Submitted by
Maxdaddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR, US Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lake Leatherwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Looks-carbon fiber is sick, weight-super light, smooth-almost no noise when shifting.
Weaknesses:
Weak-carbon looked cool untill i craked it 3 miles into its first use. A stick rolled up in the chain flipped the derailler and cracked the pretty carbon cage. replacement is $99, probably end up just getting X9. I have gotten sticks caught in my chain numerous times, and never destroyed my derailleurs before.
Similar Products Used:
X7, LX, XT
Bike Setup:
Sette Ace build up. Had X.O for about 15 minutes before it snapped.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy this product unless you have cash to blow. The carbon cage is super weak and brittle. It shifts great and looks great when its in one piece, but its just a matter of time before the cage shatters, and your SOL. Just go with x.9 for about a hundo cheaper and a stronger cage. I'm gonna try to contact SRAM, but I doubt they do anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob L
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County Date Reviewed: June 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Light
Similar Products Used:
SRAM X9, XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Titus ML, at the time of this review, a Santa Cruz Blur LT
Bottom Line:
What a piece of crap. I snapped a derailluer cage after riding the first one for 6 or 7 months. I was a little suprised but loved the crisp shifting and replaced it with another XO. This one snapped after two months. Very weak. I have since replaced with an X9 and have ridden on this derailluer for over a year without a problem. The X9 is definitely stronger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
flamingo
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, MI, USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Highland, MI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Precise Shifts !
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
2006 Trek Fuel EX 9.5 Frame, Fox Tallas RLC front shock, Sram X.0 Shifters, Shimano XT crankset, Avid Juicy 7 brakes.
Bottom Line:
Just this year I got rid of the XTR derailer and what a difference. This thing shifts bang on all the time. The XTR would miss the shifts all the time despite constant tunning. The 1:1 ratio works really well. If you are on a tighter budget get X.9
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rollinwith26s
a Downhiller
from BC Date Reviewed: April 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
SMOOTH shifting
in my two years using it I have never had any problems with it.
It looks damn good.
Best derailleur I have ever had.
Weaknesses:
None. When I got it I was warned that it is fragile and a lot of people have reported this to be true. But I bought a banger hanger for it and have never had it break on me. As a matter of fact I accidentally dropped the bike and it landed on the derailleur and it was perfectly fine.
I guess it is expensive but it came stock on my bike so that wasn't a problem for me :).
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
King Fisher stock except my Totem.
Bottom Line:
I am an abusive rider and this derailleur has never failed me in two years while at the same time providing smooth shifting and good looks. :) Great option to consider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jamesdaddy23
a Downhiller
from roseburg or Date Reviewed: April 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Havent built it yet
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Needless to say ive had this thing since they first came out when i was an XC racer. Its since been through three seasons of XC racing and an additional 3 years of me beating the hell out of it on my FR bike! I just cant kill the thing! The scariest part of all is it still shifts as good as the day that i bought it. I dont know how sram can be making money on these things! They work so well and are so durable!!!
Weaknesses:
Um I havent found one yet! Hence why im still running it after over 6 years!
Similar Products Used:
NONE compare! Ive broken xtr's and xt's in the time ive had my XO.
Bike Setup:
Scott nitrous 20 frame with an 02 monster T fork.(best generation of this fork, before they weighed 12 pounds;)
Bottom Line:
Buy this derailleur!!! Yeah its a little bit more than the competition but when it last for over 6 years like it has and still runs like it does why get anything else!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grum27
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: April 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Light weight, BIG bling factor, fastest shifting out there, ultra reliable. Best sealed bearings!
Weaknesses:
On the older models, the entire pulley cage was carbon, which was quite weak! Price!
Similar Products Used:
Sram X-5, Shimano LX, XT
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance, Sram X0 rear mech and shifters.
Bottom Line:
I bought this XO back in '06', which were one of the full carbon cage models. After 3 years of abuse I had a stick rip the jockey cage in two. After wheeling my baby back to the shop I was given the good news that the cage was easily replaced.
After forking out on the new cage I was delighted to see that SRAM have added a metal inner cage and kept the carbon outer still there. This means that the newer models are much more rigid and tougher than before but still retain that carbon bling. All negative reviews seem to focus on the weak jockey wheel cage, fear this no more!
If you find one on special and you want the crispiest and fastest shifts around... Get It! After 3 years of riding through dust, mud and everything between my jockey wheel bearings are like new, very well sealed! The only maintenance I gave it was the ocasional scrub down when washing the bike.
The only downside besides the earlier weak cage problem is that some people prefer the quieter smooth feel of a shimano mech. I however love pushing those thumb levers and hearing the chain snap into the next cog, the feeling is precise and it reeks of quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, California USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek Park(24 Hours Adrenalin Course)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Light, fast and clean shifts, unaffected by dirt/dust, Titanium return spring nets ZERO chain slap.
Weaknesses:
Price is prohibitive.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX/XT/XTR, SRAM X9.
Bike Setup:
19-pound Cannondale XC race hardtail, with all the best, including tuned SRAM X0 long-cage alloy RD, with KCNC ceramic pulleys(185 grams).
Bottom Line:
This is a RACE ONLY part. If you are not being paid to ride- X9 is just as good, for a 3/4 less. Compared to Shimano- X0 smokes Rapid Rise, and earlier XTR(M960/SGS) by a long shot.
Combined with X0 twisters- X0 can make your chain easily go from the largest cassette cog, to the smallest- in one smooth, slithering motion. No way any Shimano product can dump gears this fast, period.
Just remember- this is XC RACE ONLY! Buy it only if you are a hopeless weight weenie(like ME), with deep pockets. The BEST...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
caryoradr
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Shifts smooth and super fast, setting it up was easy as hell, and it looks kool
Weaknesses:
None...might upgrade to ceramic and change the back plate for a carbon one I saw on ebay.
Similar Products Used:
XT,
Bike Setup:
Cannondale, XTR Front deriller, X.0 Rear deriller & Triggers, Juice Ultimate 185, FSA K-force crank, Bontrager XXX Stem, seat post & Handlebars, Bontrager X lite wheels and Fisik Carbon seat.
Bottom Line:
Would not change this deriller for any other the best...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JBerry
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Jim Branch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Mole Hill Bikes
Strengths:
Smooth gear changes and light weight. Never had to be adjusted.
Weaknesses:
11 months usage on it, and it broke. Snapped right off at the arm. I have a feeling that the light weight design contributed to this product failure. The product was not abused in any way and was maintained properly.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro _ 2007
Bottom Line:
Kind of disappointed that after only 11 months of use this thing snapped under so little strain on it. Even a bigger disappointment was that I was in the middle of nowhere (forest) by myself when it happened. Also, did I mention I didn't have a quick chain fix tool with me. . . it was a long hard walk back to the car.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
njmtnbkr
a Racer
from West Milford, New Jersey, USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
factory equiped and
Strengths:
I have used shimano XTR and XT. I like them but SRAM X.0 is the best so far. Like the last reviewer stated this is a race product. If your a trail rider or all mountain rider go for an X9 I guess. I never used an X9 but I will assume its like shimano XT ? anyway,, strengths,, it just works, works fast, I have X.0 twisties and paired up they make for the fastest most reliable cross country shift setup I have seen. I race very ruff east coast singletrack and I have had the derail ripped off my bike multiple times. Stuck in spokes. Dropout breaks but after I put a new drop out in and cable housing the derail is fine. I have yet to damage the cage,spring,pulleys and I smack rocks and logs very hard with it.
Weaknesses:
whats up with the plastic inserts. I have stripped like 6 or so out already,, I finally jammed a larger screw in there.
Similar Products Used:
none because shimano does not make a unit with a spring as strong.
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.9 ,stans,X.), XTR, small block 8's, 3 inch fork. Its a 20 pound XC race bike
Bottom Line:
I have two of them. when I bust the one off I swap in the other and repair the inserts on the one I broke off. Clean it, etc. 3 chills for value because even with my discount there expensive and 5 for rating because I cant use another. I am going to try an X9 though because the cost is like a quarter of the X.0...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan the Man
a Racer
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: August 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
too many
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
SRAM
Strengths:
1:1 is superior, quick shift, bad A when paired with X-0 Twister
Weaknesses:
I'll say it flat out, strength, its weak (don't fire me SRAM, I love you guys)
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, X-9
Bike Setup:
blah, blah, titanium hardtail, blah blah, juicy ult. blah blah, Chris King. Best part, I get payed for riding it.
Bottom Line:
lets start this off by saying what X-O isn't;
it isn't a downhill group ,the guys using it for downhill are the same type of guy running dura-ace mechs.
it's not an all mountain group, X-O is an ultralight XC group dedicated to amazing shift quality/speed and saving you as much weight as it can, X-9 is amazing too same shift, better durability.
If you use X-0 for anything other than xc it's probably going to break, and I will even go so far as to say don't use it in deep mud, swap it for an X-9, that simple
Ok, so about the derailleur its the best there is. I rode XTR on my personal bike forever, I still run an XTR front Der.(blacked out cuz SRAM makes me) but for rear it's X-0 for a dry track, X-9 for training and super muddy Oregon races.
Bottom line use it for what its meant for, use it and you will be 1000% happy, abuse it and you end up with a cool wall hanging or something.
4 turds because it's quite expensive and it's not a do it all mech
Overall: 5 turds because, 1:1, enough said
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
donald a
a Weekend Warrior
from Olathe, KS, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Shawnee Mission Park
Purchased At:
Bike Stop
Strengths:
Shifts great
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
Stock 2007 Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
I have been riding since 2002. Everything I’ve owned till now has been Shimano equipped.
The X0 came on my Epic. I've ridden it since October of 2007. I think it great and have never had any problems with it. It shifts when it suppose to and never hesitates. I've been thru rock gardens, sand and dirt and have never had a problem. It came from the bike shop ready to go and has never been adjusted.
Some X0s have a carbon fiber outer cage; mine has an aluminum outer cage.
My LX derailleurs shifted good, but seemed to need adjusting more often and sometimes hesitated especially when dirty. Keeping a clean drive train eliminates a lot of problems.
I will recommend this to my friends and if you need a top of the line derailleur, this is a good one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
n8rhino
a Racer
from Bakersfield, Ca USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cannell Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Shifts are easy and crisp! I have always used Shimano and been very happy. I think the SRAM stuff shifts better in long rides not as fussy when it gets dirty.
Weaknesses:
None as of yet.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
2008 S-Works Stumpy
Bottom Line:
Not sure why the last 2 post bag on the XO? I have done some really rough long rides and had no problems at all? I would suggest XO to my friends!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skiper
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch, Smithville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$325.00
Strengths:
Shifted well before the self destructive snap.
Weaknesses:
carbon fiber and light weight metal on the wheel cage. Very bad idea!!!
