it 2 flamin chilis because it did get me through a lot of riding this year and if you're not bouncing off cabbage sized rocks, it seems to work. I did a 50 mile race on it, one and a half Xterra triathlons, numerous free rides, etc. For the four months I had it on my bike, it worked with my average of 50 miles a week. Just a shame to see it blow out when I was in the midst of an event I trained for in extent of 5 months. I will be moving away from SRAM and Shimano. I know a lot of people love the XTR stuff but there has got to be something else out there. So begins my search considering that I need to be on the bike in less than 6 days for my next triathlon. Buy it if you do light riding, need a commuter spec'd setup, or something of that nature. Don't buy it if you do downhill or a lot of XC. Not saying it will happen to you like it did to me, but the "Did not finish" result from today was enough to make me move on from the good old SRAM X-7
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike howe
a Weekend Warrior
from Taunton, Somerset, England Date Reviewed: July 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Weacombe singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on my bike
Strengths:
does the job fine until you touch it
Weaknesses:
well, mine snapped
Bike Setup:
07 marin quake 7.2, stock parts with nc-17 sudpin III pro pedals, and at the moment it has a snapped derailleur and therefore snapped spokes
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is that this product snaps, the cage is just not strong enough, i snapped mine when i landed a 10 foot tabletop perfectly!!!!? this tabletop was like 2 foot high!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blackprophet19
a Downhiller
from Spartanburg, SC Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
clemson freeride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
bike worx
Strengths:
shifted smooth.....................
Weaknesses:
not strong at all......
Similar Products Used:
deore, deore LX,XT
Bike Setup:
stock prophet 6
Bottom Line:
i had TWO sram x-7 go into my wheel while riding which riped them off.....i change 2 deore shifters and rear derailleur and the problem is fixed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from S. Carolina Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
bumpy
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bike Worx
Strengths:
X-7 was on bike from factory. Trouble -free operation with occasional cleaning. Nice shifting. Decent price.
Weaknesses:
The X-7 and X-9 I purchased to replace the 7 both sheared off just under the skewer by the DR hanger. I ride mostly light-duty XC. I was disappointed in the short life of each unit.
Similar Products Used:
X-9 purchased after X-7 failure. X-9 didn't last long either. Broke in same location just under skewer bolt.
The price may be fair for replacement, but now I am out two derailleurs a few spokes and two wheel builds and have only had this bike for about a year and a half. It's not the end of the world, but I am rather disappointed by the short life span of both the X-7 and moreso the X-9, especially since I'm not the most aggressive rider. SRAM may need to look at their design and fix the weak areas.
I will do my best to avoid buying their products from now on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haven
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
bargain, fairly light, works well
Weaknesses:
none yet
*must use SRAM rear shifter (1:1 actuation ratio)
Similar Products Used:
shimano acera (stock on bike)
Bike Setup:
hardrock currently being upgraded
Bottom Line:
great upgrade and much lighter than stock Acera, easy to install. Shifts are clean and precise even with an 8sp cassette (will be a 9spd soon).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Palatka, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
predictable shifts even in technical sections
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore
Bike Setup:
custom built with gary fisher genesis hardtail
Bottom Line:
This deraileur is very smooth and there is no skipped sprocket. For a while I was running single speed because of the hassle of deraileurs. Then I decided to go back to index gears and I haven't had any of my previous problems except the increase in weight. Now I am ready to race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2007
The thumbs-only shifting of the X7 triggers took some getting used to. After the short learning curve, and some fine adjustment- gear changes were natural, and dead-on.
The 1:1 actuation ratio is the fairest trade you can get. It never misses a beat. Very reliable. Where else can you get Shimano XTR-quality shifting, at a DeoreLX price? SRAM obviously did their all homework.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fadi
a
from toronto Date Reviewed: November 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came Stock on 2007 Norco Atomik
Strengths:
-VERY Strong Spring To Keep The Derailleur From Rattling And Juggling Back And Forth... -No Noise, Not Even When Changing Gears :D -Looks Nice
Weaknesses:
Mine Is Not Set Up Properly And It Keeps Changing Gears On My 5,6,and 7 Gears...
A Great Derailleur, If You Are Ever In Need Of A Rear Derailleur And Have A Low Amount Of Cash, Get This One ITS GREAT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Bressat
a Downhiller
from West Sussex Date Reviewed: October 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
PORC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Only good on XC easy to set up
Weaknesses:
horrible shifting, it flaps all over the place, noisy.
