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Derailleurs & shifters: Sram x9 vs. Shimano xt

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Wazzou

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Title pretty much sums up my question. For a new bike build, I am wondering which group comes more recommended? Interested in shifting performance and durability. I've only run XT parts in the past, never Sram stuff. But I'm open minded about using either on this new bike. For cassette and cranks, I am already running XT cogs, cranks and blackspire rings, but that shouldn't affect which shifting parts I go with.

Which do you prefer and why??? Thanks!
 
#2 ·
You'll have just as many adherents as detractors for both systems. I've used both and the only difference I can tell is the shift mechanics - the Sram has both levers as push only. Shimano has the smaller button going both ways..
 
#3 ·
Re: Derailleurs & shifters: Sram x9 vs. Shimano xt

Its a matter of personal preference, some prefer the feel of shimano shifters, some prefer sram. I personally prefer sram shifting and shimano brakes, and a slight majority of people I know prefer sram as well fwiw
 
#4 ·
Whatever you do, get a clutch. I was riding X9 for the last few years and just switched to XT. X9 had more crisp, better feeling shifts. I like the XT because of what Alex said, you can push or pull the up shift. I also like that you can move 2 cogs on the up shift. When I start my descent I only have to up shift 2 or 3 times vs. 5 or 6.
 
#5 ·
Just switched to Shimano XT from SRAM, and I agree, SRAM was a little "crisper" on the shifts, but the double upshift to higher gears is awesome. Also, I love having the ability to upshift with index finger (pull) or thumb (push). I find I use a mix of the two depending on the terrain and how fatigued I am. Love having the options. I do think the multiple downshift to lower gears worked better on SRAM (exact actuation probably had something to do with this) . Seems like with SRAM I could down shift 4 gears in one push of the thumb, but with Shimano it is 2 or 3 max (it will do 4 but I have to twist my wrist and I usually end up releasing and going in a second time). Having said that, it is not that often that i need to downshift that many gears at one time, so not really noticing it. Overall, I think I like Shimano just a little more than SRAM, but both are great systems.
 
#6 ·
I've got XT on my current rig for 2 years and had X9 for years on my previous rig - I strongly prefer Shimano for the reasons already listed and it was always easier to get it to perfect, predictable shifting. The Sram setup seemed more finicky to dial it in.

As stated, Shimano brakes hands down
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Thanks for the comments guys. I've decide to stick with what I know - Shimano XT. I was considering Sram just to see how that is, but XT drivetrain components have never let me down, so why change? My current XT stuff has been on my mtb for 4 years, working without a hitch. Not bad, I think. And the XT drivetrain before that lasted forever.

Probably the biggest reason to go with XT again is the reason everyone here has pointed out - the two way upshift. I really do like that. And hey, I actually like the gear indicators. I remember when indicators first came out sometime in the 90s and I thought, "dumb, not needed," but now I know I would really miss them! Don't really need one for the left side on a 2x, but I find it handy on the right shifter.
 
#9 ·
Not sure but I'd have to assume its very minimal. I've never heard of anyone factoring weight into their drivetrain choice, so it can't be much

Your best bet would be to go to the sram and shimano website to get weights and adding up the component weights
 
#10 ·
People sometimes choose SRAM for weight. I'm not sure what the numbers are - you'll have to hunt them down for each piece and add them up. Shimano has been pretty conservative about materials selection, and tends to work in aluminum and steel. SRAM uses more plastics and composites.

FWIW, I'd still rather have Shimano. Not enough to choose a different bike, but if other things were equal.
 
#12 ·
I prefer SRAM as a whole.. thou like everyone says it's more a personal pref...

here's my take thou..
usually SRAM for "equal class" parts are cheaper... Not just in base price but even more so as they seem to flood the market with more product and you see more and deeper sales.. now it's not just the base purchase but the replacement cost I think of also,.. hey, it's a MT bike... you WILL break stuff :p Though this Shimano seems to be changing this with the newer 10 and 11 speed stuff to some degree.

I find SRAM MUCH easier to adjust. It's funny that I read others saying the opposite, but honestly I'm guessing it's probably what each of us are used to working on the most so we all have our own order of ops to setup and adjust and just used to one or the other manufacturer. :confused:
I will say SRAM is much more finicky about the "B" screw Adjustment than Shimano is.

SRAM I find is usually tighter and crisper
I personally prefer Sram shifter.. they just feel right to me.
 
#13 ·
I will chime in, X9 is not SRAM's counterpart to Shimano XT, it would be SRAM XO if you want to be on the same level per say.
 
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#16 ·
SRAM X9 all the way(I've only had 1 set). I thought I would never leave shimano drivetrain especially the excellent XT levels but my Fisher came with X9's. I have a '10 HiFi that I bought in Dec of '10 and I have never had to do any adjustments on them so I can't say if they are easy to work on or not. They never miss a shift. They seem to have a more crisp "pop" on the shifts where shimano seems like a much lighter/softer shift. I do like XT but they do seem to need adjustments every so often.
 
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