Similar Products Used:
shimano XTR. I've used nothing but shimano on my bikes over 7 years. It may not be the best but has never caused a crash.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale
Bottom Line:
If your going to use this product make sure to have the best medical insurance and extra cash for parts replacement.
Though I'd try something new. This Scam '08 X.0 rear Dérailleur was less than 1 month old. The cage snapped in two, destroyed my rear wheel and nearly killed me. Thank technology for good helmets! This Dérailleur belongs on a bike that rides on pillows at no more than 2 mph!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kfedick
a Weekend Warrior
from leesburg, VA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light, looks, shifting is fast crisp, and smooth
Weaknesses:
small crack across the "xo" piece where the pin goes through
Similar Products Used:
shimano, sram x9
Bike Setup:
white frame, rockshox tora, transition temple light blue ano stem, white strip bar, stroker front and rear, odi grips with straitline blue caps, fsa headset, raceface cranks and bb, sram hollowpin chain, sram red fancy cassette, sram xo, ditch wich wheels(soon mavic deetrax)
Bottom Line:
great product, product failure is probably my fault
after some of the stuff i have put it through, i am surprised it is strait and allighned.
i am going to see if the crack is covered by warranty and hopefully get a new one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pinkshirt
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
When it worked, it worked well. I never had to pay any attention to it.
Weaknesses:
With less than 30 miles on it, I sucked up a small dry twig (no more than a quarter inch diameter) and it just demolished the cage. It literally broke in four different places. Very disappointing.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
06 Gary Fisher 292 bone stock, well, going to all XT setup after this.
Bottom Line:
I've never really been comfortable with the SRAM X9 shifters, but the X.0 rear der was nice enough to keep me from switching to Shimano. But now that the nicest (or at least most expensive) part of the shifting system got shredded, I'm ordering Shimano stuff today.
If it came on your bike, have fun with it, but beware. Otherwise I can't suggest "upgrading" to something so weak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Greenwood, IN Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, Fast Shifting, Easy Setup
Weaknesses:
price (but I'm cheap)
Similar Products Used:
X.7, X.9, Shimano XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula Supreme, Sram X.0, Fox F100 RLC, Industry Nine Ultralight, Hayes Disc
Bottom Line:
A derailleur that looks nice and performs even better. The fastest shifts I have ever felt, and flawless. Riding this derailleur removed any doubt in my mind that this is the best. I have read many reviews and almost went with a different setup, but I am glad I didn't.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kaneda Gomes
a Cross Country Rider
from San Leandro, Ca, US Date Reviewed: March 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anywhere i can ride
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Wheels Of Justastace Cylclery (in the montclair district of Oakland California)
Strengths:
Shifts where you want it when you want it
Weaknesses:
It doesnt say XTR on it like the shimano front derailer,
Similar Products Used:
shimono alvisio, xt, and xtr
Bike Setup:
2005 Sworks stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
I have to wonder WHY people are braking this detailer. Now ive had an XTR detailer on my previous stumpjumper for years, and was leery because the new S-works carbon fiber bike, didnt have XTR shimano in the rear. But I figured i could always swap it out later. But unlike my Xtr detailer, i didnt have to readjust the cable after the first 2 weeks of riding. 2 months after i started to ride the detailer started getting fussy (it took that long for the cable stretch to effect it), but with a quick turn of the cable adjuster, the problem was solved. The XTR shifter worked great, but was never that easy to get keep in adjustment. Sram has won me over. Im not saying scrap youre shimono, nor am i saying swap it out, im just saying XTR is no longer the end all be all for derailer's, If you cant decide between the two buy wicheverone is cheapest, you cant go wrong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Leesburg Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$188.00
Purchased At:
B O
Strengths:
smooth shifting, light, looks awsome, ease of adjustability, versitile it can be used from xc racing to extreeme downhill and freeride. adjustable spring tension,
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
shimano crap
Bike Setup:
very cool fisher
Bottom Line:
it is an awsome derrailler i love it, it is a little expensive but its worth it. if you cant afford it, borrow money from friends or something it is worth EVERY SINGLE PENNYY
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sh shh
a Weekend Warrior
from shhh Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
shhhhh
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
shhhhhh
Strengths:
fast looks gud
Weaknesses:
none/ expensive
Similar Products Used:
alivo <--- dodgy
Bike Setup:
kona scrap
Bottom Line:
good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Font Ninea
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dr's Park / 403 / 401
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
NIB eBay (20th Av. Edition)
Strengths:
Eliminates chain slap. Crisper shifting than XO Long Cage. 1:1 actuation ratio is like the difference between a BMW M3 manual and a Lexus LandCruiser automatic (for XTR)
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
1997-2005 XTR, 2007 XO long cage
Bike Setup:
Maverick Durance, XO shifters, XTR crankset
Bottom Line:
it's a steal at $125. especially if you need a new rear D or have excessive chain slap. The medium cage is definitely what my bike needed from the get go because it has such minimal chain growth with loaded rear suspension anyway. Better, crisper shifting, a tiny bit lighter (carbon fiber + removing 2.5 chain links) and just all around great product for what I paid NIB on eBay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
ribbon - holy cross
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Phat Moose
Strengths:
Far better shifting than XTR. Great simple design i.e. cable routing.
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, XT
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Nomad, Fox Talas, Industry 9 wheelset, all X0, Shimano XT crank with Envy 26/36 rings, Maverick Speedball, Avid Juicy 7s
Bottom Line:
I broke the cage in two on my regular trail that I've done 100 times. I did not think the impact should have shattered the cagelike it did. Called SRAM, the first customer service rep that I got was not helpful at all. However, after speaking with the guy in charge of customer service, he looked after everything very quickly. Overall - outstanding customer service. I love the components and the great customer service is an amazing plus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Vermont Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
all of 'em
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
QBP
Strengths:
it works great...every shift
Weaknesses:
$$$$
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, X-9, X-7 etc.
Bike Setup:
Maverick Durance w/ Float RLC AND twist shifters
Bottom Line:
This derailleur is on it's second bike. It's been in east coast use for 5 seasons, including winter snowmobile trail riding. I have snapped 5 hangars but this thing just keeps on clicking. (touch wood) I own a shop & so have a very fine road, cross bike & tandem as well as my Maverick. My mountain bike shifts more predictably with the X-0 than either of my Campy Record bikes or Dura-Ace bike. My family are all on SRAM after frustrations w/ Shimano. The 1:1 ratio that SRAM uses with their system is a far more solid shift than any Shimano system. Especially after the stuff starts wearing out. The lack of a chili is cuz the sucker costs way over $125..wholesale. Can you say Cha-ching. The X-9 is a very worthy alternative.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donald MacQuarrie
a
from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Skull
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It shifts crisply and quickly
Weaknesses:
Don't buy it. If it comes on a bike you want, credit it back and get XTR. I work at a shop, and have seen this der. back more than once. I personally broke one on a test ride. We fixed the demo bike, and a mechanic I work with broke it on the second ride. Lets examine the composition, shall we? ooohhhhh look at that pretty carbon. and such easily accessible limit adjusters.... but wait.. is that PLASTIC those limiters thread into? and that stupid plastic piece can't be replaced? goodness, that does not seem like quality at all..... and to think you spent 320 CAD.
Similar Products Used:
XT freakin' R
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed, 34/16. The bike this was on was the Spec. Stumpjumper FSR expert.
Bottom Line:
Ginger this as if it was made of hidden cheap small parts that can easily break. OH WAIT.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erki
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Greenfishsport.com
Strengths:
Fast smooth shifting, light, carbon fibre body O so sexy.
Weaknesses:
Snapped in half after three months of use
Similar Products Used:
Shimano xt,xtr and sram x9
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, easton havoc wheels, rockshox pike 454 dual air, avid juicy 7 brakes and sram xo shifter and derailluer
Bottom Line:
It was nice while it lasted. I love how it shiftted so fast and O so smooth. I was going up a hill and then "snap"....good thing I was near the car. I found a replacement care from bikeparts.com for 99.00...Overprice for a piece of carbon that is prone to breaking. I have freinds that broke these also and I know as soon as Shimano release their new 1:1 ratio rear derailluer, I'm getting one!!!!!!! I love how everything worked out, but I'm giving it one chili for value because something this expensive shouldn't break so soon. But four overall because for those three month, I was having a blast with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yegappan suppiah
a
from st.johns,newfoundland canada Date Reviewed: August 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
satans choice
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
freeride mountain sports
Strengths:
its worth about 320 cad, i got it from the shop owner for 160, i got an amazing deal on it,shifts sooo fast, perfect for dh, takes a beating, light, very strong. short cage makes it hard to snap cages, when riding in 9th gear, if you have a sram 9 speed chain the derailleur cage retracts so that it is practicaly behind the main body of the derailleur plenty out of the way
Weaknesses:
aluminum b-knuckle is a bit scuffed up from it riding between boulders on the trails.
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore
Bike Setup:
norco atomik 06, boxxer team 07,sram x-0/ x-7 shifter, hope bulb hub laced to mavic 729 sram pg 990 cassette, poopy axiom/alex rim front wheel, maxxis minions, easton ea 50 bars,juicy 7s.e13 guide soon to be mrp, new 729 laced to ringle (front)comming soon!
Bottom Line:
such an amazing deraiiluer, i literally throw this derailleur into gear, and it shifts solidly, i ride dh i don;t have time to caress it, shifts soo quick and crisp. when i shift it quite hard and it only takes about a second to go up a gear.5 chillis for overall rating, 3 for value becuase tis so expensive i had to get the x-7 shifter becuase the x-0/x9 shifter was too expensive! but watever sram is quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Looks,precision,durability.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, SRAM x-9.
Bike Setup:
29er hardtail,29er FS,26" FS Jamis Dakar XLT.
Bottom Line:
I was totally sold on the action of SRAM rear derailers over Shimano after having three X-9's on three different bikes, until I snapped one in half and had to push my bike 6 miles back to the trailhead. Since then I have switched to XO and have never looked back. The shifting is precise and the durability has been perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cool Breeze
a Weekend Warrior
from RSM, CA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Smooth positive action. Always works. Not made by Shimano. Works when it gets dirty.
Weaknesses:
None noted
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 and Ellsworth Moment.
Bottom Line:
The thing works great. Never have had to touch a thing. SRAM works as well on dirt as it did in the parking lot. The shifting is positive and you always know when you have made a shift. The spring makes a hugh difference, why do you think Shimano got rid of "light action". If you get a bit of dirt on any Shimano part, it just never works like it did when you tested it in the parking lot.
At this point, I wont use XTR. High low, low high? Dual Control? Shimano needs to get their act together. I never thought I would use anything other then Shimano. But when SRAM came out with X-O and Triggers....good bye Shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: May 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Clean, precise shifting.