Similar Products Used:
shimano alvio
Bike Setup:
kona stab 1999
Bottom Line:
rubbish product, i hopped up a curb pne time and it wrapped in my wheel broke a spoke and the mech hanger. also 2 other times it has wrappen in the wheel doing a double and doing a table top Very cr*p for downhill freeride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything with variety
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Morayfeild rd Super Cycles
Strengths:
Shifts quick&clean when set up properly. Reasonably strong. Very reliable. Not expensive.
Weaknesses:
I've found up-shifting can sometimes be poor going fast over bumpy terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Cheap rubbish aka shimano SIS
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana XC hardtail
Bottom Line:
I bought this derailleur for AU$119 and I haven't looked back. I use it for rough XC, commuting and small jumps, and it has performed well in 99% of situations - very reliable. I recommend it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP Taberdo
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Majura Pines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Brisbane Bicycles
Strengths:
Still going strong after 6500km!
Weaknesses:
Could be a little smoother, but maybe that's something to do with my cassette.
Similar Products Used:
Deore and LX. Just got a second hand Giant NRS with a deore rear mech - it sucks compared to X.7. SRAM shifts faster and more positively.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Meteore Comp
Bottom Line:
Since my last review I've taken this derailler to three states in Aus doing XC and road touring. Its taken hits and a few sweet jumps. Its even had the extra strain of lugging a BoB Trailer with 15kg up and down hills for 1200km! My derailler hanger has been bent twice, but the mech still shifts well!
Buy it, adjust it right and enjoy :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vinnie
a Cross Country Rider
from new york Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jones park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
cheap , smooth and perscise.
Weaknesses:
wears fast. My long cage is always hitting rocks and logs and branches then it gets all messed up.
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
cannondale rush 5 stock besides new panaracer fire tires.
Bottom Line:
this is a good derailer but im going to switch to a medium cage (mabey x9) because every time it hits crap it tweaks it and streatches the cables. But otherwise its ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dimitar Trajkov
a Cross Country Rider
from Skopje, Macedonia Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
local dealer
Strengths:
precise and smooth
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
trek 3700
Bottom Line:
I replaced my altus with sram x7 and until now it works quit good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Freerider from NZ
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Worked really well and smooth most of the time, however...
Weaknesses:
Very brittle. Ok, so I am a freerider :P While I was out at Woodhill forest I slightly misjudged a step up onto a raised structure and just landed on the edge of the raised structure. As soon as I landed i went off the edge knocking the derailleur lightly. SNAP. The Derailleur snapped and bent nearly going into a spoke. If you plan on doing any kind of freeriding DO NOT BUY THIS WEAK DERAILLEUR!!!!
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Jackacl. Pike 409, DMR V8 Pedals, e-thirteen chainguide, Sun Ringle Rhino Lite rims, Avid Juicy 5 brakes, Holly Roller tyres, SRAM X.7 Deraileur (well before it broke)
Bottom Line:
This derailleur worked reall well for me for the first month or so of buying my new bike. However, after a month it lost the smoothness that i was used to and after a pathetic little crash (a light knock on the derailleur) it snapped and bent nearly knocking out some spokes in the process. Mabey if your a XC person this derailleur woul be ok, but if you are a DJ or FR or DH, don't get this derailleur, it will let you down!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
down hill
a Weekend Warrior
from walsenburg Date Reviewed: April 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the streets
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
The Great Divide
Strengths:
its been to hell and back, and the springs are still strong a great derailleur for the price
Weaknesses:
adjusting on trail, but what derailleur isnt needs to come in a shorter cage
Similar Products Used:
sram x-9, shimano xtr
Bike Setup:
steelhead noleen mega air, truvativ hollzfeller, avid bb5 rear only, 26" front 24" rear sram x-7 shifter, derailleur and chain.
Bottom Line:
it needs to be adjusted after a month or so of hard riding, but what derailleur doenst, smooth when setup properly, and its my longest lasting. the srings are stiff even after a few 20 foot gappers with horrible landing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley, California Date Reviewed: February 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
JMP
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Smooth shifting Quite Hassle free Light
Weaknesses:
Broke on the 1st day out
Similar Products Used:
Deore LX XT
Bike Setup:
Stock 7point
Bottom Line:
I used X.7's on my XC bike for 5 months NO PROBLEMS! One day out FR/DH 1 crash = bent derailleur... It can be bent back but just be warned it does bend, it is not steel... I love it and would buy again. (possibly am going to buy again)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Puyallup, WA. Date Reviewed: January 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Skookum Flats
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Shifts perfectly
Weaknesses:
I have read that it can break off if your chain length isn't set correctly. Have to disconnect rear shock to measure chain length at full suspension stroke, otherwise it will break on drops / jumps. I haven't had this happen but heard that it is a critical part of the set-up.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
X-7 drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Replaced my old shimano drivetrain with X7 after reading these reviews. Glad I did. Lots of wet muddy riding and one monster endo that bent the hanger, straightened it back out and it still shifts perfectly. Click it, and it is in that gear. No hesitaion, no chattering around. Upshifts or downshifts, cranking up hills or on the flats it shifts right on queue everytime. Very precise, very reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Nysschen
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg, SA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
L.B.S
Strengths:
Shifts real smooth and quick, cycle shop set it up and all Ive done is a slight adjustment since.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Older Shimano stuff
Bike Setup:
2007 Giant Alias
Bottom Line:
One of the best setups around, Im well impressed with SRAM and will definately continue using them. Love the idea of shifting and being able to brake at the same time. Excellent quality!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan McCullough
a Weekend Warrior
from Ballymena, Co.Antrim, Northern Ireland Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
cameron(small trail)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$52.00
Purchased At:
Evans cycles
Strengths:
good shifting up, compact and quite light.
Weaknesses:
i was heading from one local trail to another and i hopped off a curb and landed quite smoothly and the derailleur hit off a spoke(not sure how...any suggestions email me at bunkers91@hotmail.com) and bent it up round vertical and snapped aswell as bending 2 spokes! i have had this derailleur for 3 days!
Similar Products Used:
shimano...not sure what one came with as a bike setup on a hardtail.
Bike Setup:
dirt jumper/street bike.
Bottom Line:
i think i have actually got a faulty derailleur and if not i would not suggest this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
my own
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
for me its light. Durable and good looking design. Stayes close to the cassette. easy to adjust and install. overall realy good shifting
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
trek bruiser, manitou black elite, sram x7 shifters, sram x7 derailleur, avid juicy three hydraulic disc brakes
Bottom Line:
After getting new avid brakes it forced me to get new shifters. That then forced me to get a new derailleur because of different ratios. I had no idea this setup would make such a difference in shifting. I originally had shimano's and they were heavy, hard to adjust, and just bad in almost every way. Shifting is extremely fast (when adjusted right) and is accurate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Price
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, UK Date Reviewed: December 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Coed-ye-brennin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Halfords
Strengths:
strength and durability, doesnt bounce up and down - but stays consitently close to the cassette
Weaknesses:
few, i suppose its a little heavy?
Similar Products Used:
deore, xt
Bike Setup:
mech is fitted to a kinesis maxlight xc hardtail
Bottom Line:
ive coverd thousands of muddy uk winter miles with this mech, its battle scarred, its starting to look a bit tatty, but it still works flawlessly.
its hooked up to x7 trigger shifters with clarks preium cables. the lower 2:1 ratio is very mud friendly, means the mech can run a stronger spring while still being easy to shift up, meaning a draggy, rusted, clogged cable has little effect on your shifting, also thanks to this lower ratio, it never really needs adjustment after the initial cable stretch, it just works.
as with pretty much any rear mech aimed for the serious rider, any issues with the mech going into the spokes, snapping off etc, 99% of the time is due to in correct setup - or simple crash damage.
i wouldnt say this mech is weak, rather overbuilt to be honest, ive had sticks get sucked up into the drive train and get snapped by the mech, ive smacked it off a few rocks which required the frame hanger to be re-alligned, but the mech is still straight.
i have no complaints about this mech - i may upgrade mine to x9 sealed jockey wheels when they eventually wear out but thats about it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Swotch
a Weekend Warrior
from Tenerife Date Reviewed: December 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cuevas negras
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with my C'dale
Strengths:
Pecise shifting, really good feeling in the thumbs
Weaknesses:
Weak frame wont withstand chain slaps
Similar Products Used:
Shimano lx and deore systems
Bike Setup:
Prophet600 factory setup with lefty, 2,5tires and 200mm hayes9
Bottom Line:
After happily using this thing for about half a year on all trails, it went right into the spokes on a flat landing after a small drop (3stairs). Spokes, chain, der hanger, derailleur, everything a mess , really. If it wont withstand a little chain slap after a drop...its to weak for serious riding IMO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dejan
a
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent shifting, very strong and solid build
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Stupid, cheap and old Shimano SIS...