Weaknesses:
none found yet.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XTR
Bike Setup:
King Fisher 1
Bottom Line:
I have always been a fan of Shimano. This is the first SRAM derailleur I have had. When I shift I know my chain is going where I need w/ no lag. SRAM has got my future business. However, I will say I hope I never have to call them, because they have the worst support I have seen in this industry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bart Anatra
a Cross Country Rider
from Mohican Wilderness, OH Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mohican Wilderness
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Worked great for 2 years. Absolutely flawless performance. Best deraileur I have ever used. No ghost shifts, or anything, just precise quick solid shifts.
Weaknesses:
Flew apart, bent my wheel, my frame's deraileur mount, and ruined my week. I was simply ridding around town about to hit up some drop offs, and street terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano all
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Pro Wing Elite, Z1 FR, X9 triggers, X0 deraileurs, Sun Ryno Lytes.
Bottom Line:
I loved it, until it broke. I have a X9 on the way. We shall see how that works out. I am really disappointed. I loved it sooooo much, and it broke. I will never go back to shimano, but the X0 was a big let down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Diolosa
a Racer
from Front Range, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bottom Line:
The X.0 rear derailleur and trigger shifter setup has a crisp feel, the one to one cable ratio really does make for a quick shift. After riding XTR for the last decade it was time I tried something new. After owning the derailleur for only 6 months, many of which were winter months where I stick to the road bike, the derailleur failed me in a big way.
Just days after a full service from my local bike shop, while on vacation in Moab, the plastic bracket that holds the upper limit adjustment screw just fell out. I was climbing in middle ring at the time, and when shifting the derailleur forced my chain between my cassette and spokes. In a split second I was stuck 13 miles from my campsite with a broken derailleur hanger, a useless derailleur, and a bent spoke on my CrossMax SL wheel. I thought, "bad things happen", and just broke my chain, rolled/hiked back out, and eventually got a ride back to town. Now, while I certainly can't expect SRAM to reimburse me for all the damage from this incident, I DID expect them to come through on a warranty replacement. Well they didn't. First, I had to ship them my derailleur and wait a week while it was shipped back to them. Next I was informed that it was not going to be covered by warranty. They did offer me a discounted 'Crash Replacement', even though there was absolutely no scratches or other damage to the derailleur indicating an impact of any sort. The replacement came out to about $80 after shipping and tax, which I accepted only because it was cheaper than a new XTR replacement.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. SRAM is up against Shimano, a company that is so strongly established with quality products that are sold for less (XTR rear derailleur is about $60 cheaper than X.0). Then, to abandon the very customers trying to support them in that competition? Simply foolish. Very disappointing.
I invite a representative from SRAM to contact me and try to make amends. I know mistakes happen, but I can't give this item anything but a poor review due to ruined consumer confidence. Not only in this part, but in the company as a whole.
If cost means anything to you then SRAM is at a disadvantage. If performance is everything, then this part is still only on par with XTR, and does not exceed XTR's performace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devinci Krendell
a Racer
from Bublington Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any flat street
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bike Koolz
Strengths:
Carbon Fiber, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
SRAM, weak, not well protected from mud.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Saint
Bike Setup:
Merida Racer
Bottom Line:
Ok, I bought this and then had it professionally installed. I decided to ride it to my car. I started cranking, and the entire think just came apart right there! I was furious. I had a race the next day. I ended up used shimano XTR. The guy in the store told me this happened alot, and shouldn't bother trying to get it fixed. I decided to anyway, and the derailleur hit a rock. The bottom arm just snapped right off! Luckily these guys gave me refund, so I could buy something good.
I was the biggest SRAM supporter until I tried this. I guess I'll have to stick with shimano until they can redeem themselves.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Black Hawk, SD, USA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Wicked looks, easy to install and tune, incredibly positive shifting even under a heavy load.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Various Shimano lower end stuff, SRAM X-3
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock (2000) w/Truvativ 3.3 Team cranks, Avid SD5 brakes and levers, XO rear derailleur, XO carbon trigger shifters, XT Cassette, PC-991 chain, Mavic wheels with Deore hubs, Specialized Fast Trak Pro tires.
Bottom Line:
After many months of research and desperately needing a upgrade from my previous crap I finally decided on the XO rear mech/trigger shifter combo. The parts were easy to install if you're mechanically inclined and also easy to tune. On the first test ride the performance was amazing. The shifting was night and day different from the Shimano derailleur that I was using (granted it was an Acera with over 2,000 miles on it), plus it looks wicked cool. The price was a bit on the steep side but hey, if you want quality you have to pay for it.
I'm not 100% anti-shimano but wow. This thing is great! To be fair I've never used the XTR line so I can't compare X.0. vs XTR but I can't honestly see how any product could top this one at any price. I'll write back after I abuse it for a few months.
5 peppers on each!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything with rocks and dirt
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Strong, reliable, smoooooooooooth
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
bullit with top-notch stuff, natch
Bottom Line:
Dump the Shimano drivetrain and make the switch to SRAM, you will be so much happier. I have not had to adjust this derailleur or the cable in over two years, that is a testament to the design and quality of this product. No more ghost shifts, no more replacing broken derailleurs, this sucker is strong, light, looks cool, and most importantly, WORKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julio
a Downhiller
from the netherlands Date Reviewed: March 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything is awesome carbon cage
Weaknesses:
are you nuts this is the best off the best you can get today
Similar Products Used:
Xtr and everything that is not worthy
Bike Setup:
came on a stock Trek session 10 2007,travis triple ti intrinsic 203mm,e.13 srs,all bontrager king and big earl components,hayes mag's,revox isx ti,cane creek headset.
Bottom Line:
This is the best derailleur in the world,it's far and far better then Xtr,shifts perfect in all conditions from very cold muddy rainy days to dry hot conditions and no problems with it.The derailleur is by it's self very ligth with the carbon,magnesium and Titanium components.I love it and i will never changed it beneath it's level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ C
a Racer
from Nashville TN Date Reviewed: February 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
LBL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bikers Choice
Strengths:
Precise shifts, never ghost shifts, very quiet b/c chain doesn't slap frame unless extemely rocky
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
All Shimano XT Rapid Rise
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, XT Crank, XT Hydraulic Brakes, Bontrager Wheels, IRC Mythos XC Rear Tire, Panaracer Fire XC Front, SRAM XO Trigger Shifters & XO rear deraileur, Specialized Rival SL saddle (love this BG saddle!)
Bottom Line:
I had XT Rapid Rise. My bike GHOST shifted constantly for 2 years. I ran every cable configuration imaginable, aligned the hanger, adjusted tension screws, cables, etc, etc, etc. Nothing would get it to shift right. I didn't want to spend the money on the XO becuase I had to scrap my integrated shifters, deraileur etc and replace everything. All I can say is that my road bike is getting a lot more neglect.
The SRAM has NEVER Ghost shifted EVER and I've probably put 250 miles on it, at least, in the last month! I have never missed a shift under load, through rock gardens, climbs or any other situation. I haven't adjusted it one time either. This will be the last derailer I'll ever buy if I can rebuilt it. I honestly don't think you can improve on it and I've been mountain biking since 1985.
If you are curious why people will never go back to Shimano go to www.youtube.com and search "Shimano vs. SRAM". Watch the video and you'll see why SRAM is so much better. As a result, the SRAM is also much quieter than the Shimano. You literally won't believe it until you make the switch.
The only thing I'll warn you about is that on my first ride I got a stick caught between the cassette and top pulley. When this happens the top pulley doesn't move, unlike Shimano (see video on youtube). What ends up happening is that it bends the heck out of the hanger or it breaks. My hanger should have broken, but didn't. The nice thing was the it strips out the High/Low adjustment screws which have a plastic insert which can be replaced. That was all I needed and I was back on the trail. While this was unfortunate, it also the main reason SRAM is so many light years better than Shimano due to the design. One other item to note is make sure you dealer sets up the deraileur so the top pulley is far enough away from the cassette or it will not shift right.
Needless to say if you've read my review of the Shimano XT rear deraileur that I absolutely hated the Shimano, but can't say enough about the XO! I'll keep Shimano on the road bike, but I'm a SRAM fan on the moutain bike all the way! If you don't want to spend the money the new 2007 X9 is 90% of the XO for MUCH less money. I, personally, would still buy the XO though! One last thing. Anyone who rates this less then 5 Flamin' Chilis on value shouldn't becuase perfection always costs money! - DJ
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from RI Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Universal cycles
Strengths:
Crisp solid shifts!! Looks cool, definitely a benefit for the price
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT
Bike Setup:
Ventana hardtail, X.O., RaceFace, Fox F100RLT, Crossmax SL, Thompson
Bottom Line:
Love the X.O. Main reason for purchasing was a deep love for twist shifters. Also have on my freeride bike with X.O. triggers and love it just as much. Go out try it, you'll love it to!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HTail
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Positive shifts, easy to adjust, light weight.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
XT and XTR
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth '01 Truth
Bottom Line:
Wow, what a great derailleur! Add this to my top ten components to improve a bike's performance.
Over the years, I pretty much thought Shimano was top dog with XTR drive train components. I would still agree with certain things like cranks, cassettes & pedals, but man, once you try SRAM XO derailleurs, it's like night and day in performance.
Absolutely positive shifts that are snappy, smooth and light at the lever. Installation was easy (thought the SRAM instruction manuals leave MUCH to be desired).
Over the recent years I've heard great things about SRAM, now I know!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Canyon Lake, TX, USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Madrone
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
I can't remember
Strengths:
Install and forget. Best derailleur for someone who doesn't want to deal with adjustments. It's not Shimano.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shame-ano XT,XTR
Bike Setup:
Tomac Eli, Marin Attack Trail
Bottom Line:
This derailleur is for the rider who had more important things to do than adjust/clean/maintain derailleurs. Very forgiving design. Exposes and exploits Shimano weaknesses. Mine outlasted my Tomac, and has been transferred to my Marin. It's been bashed by rocks, layovers, etc. Poor thing rarely gets cleaned or lubricated. Still shifts like new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spencer Stagg
a Cross Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
looks sweet, very light, quick clean shifts
Weaknesses:
Sram x7 and x9 are just as good for like 1/3 the price (just don't look as sweet)
Similar Products Used:
sram sx4
Bike Setup:
diamondback sl super
Bottom Line:
got it used for super cheap, and have nothing but praise for its performance and quality, buy it if you need the ultimate, if not the x9 should work just as well
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody
a Downhiller
from Boise, ID, USA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
strength, weight, looks
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
every deraileur made except Saint has been mounted on one of my bikes. Hate rapid rise so avoided Saint although I hear their 07 stuff gives you the option.