Bike Setup:
2007 Giant Alias
Bottom Line:
Shifting is great and a breeze, transitions are unbelievably smooth, so smooth in fact that sometimes i dont even feel or hear it click into place. The derailleur has hardly and bob at all, no matter how rough the terrain is. Extremely recommended!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP Taberdo
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The Flames of Mt. Buggary
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Brisbane Bicycles
Strengths:
Going really strong so far, especially after adjusting from cable stretch. Very crisp throughout. Cheap as quite expensive chips!
Weaknesses:
Could be a bit better downshifting with load. I hate always having to ease off when shifting and climbing.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX -> definately not as good.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Meteore Comp 05
Bottom Line:
I'm pretty happy with SRAM. No problems of reliability or bad shifting, and I've been riding hard XC for the last few months. Noticeably different to Shimano LX - X-7 seems to shift with more guts. Definately recommended for XC, but I agree that getting something stronger for downhill or freeride is a good idea.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from melbourne australia Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
castlemain piney
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good reliable shifting in all conditions
Weaknesses:
none that i have found
Similar Products Used:
none properly
Bike Setup:
upgraded giant iguana
Bottom Line:
this derailler is really fantastic. it is reliable even when clogged with mud.the shifting acion is smooth and i like the fact that you can change four gears with one lever push. great price as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre Swift
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Well...it seemed to work well with the X-7 shifters (really no complaints). It was the OEM equipment on my Mongoose Teocali Comp, comparably smooth as the Shimano XT
Weaknesses:
Unlike the XT, this derailler missed a few notches while shifting and would bind up during heavy riding. Mine snapped below the hanger wiping out the quick release knob, derailler hanger. Luckily, I had just finished bombing down a hill and hit level ground when this happened. It just snapped for no reason. I will probably go back to using XT due to a proven track record on my other bikes.
I bought it new from ebay after the acera that came as standard, fell apart. It has proven in only three months that it is far superior to any shimano product i've tried. It is accurate and quick and i've had no problems with it yet.
I think that it is the best mech for any XC rider unless they want to pay the £150+ for the X-0.
Better than Shimano!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Foye
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
beaverdam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Blueskycycling
Strengths:
inexpensive (at the time, included trigger shifters for $70), setup removes large loop of cable housing before derailleur, worked fine before it was hit.
Weaknesses:
initial build quality: there was play in the pivots out of the box. durability on impact
Similar Products Used:
8spd XT, XTR, LX, STX(old school)
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit setup for light freeriding/very technical trail riding.
Bottom Line:
This was a nice setup in theory since cost was low, and it functioned reasonably well. The main pivot had a lot of slop out of the box, which could just be bad luck. Shop owner here said it can happen with LX/X.7 and down. The slop didn't affect shifting too much, it was fairly reliable and down shifted pretty well under stress. My complaint at this point is durability. I endod at very slow speed (stupid, front wheel bound up) and the rear wheel went up over me, then the bike went down on the right side. The hit was almost all r. der. but what I didn't notice until a few minutes down the trail was that the hit had warped the entire body of the derailleur so that I could only get 4 our of 9 gears out of it. The swinging assembly would hit the pivot point. Now I'd say okay..I slammed it and it broke, but my 8speed XT has gotten maybe 5 hits like that and never budged. I know that series of XT is a workhorse, but I expected a bit more out of the x.7 considering how much it costs now ($50+?) I liked the idea of giving SRAM the business considering Shimano's dominance for so long. For XC this derailleur is probably great, and if you can find it on a good deal, go for it. I guess I found out the hardway that it isn't quite up to snuff for harder riding. I'll probably go with hone or saint just to minimize the risk of a smashed derailleur again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Easley, SC Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The Trails at Clemson SC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Precise shifts! I was about to give up on running a 9 speed rear and go back to 8 when I switched to a sram X7.0 with X 7.0 push button shifters. I am very happy with the quality of the shift action. Solid id the best way to describe the shifting.
Weaknesses:
None noted so far
Similar Products Used:
XT and LX which work great when new but the 9 speed gets sketchy in short order requiring more tweaking to shift as well as 8 speed.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn MOAB DS1 with Fox rear shock and Manitou Black fork, and of course a sram X7.0 drive train
Bottom Line:
The first 6 months with the sram drive train was good enough to motivate me to upgrade my hard tail's drive train from XT 8 speed to sram 9 speed for this season. I am going to try grip shifters with it since I got them for dirt cheap. I will review them after I get some miles on them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Tate
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, NZ Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Torpedo7
Strengths:
Very tough. Smooth shifting. Low Price. Required very little adjustment for perfect shifting, right out of the box.
Weaknesses:
Black finish scratched easily when bike falls on the der (mainly cos I'm too lazy to be careful with my bike...) A little heavy (compared to x.9 or x.0)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, Alivio, XTR, Deore.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock, with Hayes HFX-9 Hydros, WTB speed disc hubs, dual duty rims, Rockshox Judy TT(*sigh* soon to be replaced with a real fork) Shimano XT front Derailleur, SRAM x.7 trigger shifters
Bottom Line:
Great Value, great performance.. This derailleur is the SHIZZ. (unless you have the money for the X.0...)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David houston
a Downhiller
from Tasmania Date Reviewed: January 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Telosa st bike park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
perfect shifts every time. super strong
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx
Bike Setup:
06 giant dh comp
Bottom Line:
great derailer perfect shifting. the only time i have hed to adjus it was when i all most snapped it off when my rear wheel came off a north shore skinny, but even then the adjustments where miner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ju$tin
a
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
strong, reliable, shifts well, doesnt need much adjustment, get more for money, 1:1 acctuation
Weaknesses:
non yet, will post again at a later date
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
prophet
Bottom Line:
After yesterday I had to post a review on this thing. I have never ridden in mud like I did yesterday, in fact my bike was about 10 lbs heavier at the end of the day due to caking. When I washed my bike I pulled rocks, twigs, and leaves out of the derailleur alone. i was surprised the thing still was working. There was a pebble wedged in the gate, surprisingly it went unnoticed all day. All I have to say is this is a strong D. I didn't even have any ghost shifting all day...SRAM is making better products than shimano..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul C
a Weekend Warrior
from Boca Raton, FL, USA Date Reviewed: December 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Fast shifts, crisp, reliable.
Weaknesses:
Long cage.
Similar Products Used:
Acera
Bike Setup:
GT avalanche disc.
Bottom Line:
This a great der. I upgraded from shimano acera. Like night and day. I bought them together with the X.7 shifters for $80. Work seemless together, and have never skipped a beat. I feel for the price, they far beat anything Shimano. The design is top notch, making sure to cut friction by eliminating the fritction prone loop behind the derailleur. Well worth it, love SRAM.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bruce molina
a Cross Country Rider
from st.louis Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
chub
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ballwin bikes
Strengths:
great shifting,looks stelty and stays tuned
Weaknesses:
cast aluminum mount
Similar Products Used:
xt lx
Bike Setup:
santa cruz blur,fun!!!!
Bottom Line:
i love sram i just fill let down with the cast mount,it broke on me and left me with a 3 mile hike home and a broking heart.anyway i just got a x0 becuse the mount is forged.i hope the xo will last longer than 6 months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Coffman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bremerton, Wa., USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2005
2004 Cycle Genius STX Sport compact-long-wheel-base recumbent
Bottom Line:
This rear changer replaces a very good functional SRAM 5.0 unit. The X-7 is considerably lighter in weight and much prettier, so the upgrade in my case was for rather nit-picky reasons!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton,Canada Date Reviewed: October 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
RVC
Strengths:
good shifting untill.....
Weaknesses:
well, i had nothing bad too say untill the things started to break
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore(complete sh*t)
Bike Setup:
04 foes fly with mavic, monsters, and sram.
Bottom Line:
well, 2 things broke on me in its 3 month run. #1 is the little ring on the bolt that keeps the deraileur fron hitting the cassette, its only 2mm thick and its on a high stress part!! serious design flaw. and #2 is the entire fu*king deraileur went to hell. it snapped right at the bolt hole, went into my spokes (while going about 20mph) ripped about 3/4 of them out, snapping my chain, and bending my expensive brand new xtr cassette and causing an estimated $550 damage. bottom line, if u do xc or aggressive trail, its great, just not for drops. if u do them, spend the xtra $$ and get Saint, im getting that this winter. for these problems, i have to give a: 2 for value and a: 1 for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N.B.GAS
a Cross Country Rider
from LAS VEGAS, NV. Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
THE BIKE BENCH .com
Strengths:
FAST,CLEAN,and FLAWLESS shifting! Set it up and forget it!
Weaknesses:
NOT!
Similar Products Used:
Alivio,Deore,XT..[good].LX..[POS]........ X-9..AWESOME,still in service on my IBEX.