Bike Setup:
Canfield balance, van 36 rc2 fork, louise fr brakes
Bottom Line:
I bought the short cage (blackbox) carbon X0 because I was tired of busting deraileurs and heard they were that much tougher. I was going through x.9's about 1 every 2 months and switched to x.7's to save in replacement costs. I read some reviews about the X0 and thought if it lasts me through a summer, it will have paid for itself compared to all the lower end deraileurs I had bought. Its had a rough life and hasn't gone through unscathed. One broken chain link caught in the pulley's and pulled the deraileur around the cassette clockwise. Riding along a dirt road finsihing up an incredible ride when back tire just locked. Thought the deraileur was done and was a little frustrated. It was in fact fine except the low gear range adjustment. They use a plastic sleeve that fits in the body and the range screw threads into that sleeve. It prevents stripping or breaking of more expensive parts. I ordered a bolt kit from SRAM (free except for shipping) and it came with every bolt and sleeve found on the deraileur. Simple fix to replace and deraileur is back to new. I am sold on its stout-ness and the small parts kits you can get. I know they are pricey, but so far it seems to be justified.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,CO,USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
Tough, withstands lots of rock rubbings and knocks. Great shifting, quality construction, easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Cost and not compatiable with Shimano shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, smooth shifting, but completely worn out after 2 years and not rebuildable.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro, X.9 shifters.
Bottom Line:
I had 3 great years of smooth, reliable shifting when things starting getting loose and running roughly. I replaced the bolt hanger assembly $16 and the pulley wheels $35 and its like new again. Really happy to be able to rebuild it. A derailleur is so vulnerable, it is great to have a tough, well built product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Sloth
a Weekend Warrior
from O-Side, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
IE Bikes
Strengths:
Super-Crisp clean shifts...Buttery smooth, Never miss fires, never. Durable. Wet/dry/clean/dirty, it always works.
Weaknesses:
Yeah right! None, thank you.
Similar Products Used:
XT stuff,LX stuff, Deore stuff, which aren't bad for the price...but......
Bike Setup:
Heckler, DHX-5 Coil, Talas,Chris King Headset, Hayes 8 inch front/rear, Xt Front, XO Rear, X-9 Triggers Sun Rhyno XXL Rims w/Ringle hubs...ya know......the schweeeet set-up.
Bottom Line:
I have to say that without any doubt, this is the best shifting rear der. I have ever used. I'm not a weight weenie so when I purchased this sweet product, saving grams wasn't the agenda..heck, if I were worried about the grams, I could easily drop a few pounds off my chubby behind, but...it's super light, so if you are a weight weenie, this super sweet product light. If you like to use trigger shifters, and like to be in 4 gears higher...as quick as you can move your thumb is precisely how quick you shift through 4 gears, try that with the Shimano stuff, ya can't. Nuff said. The XO is the supercalifragilistic derailur....O.K. my spelling bites, but the XO doesn't care.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
az ahm
a Weekend Warrior
from penang,malaysia Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anywhere as long it is offroad
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
local distributor
Strengths:
fantastic.easy 2 handle during climbing or descending.shift so smooth and crisp.goodbye 2 shimano.got to change my wife bike 2 xo.she is using shimano dual lever
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
xt
Bike Setup:
giant frame,xt fd,avid disc brake etc tec
Bottom Line:
xo is my choice for now
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Mac
a Downhiller
from The Shore Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
From Vanderham at the Swap
Strengths:
(Aesthetics) machining, colour, practical adjustments, cage spring strength (chain tensioning)
Weaknesses:
cage detaches from body too easily, shifting spring is shimano soft, seems fragile
Similar Products Used:
most of sram's and shimano's line, and older suntour
I wish it lasted longer...my favourite rear derailleurs are the xtr's (m900)and xc-pro's from yesteryear...seems the "wal-martization of the mtb world brings in poorer products that still cost, although there is more tech involved. Anyway I prefer endurance first and performance always, and older stuff was built to last: although this derailleur per say was definitely not an off-shore mass produced knock-off or such, it still was too short and weak in durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hank
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: April 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
50-Year
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Sweet sweet sweet. Crisp, right on, streamline, infinitely adjustable set and go! Did I say sweet?
Weaknesses:
Haven't found one yet
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Titus ML - X.O (they kept the XTR front), Fox TALAS, DT Swiss wheels... yadda, yadda.
Bottom Line:
We've all been reading about the trash on Shimano - new formats, etc. But I've always had Shim, and have had fery few problems (and, when I did have problems, I would always find that it was my "fault" - adjustments, wear, etc.). New bike came outfitted with SRAM - willing to give it a try given what I've been reading. Since the set included the triggers with the derailleur, and there's not a separate category to talk about them, I'll do it here. Infinitely adjustable (inside/outside, angle of trigger, etc) to feel comfortable to *me*. It took a while, but I *much* prefer the thumb-thumb shifting as opposed to Shimano's thumb/forefinger set-up (I can keep my finger on the brake lever - getting better grip on the bars). I immediately noticed and loved the direct-line for the cable to the rear derailleur - very efficient, and less prone to snag on things (again, compared to the Shim, utilizing the "bigger the cable loop the better" approach). Oooohh... and the shifting - spot on... I started hearing a little chain clatter after a week of riding, and expected it to be cable stretch - sure enough, a little twist of the adjustment barrel, and I'm off and rolling without a hitch. Awesome stuff... and when coming with a full bike kit, you don't feel the punch of the price as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B Digital
a Cross Country Rider
from California --Bay Area Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
Greenfishsports
Strengths:
Excellent Shifting
Weaknesses:
Are you kidding: Absolutely NONE !!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano stock crap
Bike Setup:
Lets focus on the derailluers
Bottom Line:
By far the most substantial investment for my bike, yet the most impacted. These derailluers are superb, coming from Stock shimano crap... you can't go wrong. And the Price is uncomparable. If i known they were this good I would have easily paid $200 w/o question.... and trust me, i'm far from rich !!
5 chilis on both: \
Super cheap price & Ultimate Shifting performance
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Ridge, BC Date Reviewed: March 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one that leads me outa here
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Awesome shifting in all conditions, no chain slap, cable routing is simple and straightforward; no "loop", no requirement to constantly fiddle with and adjust like some other makes.
Weaknesses:
I tend to forget about it as it just carrys on with the task at hand.
Similar Products Used:
XT, X-9,
Bike Setup:
Fluid 1
Bottom Line:
Terrific product, along with the X-0 shifters it creates an unbelieveable drivetrain that excels in the wet and mud, grit etc. that is the norm around here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Samaha
a Weekend Warrior
from phoenix, AZ USA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Construction, rapid shifting, quiet operation, and very consistent and reliable.
Weaknesses:
Costly, and the mid-size (what I have) is more limited in terms of chain ring size than I would have liked.. and the long cage version isn't available in the carbon fiber cage.
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
see for yourself here: http://homepage.mac.com/sjsamaha/PhotoAlbum39.html
Bottom Line:
I found it more robust for MTB use than the Shimano which while as good at accurate shifts, was not as robust. This Derailleur with the XO trigger shifters is a great combo!
The only thing that could make this a better product is if it were made in the USA.. but heck Taiwan is good quality stuff, and at least it's not China.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Big D Date Reviewed: February 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks, Weight, Technology, Shifting
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, 9.0, Proshift/Precision Billet, X.7
Bike Setup:
XO rear D (long cage version), XO Twist shifters, Avid Discs, Sram chain, XT cogs, XT front D,
Bottom Line:
Bottom line this thing works. It works well, and it doesn't miss a beat. It looks great, (even with the faux carbon look), has the 1/1 cable ratio, ball bearing pulleys, (which are a ton better than bushing based pulleys) and has a Ti shift/return spring. Shifting is smooth and snappy, especially with the twist shifters. I have not yet tried the XO triggers, but don't see the need to spend that much. Also, some reviewers claim that the derailleur twists back into the spokes or gets caught in the wheel. Well, that's your fault. If the limit screws on your rear derailleur were set properly, it WOULDN'T shift into the spokes, and it wouldn't get caught up in the wheel. Like anything, if you don't set it up right, then obviously its not going to work as advertised. So make sure you have the correct chain length, and it is always better to have your derailleur limit set so that it doesn't have a chance to hit the the spokes. Someone has to say it so it might as well be me, either you or your mechanic is to blame for your derailleur shifting into your wheel.
This thing is expensive, but it is well worth it. I can't recommend SRAM's derailleurs and shifters enough. If you cannot afford it, then get the X.7 or X.9 since they are very close in shifting performance and don't cost anywhere near as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mika
a Weekend Warrior
from Miri, Malaysia Date Reviewed: February 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bakam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Crisp shifting, light weight, has that "ouu I gotta have it!" look (for the blackbox version). The 1:1 ratio really does work way better than the Shimano version. Does not ghost shift at all.
Weaknesses:
Expensive, and does not work in muddy conditions. Hanger cage breaks easily (blackbox version).
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, 5th element coil shock, Rockshox Revelation, Avid Juicy 7s, X.O Blackbox trigger shifters, cassette and rear deraulleur, XT front derailleur, Mavic 521 rims.
Bottom Line:
Being such a hyped product from magazines and reviews I really thought the X.O Blackbox version would outperform the XTs. For 1st week or so it did outperform XTs in dry, relatively nice conditions. It shifts flawlessly and has a very definite feel that XTs do not have. Its return spring is much stronger than XTs and the built quality is superb.
However, I live in a tropical climate and last weekend's ride was quite muddy (about 6 on a scale of 10) after some rain. Where the XTs would happily grind along, the X.O experienced stuck cogs and got sucked into the rear wheel spokes, ripping the main bolt right out of the hanger and snapping the carbon fiber cage. This happened on flat terrain, low speed and with no stress on the chain whatsoever. What a let down !
I would say that X.O black box is a light weight race spec equipment (read "fragile") and probably designed for dry, fast conditions, not wet and muddy.
I gave it 1 chillie becuase it costs a bomb to purchase and lasted me only 2 weeks ! (My old faithful XT lasted me 3 years without problem, and in much worse muddy conditions).
I gave it overall rating of 3 because technically it is a very product and worth considering and if you live in a dry climate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville, VA, USA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
GreenFish
Strengths:
Light, shifts crisply, easy to set up, and looks the biz.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, X9.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 w/ stuff
Bottom Line:
Bought this from GreenFish as part of one of their SRAM upgrade kits (inc. cranks, cassette, etc). Install was easy cheezy, with no problems after 1 yr of use (regular cleaning & adjustment, of course). Ok, once I had some chain skip once during a snowy, muddy ride, but that is to be expected. Simply poured some water on it to clear out the mechanism and was back on my way w/o trouble. No complaints whatsoever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Romano
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa, UT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
SRAM designed this with mountain bikers in mind. No more chain slap and strong positive shifting. Easy to adjust and stays adjusted. No ghost shifting.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't shift as smoothly as a clean Shimano XTR but works dirty much better.
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT and LX
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct, SRAM X.O twist shifters and rear derailleur, SRAM 990 chain, SRAM cassette, Marzocchi Marathon SL 120, hydraulic disc, FSA stem and handlebar, King headset, WTB Rocket Race saddle and Kenda Nevegals.
Bottom Line:
If you are accustomed to working with Shimano, then make sure you read the directions on the SRAM setup. First off, it does not need a large amount of tension to work. It does require correct chain length, and upper and lower limits to be spot on. With that said, I am extremely impressed with this system. Using the twist shifters I am able to grab or dump as many gears as I need. Works well in dusty conditions. Very quiet.
I purchased mine in a package with the twist shifters. I will convert all 4 of my bikes to SRAM as parts wear out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura Co, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Guadalasco
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay. Thanks Quinton!
Strengths:
Lightning fast shifts, seamless power transitions, functions great even when dirty(unlike shimano)cleans up real easy, looks awesome, strong titanium spring,
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano LX rd and XTR rd.
Bike Setup:
Trek frame, crossmax wheels, easton ec70 handlebar, avid speed dial sl brake levers, avid sd7 brakes, sram x.0 twist shifters, sram pc 99 hollowpin chain, sram pg 990 cassette, shimano xt crankset and front derailleur, bontrager seatpos and saddle, yeti hardcore lock on (shorty) grips.
Bottom Line:
I was runnin 8 speed since 99 and had no big issues with it. I used the LX rd for years and it worked ok. I swithed to the XTR thinkin i was going to see a big improvement. I honestly didnt see as big of an improvement as i thought. I was kickin around the idea of goin 9 speed. I kept reading mags and seein X.0 this, X.0 that and how shimano was eatin Sram's dust. So i got a set of x.0 twisties not knowing they were 1.1 actuation. So i got the x.0 rd and it kicks so much ass it's unbelieveable. Bike shops rave over it. I gree, this is the way to go. The x.0 stuff is made for the more agressive grindy style of riding. It's tough, lightweight, and shifts awesomely. Adjusts nicely with the x.0 twisties. i can go from top to bottom faster than the eye can see. this stuff works. don't waste your money on shimano. this is definitely the way to. After a couple of 14 mile rides through tight twisty up/down technical trails i am a believer. see for yourself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Alexander
a Downhiller
from Buellton, CA, United States Date Reviewed: January 10, 2006
I first started using the Sram systems about 2 years ago, and I have never regreted it. I just recently purchased the whole 2006 X.0 lineup (carbon shortcage derailleur, carbon grip shift, pc 990 cassette, pc 991 chain) and it is unbelievabvle how smooth it is. Not only does it shift like like butter, but it is insanely strong. I have smashed against so many rocks and it is still running strong. Don't even bother shimano, there is a new game in town.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N.B.GAS
a Cross Country Rider
from LAS VEGAS, NV. Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
EMPTY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
PRICE POINT .com
Strengths:
SOLID CLEAN GEAR CHANGES...$180 INCLUDED SHIFTERS... LITE...BLING-BLING...EASY SET-UP...
Weaknesses:
WHAT?
Similar Products Used:
X-7...X-9...and [XT..LX..DEORE..STX-RC..ALIVIO..these shimano RDs are no where NEAR SIMILAR!]...SRAM RULES!!!
Bike Setup:
05'IBEX ALPINE: MANITOU SPLICE SUPER 130-100mm... ...SRAM: X-GEN, PG-970, PC-99, 9.0 LEVERs... ...AVID: SD ULATIMES with KOOL-STOP PADs, FLAK-JACKETs... ...RACE-FACE EVOLVE XC CRANKs, FLATBAR, STEM, and SEATPOST.. ...CANE CREEK AEROHEAT WHEELset, S-2 HEADset...OURY GRIPs... ..SELLE ITALIA TRANs-AM XO..IRC MYTHOES XC II...LITE & FAST!
Bottom Line:
...Ive been riding bikes for over 40 years! And this is the BEST RD EVER! My drive-train is so RESPONSIVE!! ...I suggest you get your head OUT of shimano's A$$ and give SRAM A GO...YOU DESERVE THE BEST...and if dont! Stay with shimano! ..................................TIME TO RIDE............ ....................................................PEACE!
.....BUILD YOUR BIKE YOUR WAY!............................. ................YOU'LL ENJOY IT MORE!......................
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stan Paoli
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, TX Date Reviewed: December 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Dino Valley SP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light, Quick, Percise, BLING
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
SRAM 9.0 for 4 Years
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth "TRUTH"; RS Duke SL, XT FD, SRAM X.O. Shifters, Hayes HFX Hydro Brakes, CaneCreek Wam Disc Wheels, CaneCreek AD-12 R Shock, Easton Carbon Riser Bar, Easton Carbon Seatpost, Easton EA70 Stem, WTB Ti Saddle, Time ATAC Pedals.
Bottom Line:
I have XT on my other Bike and ran SRAM 9.0 on 2 other bikes for years and say that I like each on for different reasons.....but the X.O. stuff is unbelievable!!! I can upshift or down shift 3 to 4 gears at one time and it shifts flawlessly and doesn't miss a beat!!! If you plan on upgrading your drivetrain don't mess with looking at anything else your found nirvana!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Online someplace...
Strengths:
Great rear changer. Takes a beating. I've busted two hanger while this changer was on my bike and once severly. The cage bent around pretty well but I was able to metal smith it back into service. It worked perfectly. I had a spare hanger with me on that night ride and even with the twisted pulley cage the XO changer worked great in combo with the XO twist shifters. Big thanks to SRAM
Weaknesses:
Caution though, on my last ride the XO rear was wanting to shift into the spokes. This was due to the fact that the adjust screw threads into a plastic insert within the XO articulation arm. The plastic insert had shattered and this little teenie part rendered the XO changer useless. SRAM is sending a few along for free (to the local shop who had to call on my behalf, thanks ACE!).
Also if you are used to the tension adjust on shimano products being at the derailleur, forget that on the sram. But you are better off without it bc it is a better cable tension set up and one less part to be destroyed on a rock. I used to kill those adjusting barrells real quick.
Similar Products Used:
xt, xtr
Bike Setup:
ellsworth isis, mavic disc wheels, sram xo, twist shift, chain, shimano front der, saint crank, thomson seatpost,stem hayes brakes
Bottom Line:
f-shimano, buy this stuff instead. be ready for that little plastic insert to give up the ghost though. SRAM needs to fix that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005
This was a nice component to install. Easy setup and tuning. Nice instructions from SRAM (take note Shimano). I got the medium cage running a 32T Shimano XT cassette in the rear. The shifting (using X.7 shifters) is the smoothest I've ever experienced. I agree on the nice packaging. Please use more environmentally conscious packaging. It'll save resources, and save us all money. 3 chili's for value, but 5 for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fatty
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Manly Dam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
www.sicbikes.com.au
Strengths:
Strong positive spring tension and shifting. Superb build quality. Replaceable parts, Looks amazing, doesn't knock on the frame like some (XTR)
Weaknesses:
It's expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Every Shimano mountain drivetrain since '97. X-9 and X-7.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment, Nixon fork, Crossmax XL's,X-9 triggers,X-0 rear, XT front mech,SIC bars, Token carbon post, Race face cranks, time atac pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is the best derailleur I have EVER used. I have both old and new XTR and it is nowhere near as good. I have never missed a shift with this mech. It is light and durable aswell as looking fantastic. Mounting it and setting it up is a breeze, if you must use a derailleur, you MUST use X.0. Note to SRAM though, I'd rather not have the nice tin that the mech comes in in exchange for a few bucks off the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from SoCal Date Reviewed: November 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Light, strong, rebuildable, and it keeps working
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Heckler/Fox DHX 5.0/Maverick DUC
Bottom Line:
I've crashed hard enough to have to straighten the derailleur hanger a few times, but not this derailleur. Then I endo'd hard enough to crack the hanger and pretzel the cage too badly to straighten. My LBS got me a cage assembly for $35, a standard part in SRAM's catalog. I'm told this is unique to SRAM derailleurs, and that you just toss Shimano derailleurs when you break them.
Bottom Line: It seemed expensive at the time, but this thing works so well, you simply forget about it. Shifts are consistently crisp and solid. Considering what a beating this derailleur has taken, it shouldn't look and work this well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dana major
a Cross Country Rider
from scituate Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
wompatuck st forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
it looks good
Weaknesses:
it is made out off aluminum and will break very quickly mine lasted 2 hours it selfedistructed on the first shift to graney what a P
Similar Products Used:
iv used XTR for maney years and they last for years
Bike Setup:
treck Y33
Bottom Line:
i do not recomend the X0 stuff to aneyone unles you want to be a sucker
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Schmoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Durham forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
TrailBlazercycles.com
Strengths:
Tough as nails, fast and precise shifting
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Blur, X0
Bottom Line:
This is pretty much as good as I can imagine a rear derailleur getting. I rode over a large branch and it somehow broke and flew inbetween the derailleur and the wheel. It bent the tough Blur derailleur hanger. I expected something to bend or break on my XO but it was still as good as new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T.R.
a Racer
from Westminster,MD Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Avalon at patapsco state park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Whites bikes
Strengths:
Light weight, easy to adjust, no slop- unlike X9, smooth quich shifts, looks sweet, better cable routing than shimano, and durable.
Weaknesses:
None. This is the best rear der by far.
Similar Products Used:
X.9, shimano crap.
Bike Setup:
Yeti asr-sl carbon, fox F100X, king hubs and headset, mavic 717 rims, time pedals, easton ec70 31.8 riser, FSA os115 stem, race face dues xc cranks, thomson seatpost, magura marta sl brakes, X.O gripshift, panaracer fire XC pro tires, sram X gen front der, selle italia slr seat.
Bottom Line:
Ive been riding for a long time. Started out on low end stuff years ago. Ive rode everything from shimano stx to xtr. My first sram rear der was a X.9, which had a ton of slop right out of the box. The X.O rear der is by far the best shifting, coolest looking ive tried. It has no slop and shifts faster and better under load than anything out there. If you want the best rear shifting out there, this is it. Good shifting is a huge part of riding fast, so this is money well spent. Its a little pricy, but the best you can get. I gave it a 5 for value because even though its pricy, to have the best shifting rear der can mean winning or losing. And to have a der that shifts this good is worth the 160 I paid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil W
a
from Salem,Oregon Date Reviewed: October 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Looks good but breaks easily. the carbon cage sheared off after 25 miles of use, which caused our team to lose several places in a 24 hour race.