...TOTALLY AWESOME, REAL CLOSE TO THE SAME LEVEL AS MY X-9s[read review]..... ...STEP OUT OF THE [big-s] BUBBLE!...I KNOW IT'S NOT GONNA BE EASY!...I SPENT 7yrs UNDER THE b-s SPELL.... ...ONCE YOU TRY SRAMs ESP X-SYSTEMs...YOU WILL BE FREE... ...FREE TO RIDE-RIDE-RIDE...MY REPAIR-STAND IS COLLECTING DUST!!!
.....THANKs SRAM, RACE-FACE, and ALL THE REST!...PEACE....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luca killick
a Downhiller
from new zealand Date Reviewed: August 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike i bought on www.torpedo7.com
Strengths:
shifts well wen tuned propali
Weaknesses:
it broke for no reason wen i was ridin but was replaced unda warranty no questions asked
Similar Products Used:
xt, deore
Bike Setup:
keewee progressor fram, sherman slider plusses, keewee stiky ring chain gide, laser dick dh weels, hussafelt cranks, hfx9 hd breaks
Bottom Line:
pretty gud just not kwite strong enuf
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Smithys [world champ XC course 1996?] 10 mins pedaling from home
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Bike man
Strengths:
Shifts great, better than any thing I have ever used. I was pleasantly surprised at how cheap it was to replace...see below
Weaknesses:
I dont think is related to the derailler itself. It came Std on my Mongoose Teocali. On the first real ride last night I hit a fallen branch across the track, this broke and pushed the derailler in to the rear wheel. The rear wheel instantly spun it 180 degrees. Luckily it did not break any spokes but the derailler is toast. Totaly screwed. Bent the parallelagram and jocket wheel cages beyond recognician. But like I said, I dont think this is a relection of the deraillers quality, just bad luck. Bike only had 20 km's on it
Similar Products Used:
XT, X-9 various cheap products
Bike Setup:
Std Mongoose Teocali Comp
Bottom Line:
Shifts superb. If it gets tangled in the rear wheel agian I will be so pissed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill murray
a Downhiller
from southern hemisphere Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
hmmmmm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
shifts well when paired with X7 shifter, suprisingly strong, light
Weaknesses:
having a long cage lets it hang down fairly low- hasn't been an issue yet...
Similar Products Used:
altus, alivio, acera, deore, LX, XT
Bike Setup:
Norco team w/ X7 shifter & Rear deraileur
Bottom Line:
when paired with the X7 shifter, its shifts superbly and has done so for the last 13 months. it hasnt been tuned once in this time and is still going strong. It even survived a broken hanger that resulted in the derailleur ripping 14 spokes out of my wheel, I thought it must have been dead after that, but it was still perfect :o. So buy it and the X7 shifter and be prepaired for shifting bliss.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Nor Cal Date Reviewed: June 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
to many to list
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Quick and percise shifting
Weaknesses:
cage flexes, pulleys use unsealed bearings.., Spring and pivots are not protected. tempramental...
This is my 2nd SRAm RD...the first was a ESP 7 which lasted a good 2 years. Ok, I wouldnt have thought a RD could take the abuse i dished out..but it did. It survived the removal of a hanger, being skid across rocks and roots. Being nearly ripped off the hanger and it still works ...sorta. I will say that defintely got my $$'s worth outta that thing.
Im giving it a 4, because to this day ive never had a 5...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron R
a Weekend Warrior
from York, PA, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Quick, Smooth, Efficient shifts every time.
Weaknesses:
Bent my first one, but can't really blame the derailer, I flipped and it landed directly on a rock.
Similar Products Used:
Deore XT
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek 4600 w/ clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
Very Good. I feel this is the best DR for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Viktor Oravec
a Cross Country Rider
from Bratislava, EU Date Reviewed: June 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$53.00
Purchased At:
Kaktusbike - Bratislava, EU
Strengths:
There is none B-tension screw, fine tunning is made by shifters. Light and crisp shifting(good spring).
Weaknesses:
Pulleys pulleys pulleys - i have a big problem to find out new pulleys. Pulleys' bearings are not sealed.