SRAM customer service is a joke !! I have been dealing with companies for years and I have to say these yahoos take the cake. I called to order replacement parts and they said that I have to take my bike fully assembled to a Sram dealer. I live in a rural area and that is not possible for me to do,I tried explaining this to the void on the other end of the phone but he could not understand. He tried to quiz me on how many links did your chain have, etc.. All I wanted was to BUY parts, but I could not do it. So I am going to put my full XTR group back on. Buyer Beware!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Huggins
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach Fuchsstadt Date Reviewed: October 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fox Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Won A Bet
Strengths:
Has never let me down in the 10,000 Kms I have riden it. Cross Country, Tour, Trail or Race. Satisfied to a T.
Weaknesses:
Better that my SRAM 9.0, but only on the weight scale.
Similar Products Used:
Sram 9.0
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback + Rock Shox SID Forks + Ritchey WCS Stem, Seat Post, Cranks, Handle Bars, Rims and Stem. SRAM 9.0 Brakes, Chain and Hubs. SRAM X-Gen and X.0 Shifters and Derailleurs. 10,5 Kilo Fun Maschine.
Bottom Line:
SRAM is the Top of the Charts. Drive On!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shiny_car
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
ebay + shipping
Strengths:
very nice build quality and finish; crisp shifts
Weaknesses:
relatively expensive; for basic duties, not significantly better than cheaper X.9; where's the carbon fibre?! =P
this is for the '06 long cage X.0 RD; looks schmick and functions just as well; this suits the most demanding of riders and no-expense-spared; I don't think it's heads-and-tails above the cheaper X.9 so doesn't make it top value; however, in combination with the X.0 trigger shifters it functions flawlessly and if you want added strength this should exceed the performance of the X.9; I haven't encountered really muddy conditions yet to know of any clagging probs; I'm an SRAM fan and this has so far lived up to all expectation; I ride XC, not DH/freeride/hucks, so I don't expect any probs over a long time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonny carson
a Downhiller
from loveland Date Reviewed: September 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any good dh
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Mountain High Cyclery
Strengths:
Looks sweet, the new black box cage is way stiff and cool looking. Shifts f-ing fast. You can shift while going over a rock garden and it doesnt skip.
Weaknesses:
people will want to steal it?
Similar Products Used:
Simano XT, Shimano LX, Your mom
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn RMX, Jr.T fork, Fox vanilla rc, Syncros rims and tires, hayes brakes etc.
Bottom Line:
Either buy this derailleur or go kill yourself. If you like having stuff that works, get this. The 1:1 actuation is what makes this sweet, you get instant chain transfer and it has the awesome cable route thing that wraps around the back that keeps the derailleur from hitting your frame. It doesnt move around that much at all anyway, so you dont have to worry about dying while pedaling hard through choppy crap. I give it 5 value chilies because it is most definitly worth it. Buy this derailleur now and you will be pumped just as i am
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo B
a Racer
from Chile Date Reviewed: September 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
dry ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
- Light - Nice design (especially the clean way the cable gets in) - Crisp, fast shifting
Weaknesses:
- Fragile parts: the bolt that attach it to the frame is aluminum... - Mud performance...buhhh
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Scalpel
Bottom Line:
I was amazed with X-0 until I rode in mud. I thought the derailleur was stronger than XTR in mud conditions, but I couldn´t finish a race last weekend because it got stuck round the cassette...really messy...Happily I only bent the frame´s hanger (replaceable). Thought was only the frame unil I inspected carefully de X-0 and found it was twisted and the bolt that fixes to the frame was unthreaded. I´m thinking of geting an X-9 in replacement (much cheaper and about 50grs heavier).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
excel sports
Strengths:
Very light, crisp shifts, rebuildable, best looking rear changer I've seen!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Moots hardtail frame, SID Race fork, HUGI with mavic517 wheelset, FSA carbon cranks, Thompson post, Easton Monkeylite handlebars
Bottom Line:
This is the best shifting, best looking, and lightest rear shifter I've used. It was very easy to set up and adjust, and shifts very crisply. I also like the way that the cable attaches to the derailler body without the need for that big loop of cable like my Shimano XT. I was running a 2003 Shimano XT drivetrain and was not really happy with the looks or performance I was getting. The XT stuff looked "clunky" by comparison and seem to have the shifting feel of cheaper components. I enjoy my riding experience much more now. It was worth every penny changing to SRAM XO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnson City, TN Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very solid construction, strong spring, shifts well under load , very quick and clean response, looks cool as hell.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
Worth every penny, will never have another rear derailleur. It can't get any better than this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Kaiserslautern, Deutschland Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Rodalben
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
incredibly easy installation and set up. light weight and best of all, it isnt shimano
Weaknesses:
haven't found any yet, but i have only just installed it.
Similar Products Used:
lx, xt, xtr and a brief foray into the paul and white industries r mechs
Bike Setup:
xc full susser masquerading as a 5" bike.
Bottom Line:
well, here we go. i have only just installed this kit on my bike, but i cannot believe how simple it was to get set up correctly. i used to be a service manager (i know, everyone claims to be a mechanic) and have tuned many rear mechs before, but that was long ago and i am now in the air force and living in europe. anyhow, like i was saying, this thing slaps together like no ones business! and like a previous reviewer stated, the shimano front mech shifts better with the wo twister than it ever did with the rapid-fires that it was designed around. but enough off all that; i will try and post a more thorough review once i have had time to get some miles on it. until then, happy trails...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
UberClyde
a Cross Country Rider
from Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Durable, precise, beautiful
Weaknesses:
none found yet
Similar Products Used:
Shimano everything - Deore, LX, XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
One set on a Sugar 1, and one on a Heckler
Bottom Line:
Put this stuff on a Sugar 1 two years ago. Along with the X.0 gripshifter (shorty). Took about 3 minutes to get the shifting set up perfectly. I kid you not, and that includes the ultra finicky XTR front derailleur which shifts better with a gripshifter than with an XTR trigger. Two years later and I have yet to adjust the thing once. Again I kid you not. And that includes a lot of hard riding in Mongolia and other spots, multiple bike shipments, new wheels, etc. Truly amazing. Last night a stick ripped the cage off the body. Thought I was SOL but in the light of day I found out the cage can be reinserted, rotated, and presto, back in business. Seems that it was designed to pop off if over-rotated. Shimano, are you listening? Each and every part of this thing can be disassembled with everyday tools, with all accessible to the eye and hand. It is an engineering marvel. Hello, Shimano, anyone home? I am so jazzed on the crisp shifts and lack of maintenance that I put another set on my Heckler. And chains and cassettes. I will never go back to monopoly death star inc.
But one word of advice - get longer brake levers. Because of the gripshift body and the need to mount the levers inboard, you will lose one braking finger. My personal favorite, though heinously overpriced, are Paul's levers.
As for the gripshift style, I guess that is a matter of personal preference. I always thought (from a distance), that I would accidentally shift these things just from the action of my hands moving around on the grips as I chuck and jive down the trail. It's never happened. Also, go for the shorty shifters, not the half pipe. Still don't understand the concept of the half pipe. One other thing to mention, the gripshifter is ideal for the front derailleur. It's equivalent to having on old top mounted thumbie friction shifter a la Sunctour XC pro, in the sense that you can make micro adjustments as needed if you sometimes like those bad gear combos that you are never supposed to use, which give you an awkward chain line and can cause a tad of rubbing on the front derailleur. OK, I am rambling but those who know, know what I mean.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake heke
a
from france Date Reviewed: March 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chamonix
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
got given it by sram at a race
Strengths:
fit and forget if it ever goes out of adjustment, replace the cable and it works again. cable routing eliminates the big loop needed for shimano mechs which increases cable life.
Weaknesses:
a bit bulky, expensive to replace, ti spring snapped awkward but still possible to replace
would like to have paid for one but this latest one has been on my bike for over a year and a half with no worries what so ever, first one snapped after meeting a tree at about 20mph, sram gave me another on! nice work sram.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew harvey
a
from tampa fl usa Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
alafia
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
well made, fully seviceable, precise fast shifts, set it and forget it! resiliant to impacts.( my freind hit a huge log-end with his and only bent the two replacable cage pieces.)
Weaknesses:
cheesy imitation carbon pattern
Similar Products Used:
alla dat stuff
Bike Setup:
oclv hardtail, sram 9 triggers, xtr front der.(xo soon)sram hp99 chain, stork cranks with raceface rings.
Bottom Line:
get one, use sram shifters, if your on a budget get a 9.0
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Philly Date Reviewed: February 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Guys bikes
Strengths:
Reliable shifting, light, looks cool, better than Shimano
Weaknesses:
Expensive, theres is no indexing on the downshift, so you gotta take down what you want and let it go. East to get used to.
Similar Products Used:
X-9, xt, xtr
Bike Setup:
This is on my xc race bike.
Bottom Line:
I first bought an X9 for my freeride rig two years ago. Since then all my bikes have been converted to Sram. (Except the cassettes, cause Shimano's are lighter and shift better) I use X9 trigger shifters and they are awesome.
The one thing I like about this setup is if it's set up properly, you rarely have to adjust it. A little cable stretch once in awhile and thats it. When I had Shimano I had to mess with it all the time to keep my shifting crisp and precise.
With the Sram triggers you can downshift about five or six gears in one push of the thumb shifter, and the chain goes right were it's supposed to go. No skipping around or missed shifts.
If you're the type who is good at tuning your own bike you will love this setup. I highly recommend it.
Did I mention it looks really sweet on your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth Diehl
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
Looks awesome, very light in weight, shifts very fast.
Weaknesses:
A little on the expensive side.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore.
Bike Setup:
Diamondback 2004 XSL Comp, SRAM X.O rear der, Shimano XT front der, XT cogset, SRAM X.9 trigger shifters, Maxxis High Roller 2.35 Super Tacky tires, blah, blah, blah
Bottom Line:
Solid rear der. Never misses a shift and it is very fast. However, the rave reviews this thing got on this review website? I was satisfied with the rear der but not overwhelmed with its greatness. I had the baseline Shimano Deore factory on my bike. That stuff retails for 25% the cost of this SRAM stuff. The difference is not much in my opinion. This X.O may downshift a little faster, and it is obviously lighter which is a plus. But I did not even have the LX or XT Deore, I just had the baseline Deore. So I can't give it a perfect rating since it did not make me stand up and go WOW! I still would say buy it if you have the money, cause the looks alone make it cool, plus I would never spend money on XTR anything. It is all overly expensive and made for racing. I would be scared to crash my bike with XTR stuff because it will break. I would say stick with XT or this SRAM stuff is quality too. Bottom line: great looks and good performance, if you already own Shimano Deore or above, don't expect leap and bounds of a difference "upgrading" to this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tiffany
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis, TN Date Reviewed: January 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Looks OK, cool factor.
Weaknesses:
Durability and adjustment. price.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Titus, Manitou, Hayes.