Similar Products Used:
Shi LX, Alivio
Bike Setup:
Columbus Zonal frame, Duke XC Air (2002), Ritchey, truvative stuff, Selle Italia C2,
Bottom Line:
I decided to buy new Sram X-7 system when i decided to move from 8-speed to 9-speed system (you know there is big problem to find out replacements for 8-speed system). I bet on the SRAM because of some good invetion such as (ESP, power chain, etc.). SRAM X-7 is light derailleur with good price performance ratio. It need on fine tunning after 3 mounths. I think that the biggest weakness will be to find out replacemnts for pulleys.:)). Thus i give 4 chillis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mangel manuel
a Weekend Warrior
from denver, co, usa Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005
Submitted by
Raymond Poon
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Nickel back
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Cyclepath
Strengths:
This component delivers responsive and accurate shifting. Shifts are immediate and without hesitation. It has never mis-shifted.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the shifts can be quite rough but that's probably due to my bad timing.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore LX
Bike Setup:
2005 Devinci Cameleon
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a great component that goes hand-in-hand with the SRAM X.7 shifters. Responsive, quiet, and accurate shifting can result time after time if the shifts are properly timed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jarno
a Weekend Warrior
from the Netherlands Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Accurately shifts several gears at once. Smooth movement. No more derailleur slamming against the frame at every bump. Smooth movement. Easy to clean. Did I mention that its movement is smoooooooth?
Weaknesses:
As soon as I find one I'll let you know. :-)
Similar Products Used:
The whole Shimano range from Altus up to XT
Bike Setup:
Viper Fatboy frame with Swinger 3-way shock, Marzocchi MX Comp air 105mm, Deore LX crankset, SRAM X.7 rear derailleur, Deore XT front derailleur, LX hubs, Xtreme rims, LX V-brakes.
Bottom Line:
It does what it's supposed to. Always. Under all conditions. It's as simple as that. I'd also recommend getting the matching attack trigger shifters, it's very convenient having to use only your thumb for all your shifting, and you can go back four gears at once. A winning combo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Hsinchu, Taiwan Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
easily adjustable switches gears on steep inclines chain stays tight on clogs on drops price
This derailleur is amazing. I had to adjust it once shortly after I purchased it, but haven't since then and have been riding over 3000km on it. There is not much else to say on it. Buy it and it will do exactly what you expect from it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Murray
a Weekend Warrior
from Aus Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great shifting, fairly easy setup, set and forget
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano LX, deore
Bike Setup:
05 AC
Bottom Line:
great shifter for the money, couldnt be happier with the way it shifts and pairs well with X.generation front derailleur. way better than any shimano iv tried and have had no problems whatsoever with it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phantomow2
a Cross Country Rider
from NH Date Reviewed: December 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Strengths:
It shifts amazingly well, and for the price its almost too good to be true. Far superior to shimano anything
Weaknesses:
Well you need to have an SRAM shifter with the 1:1 ratio, which is more of a blessing than anything so its not really a weakness
Bottom Line:
This thing shifts extremely well, paired with x7 trigger shifters it makes for a shifting system superior to shimano. Much more cost effective for those of us on a budjet. When i first got i was so impressed, it shifted so quietly and perfectly i could not even feel it, it is amazing. Even now after 6 months and seeing crappy conditions with a few collisions with rocks its still working well, easy to clean also. I cant see myself ever going to XTR, i dont think shifting gets better than this so it sounds like a waste to pay that money. I would give this 6 chilis all the way around if i could
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
mud trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
does not skip smooth looks good easy to clean
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
deore, LX
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant AC
Bottom Line:
SRAM X.7 Rear Derailleur is the best I have ever used. I'm just a bit woried about how the cable is ran. But other than that is the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
????????????????
Strengths:
as all the other reviews state, shifting is the best I've had (replaced XT) - very smooth and precise shifting. Way cheaper - 2 shifters and x7 rear der. only $10(US) more than shimano xt rear der only.
Weaknesses:
pully wheels wear very quickly (even with frequent cleaning)way faster than the XT it replaced (had XT for 5 years have had X7 for only 1). The sealed bearing the advanage
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
I would recommend shelling out the extra cash for the X9 or X0 to get the sealed bearings which will last a lot longer and require less cleaning. I will be performing this upgrade as soon as finances allow.
Still a very good product and am very happy with the change over from Shimano and will be getting the SRAM front der.
thumb shifters are great too as can shift and brake at the same time and seems to be more natural way to shift
4 flamin' chilli's overall due to the quick wearing out of pulley's
But definately 5+ chilli's for value
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fast shifts, never misses
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano alivio, deore, xtr
Bike Setup:
Trek 4600 - stock +toe clips
Bottom Line:
Couldnt be happier... shifts faster and cleaner than any XTR that i tried, thumb shifters are easy to use, looks good.. great deal on the bike too, so i'd consider them a great value, much better than the deore rear on the 4500
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damian L
a Downhiller
from Warwick, RI, USA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
84.00 w/ shifters at Pricepoint
Strengths:
Very easy to install, great adjustment screw location
Weaknesses:
When I find one, i will post it.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit, Marz. Super T Pro, LRP, Hayes Hydro 8", Mavic D321, Maxix Mobsters
Bottom Line:
This has been the best and most percise shifting rear der. I have every used. From the first shift on the trail I knew I picked a winner over my broken LX. The 1:1 shifting ratio cuts down on shifting fatigue and the double thumb shifting comes second nature from minute 1. I have yet to miss a shift under hard pedaling while shifting. I can ride with more confidence knowing my knee is not going to ram into the stem during a miss shift or a ghost shift. Thanks SRAM for showing me the way. If you want an alternative to the finicky Shimano ders. check out the SRAM line. Great value and great craftmanship.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Nethetlands Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Heerlen Limburg
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came standard on the bike
Strengths:
Beats any shimano group and costs half the price.
Weaknesses:
If you find one: Let me know.
Similar Products Used:
Some of the usual shimano crap
Bike Setup:
Gazelle Response, SR suntour XCP LO fork, Sram X.7 trigger shifters, magura HS11 brakes and some ritchey components.
Bottom Line:
The best shifters I've ever seen. They where set up at the bike shop and I have never touched them since. Only cleaned them. They have never failed on me yet, and I sometimes abuse them a little by shifting uphill, but they can take it. I'll never go back to shimano. Well, maybe for peddals or hubs, but never for shifting components. I'm sticking to SRAM.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vic Branson
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004
Titus SuperMoto Light (w/lightweight rear triangle), Chris King Headset and Hubs, Mavic 719 RIMS, Shimano Saint w/bashgaurd Crank, SRAM X.0 gripshift, 1.5" EC70 Riserbar, etc. all top of the line components.
Bottom Line:
First of all, there is no comparison between SRAM and Shimano. After 8+ years of screwing with the Shimano's after almost every ride (both XTR and XT), I knew there had to be something better than Shimano. I quickly realized the SRAM X.7 rear mech was far superior in reliability and precision while the cost is a bit less, so that's a no brainer. The X.9 and X.7 perform at the same level. There is only a slight difference between the two (pulley cage is CNC machined on the X.9 vs. stamped for the X.7 - other than that, they are the same). For $15.00 less, the smart money is on the X.7.
For all you people that continue to buy Shimano and have never tried SRAM, please stop (especially now that they are jacking up their prices like they have a monopoly on the market, because they don't thanks to SRAM). I can promise you that you will not be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodney
a Cross Country Rider
from houston, texas Date Reviewed: May 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
sun and ski
Strengths:
Very smooth shifts, even when on a steep incline.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely nothing
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore, and Shimono XT
Bike Setup:
2000 kona nunu
Bottom Line:
This is amazing, especially for the price. I have tried shimano for years and I have never have never seen the quality that I seen in this sram. It is light, durable, and shifts smoother than any other style I have used, even up hill or in difficult terrain. I definately recommend this to anybody who wants an affordable derailer that out performs any other brand out there. So long Shimano!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oz
a Racer
from Chicago Date Reviewed: February 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
WORS race trails..
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Very strong, dependable, sharp shifting (and great price).
Weaknesses:
Does not work with Shi+mano (is that a weakness?)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT..
Bike Setup:
Salsa Caballero, full SRAM drivetrain, FOX Talas RL fork, Cane Creek Cloud Nine rear, Marta Magura brakes, Mavic X3.1 with Sapim wheels..
Bottom Line:
I have been using this derailleur (with their shifter set) for at least 6 months now. It has seen many races, through mud and even snow, and NO problems. Definitely recommended, SRAM is the way to go!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Vinlono
a Cross Country Rider
from charleston illinoi Date Reviewed: January 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
cedar lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
light strong, awsome shifting
Weaknesses:
not compatable with many shifters
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore, xt, xtr
Bike Setup:
access frame, rockshox sid fork, random wheels and lots of SRAM components
Bottom Line:
this derailleur is kick amazing, from the first shift i knew i had something good. the 1:1 ratio delivers fast powerful shifts every time and have never gunked the thing up. i have tried shimano, and i will never go back. SRAM has me sold
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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