Bottom Line:
This thing is flimsy and gets out of adjustment very easily. I already had to have my shop replace one part because of the shifting problem. Still doesn't work. I wish I had not blown the money on this thing. I wish there was a viable product besides shimano, but it seems there is not at this point. Oh, well, live and learn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Catts
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring Branch, Tx Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Madrone, Smithville, Reimers
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Bikeworld
Strengths:
Solid Shifting, cool carbon look
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, XT, LX
Bike Setup:
2003 Klein Attitude Hardtail. Sram XO Shifters/Derailluer, SRAM 9.0 Brakes/Levers, SRAM 9.0 cassette, Bontrager Crank, Thompson stem/seatpost, Fox Vanilla 100 RL
Bottom Line:
This derailleur simply rocks..it has been adjusted twice and nver misses a shift. When I click it shift under load or not. I have a complete 2002 XTR driveterain on my Fuel and it rocks too but this is a better derailluer..when my old XTR dies I'll put the SRAM drivetrain on it. I wont pay the "new XTR" price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis,MO Date Reviewed: January 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very positive shifting. Has needed no adjustment in 3 mo. of hard riding.
Weaknesses:
Non that I'm aware of.
Similar Products Used:
XT & XTR for the last 7+ years
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler, Fox fork, '04 XT cranks, X.9 trigger shifters, etc.
Bottom Line:
The combo of X.O rear mech. and X.9 shifters is the best set-up I have ever had. They provide a more positive and consistent drivetrain. Was a big Shimano fan for years but I am sold on this equipment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rafuli
a Cross Country Rider
from Jerusalem Date Reviewed: January 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
PERFORMANCE
Weaknesses:
MYBE PRICE
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR
Bottom Line:
I have just one thing to say about the Sram X.O rear derailleur, and shifters: you forget it is there. My riding body with his new XTR is so noisy and annoying. Every second ride, or even the first when it’s a little muddy, his drive train goes out of alignment, and he scares the birds off when his chain is desperately trying to find his cassette teeth’s. My dear friend, ride alone or buy your self a Sram X.O. I want to enjoy nature, no factory noise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Excellent Shifting, easy set-up, durable (even though you might not expect that), very resistant to chain-slap.
Weaknesses:
metal screw limit adjusters bottom onto plastic (carbon-print.
An excellent derailleur, but an expensive one. It works very, very well, is very easy to dial-in and is reasonably light. The tension on the jockey-pulley/idler arm is higher than that on an XTR, and the reduction in chain slap is immediately noticeable. It shifts like very precise butter, using the X9 shifters.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Pruitt
a Racer
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: January 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
lbt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$169.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
It looks awesome on my bike. Purchased with the X.0 shifters, it was so easy to install and adjust. Light weight, better than Shimano XTR.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, old school grip shifts.
Bike Setup:
Overhauled Trek 7000 ZX Aluminum. They don't make them like this any more. The seat post is original.
Bottom Line:
Buy this derailleur with the X.0 shorty shifters. You will not be disappointed. It was a dream to install and adjust. All I had to do was set the limit screws without the chain or cable attached. Then once you set the cable. Only make minor adjustments. No cursing with this installation. Take that Shimano! This precision equipment works better than XT or XTR could ever work. Light weight and looks like an animal ready to charge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin
a Racer
from Squamish BC Date Reviewed: January 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Shifts super smooth, easy to adjust, shifts fast
Weaknesses:
no cable tension adjuster on derailleur itselft.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Acera, Deore, LX, XT, XTR, SIS
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2+
Bottom Line:
This derailleur shifts alot better than Shimano Prducts, Doesnt make the chain skip when ut of tune, It is easier than shimano to set up because of the 1:1 pull ratio so its not as finiky to set up. Its really light, and is the best derailleur ive used,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
crothers woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$207.00
Purchased At:
Trailblazer Cycles
Strengths:
Awsome in every way possible Always smooth, crisp shifting, needs very little adjustment WAY BETTER THAN SHIMANO crap.
Weaknesses:
a few grams heavier than XTR if that's important to you, but it overcomes that in every other possible way. Dependancy on sram shifters, love the triggers, but I wish that they would make X-0 triggers. not an issue really.
Similar Products Used:
Every shimano XTR since 1995
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex TsC Full SRAM X-0 Truvativ Stylo Team Cranks Easton EC70 stem and post EC90 bar Selle Italia Flite Mavic Crossmax SL Michelin Comp S Light Tubless
Bottom Line:
Frickin AMA-F U C K I N G-ZING BUY BUY BUY you get the idea it is carbon fiber and aluminum,great for all kinds of cross country off roading
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Warrenton, VA, USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Green Fish
Strengths:
Very light! Crisp, quiet shifting. Initial adjustment was pretty straightforward. Looks the biz.
Weaknesses:
None that I know of!
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, etc.
Bike Setup:
'04 Mtn Cycle San Andreas, Z1 FR SL fork, Vanilla R shock, X.0 shifters & rear derailleur, XT front mech, etc, etc.
Bottom Line:
I bought this as part of a complete $400 "lighten up" kit from Green Fish: X.0 shifters & rear derailleur, Stylo Team cranks & bottom bracket, PG990 cassette, PC99 chain, etc. Once I got the derailleurs properly adjusted, I was completely blown away. No matter how finely I adjusted the previous XT rear derailleur, shifts were loud and clunky. No longer! On my first ride, the shifting was so smooth and quiet I found myself looking down to make sure I'd actually shifted! Absolutely pleased with my purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andro Galero
a Weekend Warrior
from Butuan City, Philippines Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Bon-Bon Trails and anywhere that's unpaved
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
3M-J Trader, Davao City, Philippines
Strengths:
Very easy to set-up. Very lightweight. Cheaper than the latest Shimano XTR. Very cool looks.
Weaknesses:
The grips that come with it is too small and too long. Solved it by using another grip from a different brand.
I have been using Shimano XTR's for almost 3 years and needed to upgrade my system. I don't like the latest XTR brake shifter combo, it's too bulky and looks like it belonged in a commuter bike. Shimano products are good, but i don't like it because everybody has it and they always come out with newer models every year. This X'mas i'm going to remove all my shimano stuff from my bike exept for the cassette and chains, I already started with the Tank Lights hubs and Avid brakes and levers, my next move would be to change to Truvativ cranks and this... my SRAM X.O ESP.
It's very easy to set-up, i didn't even have to use the barrel adjusters. Every gear just shifted on my first try. It has delivered crisp, authorative shifts with excellent consistency ever since i got it.
It's very lightweight, only 400 grams including cables, you also save more weight by cutting your grips in half to fit the gripshifters. My previous XTR setup weighed at 524 grams.
It's cheaper than the latest Shimano XTR products. Got my Sram X.O gripshifters & rear derailleur for only $140. The latest XTR system in my LBS costs around $268.
It has a very cool look. It goes well with my monocoque carbon fiber frame and polished swingarm. It also has uncluttered my handle bar area, it looks cleaner.
The only downside to this set-up is I have to learn a new way of shifting, I have been using trigger shifters ever since i got into mountain biking. But if i have gotten the new XTR, I'd still be learning a new way to shift gears. But the SRAM X.O's gripshifters has a much simplier system, and simplier machines to me are stronger machines.
Buy this one, if your a trail rider looking for a simple drivetrain that's easy to setup with little or no maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shappy
a Cross Country Rider
from Collingwood, Canada Date Reviewed: October 11, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
New on E-Bay
Strengths:
- Super responsive spring. I have not had any ghost shifting at all, unlike Shimano XTR. Very little need for adjustments once original cable strech is adjusted.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, 2003 XTR, XT
Bike Setup:
Rocky SC Team Element with SRAM X.9 Trigger shifters, XT cassette, SRAM PC-99 Chain, 2003 XTR front derailleur
Bottom Line:
I have used the XO, heavily, for two years with no problems. It even still looks great. Incredible durability. Shifts are smooth and crisp, with no ghost shifting, even when the cassette is covered in mud. I also love the fact I can pick any disk brakes I want. I hate that Shimano is only producing Dual Control, which means I have to use their shifters and brakes. I have used XTR, and 2003 XTR, and my first choice will continue to be SRAM. Don't let the higher cost scare you, if you can spend more money on one product on your bike, it should be this one. I used to get so fustrated adjusting, and re-adjusting my XTR, I would not enjoy the ride. The XO has solved this problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from N. Bethesda, MD Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco-Avalon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
-Coolest looking drivetrain component on the planet -Light -User serviceable -Simply the best performing derailleur on the market -So cool I forgot what I had paid for it when I opened the super-swanky metal box!
Weaknesses:
-I quickly remembered what I paid when I saw the invoice
Absolutely incredible. The entire SRAM system is incredible. This is my first experience with any SRAM products, and I'm 100% satisfied. This derailleur is light, shifts amazingly even when the cassette is full of gunk, scores major bling bling points, and is super easy to adjust and set up. Seriously, the single best drivetrain component out there.
And yeah, the price is high, but what does Shimano want for an XTR rear derailleur these days? And I won't even bring up their shifters!
Buy it. You'll love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reece
a
from Canberra, ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Majura Pines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Mountain High Cyclery
Strengths:
Looks; Build quality - everthings sealed and bushed; Smooth but positive operation; Cable routing; Can't rotate forward - no hitting the chain stay.
Weaknesses:
RRP/MSRP is way high - good thing not many are selling it at this inflated level any longer.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore, LX and XT
Bike Setup:
Turner Burner set up for XC and Marathon riding/racing. I'm 6'4" 210.
Bottom Line:
Build quality is astounding, the effort put into every pivot is fantastic.
It was quite easy to setup and hasn't missed a beat.
I've combined it with the X-9 triggers and I prefer this to any other shifter/Der combo.
The 1:1 ratio and positive shifting seems to keep it very accurate in the mud and slop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen
a Cross Country Rider
from British Columbia Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
AKA
Strengths:
Shifts great under all conditions. SRAM warranty / customer service is good.
Weaknesses:
Price. I broke one after 10 months of riding (for no good reason). The pin holding the cage to the body sheared off sometime in the process of wrapping itself around my sprocket. You can't buy all of the individual parts, some come as an assembly.
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur c/w Race face cranks,SRAM holopin chain, 9.0 sprocket and XO shifters. (everything else is irrelevant.
Bottom Line:
The XO shifts perfectly with no ghosting under any conditions. I ride cross country year round and put my bike through a lot of crap. I broke one after ~10 months of use. It wrapped itself around the sprocket on a steep ascent and broke the cage off. The Local rep, Norco, would not replace because of a scratch on the cage (probably caused by the incident?) but SRAM replaced it immediately when I sent them pictures. I am hoping that the break was a fluke because the shifting is awesome. I have been another month on the new one without further problems. I have used Shimano up until a year ago. Providing this break was a fluke, I am happy with the product and still recommend it to friends (though I don't have any good words for Norco). I personally prefer twist grip shifters and the XO combination is unbeatable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicolas Mancillas
a Weekend Warrior
from Okinawa, JP Date Reviewed: July 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Spider Alley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
This thing shifts like clockwork, the only time I missed the gears is when my LBS failed to tune my r.der. properly!
Weaknesses:
None during the whole year I've used it.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT's, Sram grip shift
Bike Setup:
Foes fxr crntt titnm, vanilla 125 rlc, shmno XT 760 Crnks, hayes hyd mags, chris king&xm 819 rims, xo rder, x9 shft
Bottom Line:
This derailleur is extremely tough and light, I've taken a hard lick and gotten all tore up, including the XO and the chingamadig still shifting smooth. Also here in The Rock it's probably one the worst places to put any product thru, we got it all (except desert) mud, sand, clay, roots, rocks, and good ol' corral, yes corral all in one trail called Spider Loop. The final word is, I would not go back to shimano even if the were given to me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$295.00
Strengths:
I can not think about this right now. I was happy with the idea of something other than Shimano when I purchased.
Weaknesses:
Broke! on steep uphill section on slickrock! Piece of .....!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Tried it all over the years.
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula, hayes, Mavic disc rims, Marzocchi 100mm fork, and lots of other goodies added and the obvious shifters and derr.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that it broke, at the cheap carbon looking plastic part in the middle, on me last week at slickrock in Moab. I was climbing a very steep section and obviously putting stress on the bike, but not this, not a broken derr three miles out in the hot sun. Try climbing and having your cheap derr brake, throwing your balance off and falling into a deep gully and broozing my ribs, skinning both knees and shin and have a ..... of a scrape on the left side of my face. In the crash down the rock it broke my new and very expensive Giro helmet, and took a good deal of paint off my new Kona paintjob and bent on of my Hayes brake blades. I will never buy another oberpriced cheaply made piece of crap part good for nothing more than a great deal of pain (both to the body and wallet). Do not buy into the anything but Shimano idea that I did. Sram let me down with this junk. NEVER again never Sram. If anyone wants pictures email me and I'll see if I can take some soon. I so want to give this thing a negative rating, too bad it's not allowed for dangerous products!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Racer
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Clayton Trail, NC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$136.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light weight and techy appearance
Weaknesses:
Way too expensive considering no benefit over the competition. Adjustment is finicky, becomes out of adjustment very easily.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Bottom Line:
The XO der is rather nice looking. However, the price is way too steep considering the less than stellar performance. Granted, I've been riding in messy conditions since I've had this part, but its constant state of being out of adjustment is annoying. It shifts nice for a while when clean the newly adjusted, but after a bit of time in the muck it rubs and shifts without provocation.
After trying it on different bikes of mine and suffering the same result, I'm convinced this thing just cannot cut it in the world of performance riding. If it weren't for the steep price I'd consider a rating of two, but after thinking about the headaches it was just that bad and deserves nothing more than one chili.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Holden, Mass Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything with hills, trees and fresh air.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$155.00
Strengths:
Really, none at this point. Lots of hype for sure (maybe some is justified), if that's a positive. The price sure makes you feel like you must be getting quality. I wish I could say otherwise, but no positives given the price.
Weaknesses:
Flawed floating design, or at the least, poor tolerances displayed in my example which result in a misaligned b-screw or b-screw washer tab. Price.
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Palomino
Bottom Line:
I was expecting superb performance given the hype and price I paid. However, once this thing hit the trails the honeymoon was over. I don't know if it's just a poor "design-around" or that this example is faulty, but the floating derailleur design is not working correctly. The B-screw floats off the washer tab as soon as the trail gets a little bumpy. The result is that the upper pulley rubs on the cassette and makes a horrible "knocking/rubbing" sound much like a roller-coaster being pulled up a track.
The first few times this happened I had to get the tools out to get the thing back on track, but a few times per 1 hour ride is not acceptable. I can't ride with thing doing this! Why this b-screw bypasses the washer tab is beyond me, but it ain't supposed to I can tell you that. It just won't stay perched on the tab no matter what adjustments I or my shop make.
I've had this thing in to my shop three or four times and it seems to work OK on the stand, but get it out on a trail and it pops off. My shop says that this is not the first time they've seen this and that these things can be troublesome anyway, so I am considering switching back to "old reliable", XT. But we'll see if sram takes responsibility once my shop contacts them.
I hate to knock a product that many like, but this thing has been nothing but trouble for me.
Nice try sram, but I think this thing needs some more testing or better design efforts before taken to market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stevan
a
from Kingwood, TX Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Strengths:
Looks, performance, weight
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Sram 7.0, Shimano LX, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Giant VT1 built from frame up.
Bottom Line:
I bought the X.0 because my bike originally was running a 7.0 which I managed to break for the second time by ripping the chain through the plastic side of the cage. I had already bught the X.9 triggers because I don't care for twist grip and the X.0 was the only derailleur that had a full aluminum cage and would work with the triggers. Having said that, I must say that I'm quite impressed with it after all. The shifting is quick and precise, as one would expect from a $100+ derailleur, but what I didn't expect was that the spring is so tight that chain suck and chain slap are almost gone. Don't get me wrong, there's a single tap on the stay still on a 3-4 foot drop but rough terrain isn't going to give the tap, tap noise of your chain hitting the stay, and the other day I cought myself descending in a low enough gear that my previous derailleur would have allowed chain suck on. I run 2.4 Motoraptors so the chain gets really close to the tire and the side knobs have a tendancy to grab hold of the chain, but hasn't been an issue with the X.0. It's as good of a derailleur as you're going to get without going to a freeride/downhill specific unit, but it is almost 3 times as much as an XT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Alma, CO Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
Bikeman
Strengths:
Well made, precise and reliable, clean and aesthetic
Weaknesses:
Pricy, but you get what you pay for here rather than hype
Similar Products Used:
Many Shimano systems since 1985, predominantly XT's from 6 speed friction thru 9 speed rapidfire.
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Pro, SRAM XO, Thomson, Avid 7s, Manitou Air Elite 80mm, Selle Italia SLR, yadda, yadda, yadda
Bottom Line:
I am very pleased with this setup. The shifting is reliable and I haven't had to tweak the system (except to accomodate for break-in cable stretch) in one year. The twist shift takes some getting used to, but I prefer it to the repidfire system. It is also lighter and mechanically simpler (always good, in my opinion) than rapidfire. I no longer race, but I hope to enjoy these for many years to come. Who cares if someone thinks I'm a poser (earlier post) if I choose not to race any more on this sweet ride. Anyone who thinks like that is probably riding for the wrong reasons anyway (ego rather than connection), in my opinion. The X9 system was not on the market when I purchased mine, but it looks like a great bang for the buck - I'd probably advise people to go for the X9 unless they race or have the cash. Enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Nice finish, worked well until it broke.
Weaknesses:
Unreliable and overpriced. Broke on first big ride.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Trek Fule 98
Bottom Line:
First time out on a big ride and the main spring (i guess this is the name) breaks on me. About 5 miles out and i have a broken derailleur. I'm not happy with this thing at this point, will try my shop for replacement, but i'm guessing they will have to send it back or get the part in. I'll post the remedy when i get some satisfaction. i guess this is not normal, but for the price i paid for a derailleur i expect it not to break with the small amount of stress i put on it. At this point, not recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fieldbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Erpe-Mere, Belgium Date Reviewed: May 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Belgian Ardennes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Barracuda
Strengths:
Crisp shifting, no hassle in muddy conditions, very reliable in all conditions
Weaknesses:
It's not cheap at all, I hope it's worth the investment !
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, XT
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Scalpel, Lefty ELO, Hayes disk brakes, SRam XO & gripshift,
Bottom Line:
I was fed up with the unreliable behavious of my XTR derailleur in muddy conditions (although I do not consider this as being a bad derailleur), so I went for the XO. My god, this thing shifts like hell ! No hassle, just bàng and you're in the exact gear you want it ! And although the shifting is not the same as with Rocketshifters, I like it very much and it didn't take much time to get adjusted to this; Hopefully, I can switch my front derailleur in a short future with the new SRAM. Btw, the price was for derailleur, shifters and installation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island N.Y. Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pandora
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
EBAY!!
Strengths:
Stiff Strong and responsive, never misses a shift never!! Light weight, completely rebuildable unlike others. 1:1 ratio shifts like a dream quicker than many other! Bump guard won't let it bash the frame, Dead sexy with the brushed aliuminum and carbon fiber! Easy to adjust and it stays in adjustment, even in wet rides I have yet to have fidle with it. Open design lets nothing get hung up in it from the trail! Did I mention it shifts awesome and I have yet to miss a shift! :)
Weaknesses:
Damn Expensive for just a rear derailuer this thing is damn expensive, but you get what you pay for! Bearing look a little exposed on the pullies not to sure how long they will last, hope the pullies are easy to get!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, XTR, LX, Alivino SRAM 7.0 and 8.0
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR with allot a goddies on it!
Bottom Line:
Forget what the other two people who have left bad feedback for this derailuer! One even said he was going back to Shimano LOL!! I have used Shimano LX, XT and XTR my Stumpy has sported a FULL XTR Drivetrain for two years now and it dosen't hold A THING to the SRAM X.0 series! Anyone who said Shimano is better that SRAM X.0 is either nuts or has been in a bike shop too long and has been smelling cleaning fumes for too long!! This derailuer blows away anything Shimano has to offer yes even the mighty XTR falls to X.0!!! I have yet to miss a shift with the X.0 and that is even in muddy sloppy weather when my XTR couldn't hit a shift if the company depended on it!! The 1:1 Ratio blows away any ratio Shimano uses crisp direct shifting in any weather condition. I your XTR can do that I'd like to see it cause I used my XTR in every weather type imaginable and I would always at one point havre to get off and unclog the derailuer from bad trail conditions! When I'm talking crisp shifting I mean this thing feels like it pulls the chain off the cogg and shoves it into the next on hard and precise! I have bad mounthed SRAM in the past and didn't like there grip shifters at all! That was before the X-series came out! SRAM is now the best and shimano is now chasing them!! Let shimano come up with rapid rise, I'm never going back to Shimano again! I'm not learning how to re-shift ala Shimano rapid rise system and there new brake lever shifter, they are scary who wants to have their shifter in their brake levers while decending a nice rutted up long doewnhill NOT ME! SRAM's grip shifter have come along way now and are completely immune to bar input and it is nice to be able to drop a handful of gears in one turn! Forget Shimano and think differnt THINK SRAM!! As for any Downhillers who have problems with this derailuer I have five guys I know who all Downhill and guess what they all use X.0 No Saint there PEACE!
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