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Difference in use between Shimano and SRAM drivetrains?

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Superorb

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm looking to return my crappy Mongoose 26 HT in favor of another, better hardtail.

What exactly is the difference in use with SRAM vs. Shimano drivetrains? The current bike has x.4 stuff which I'm fine with, but how does it differ in use from a Shimano RD/shifters? If it makes no difference it'll make shopping for a bike that much easier.

I searched and couldn't find usage comparisons.
 
#2 ·
Most experienced bikers have a favorite brand but since both companies have a significant market share there must be a lot of fans on both sides.

The bottom line is that both brands provide good performance as long as you stay away from the low priced stuff.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
billee said:
Most experienced bikers have a favorite brand but since both companies have a significant market share there must be a lot of fans on both sides.

The bottom line is that both brands provide good performance as long as you stay away from the low priced stuff.
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I understand that, but what are the FUNCTIONAL differences between the two brands. There's gotta be a reason wy half the people like one and half the people like the other.
 
#4 ·
X4 (or X3) and higher have a 1:1 actuation ratio. Shimano I believe is still 2:1. 1:1 means the shifter moves the same amount as the indexer providing a quicker shift imo. 2:1 feels sloppier. These are just my opinions. I rode XT for years with no complaints but once I got X.9 stuff I've never gone back to shimano. Really either is fine, it's just personal preference. Don't sweat it.
 
#5 ·
1:1 cable pull ratio on SRAM rear derailleurs versus 2:1 on Shimano. So the cable moves further on the SRAM to make a shift. That can allow it to be less affected by muddy cables or small cable housing movements on a FS bike.

Sometimes.

YMMV.

Or what he just said ^^^^^ seconds before me
 
#6 ·
Superorb said:
I understand that, but what are the FUNCTIONAL differences between the two brands. There's gotta be a reason wy half the people like one and half the people like the other.
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Functionally, they both work and work well. They can have a different feel and have different ergonomics, which is why some riders prefer one brand over the other.

But the difference is not enough to justify replacing a drivetrain that is in good condition and working as designed.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Thanks guys. I was looking at new bikes with both, but maybe I should try both to see which one I like. I like on the Deore shifters how you can press 1 trigger both directions to go down a cog size in the rear, but I also like the way the x.4 is quick.

Is there a way to have deore shifters operate an SRAM RD?
 
#8 ·
almost everything in the shimano line is great except for Shimano Alivio

Everything in the Sram line is great excpet that X4, X5, and X7 all feel pretty much the same shifting wise, and that X9 and X0 also feel identical. The components do get stronger throughout the line though
 
#9 ·
I have an X9 rear and an XT rear. I don't notice much performance difference between the two. I use Sram Attack shifters on the XT to keep the same thumb/thumb w/ the Sram system. I think that it bolis down to user preference, not product performance.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
mnigro said:
I have an X9 rear and an XT rear. I don't notice much performance difference between the two. I use Sram Attack shifters on the XT to keep the same thumb/thumb w/ the Sram system. I think that it bolis down to user preference, not product performance.
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Can you really notice if the Sram RD shifts faster?
 
#13 ·
Both brands' lineups have issues, they're just different. Shimano's rapid rise vs traditional is another subject. Well setup both (all) work well, even the low end models they both offer. Would be nice if there were more options perhaps, but OTOH there's not much difference in any case.
 
#15 ·
louisssss said:
is the x.9 RD better than the Deore XT RD?
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Again, not better per say, just different. I like the "zero loss" system of the x.9 (and 1:1)but it's hardly a deal breaker. X.9 RD also doesn't have that huge cable loop at the end like XT so it's cleaner, with less cable to grab sticks, etc.......but I've never had a stick grab either systems cable, not a whole lotta sicks on Phoenix trails though.

Personal preference.
 
#16 ·
eatdrinkride said:
Again, not better per say, just different. I like the "zero loss" system of the x.9 (and 1:1)but it's hardly a deal breaker. X.9 RD also doesn't have that huge cable loop at the end like XT so it's cleaner, with less cable to grab sticks, etc.......but I've never had a stick grab either systems cable, not a whole lotta sicks on Phoenix trails though.

Personal preference.
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Or you can get the "Shadow" version of the xt that doesn't have the loop of cable. A well setup and maintained system of either brand will work amazingly well. If you're a doofus and can't get it setup or maintained correctly....well, you're a doofus.
 
#17 ·
Superorb said:
If it makes no difference it'll make shopping for a bike that much easier.
.
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If you have no ergonomic preference, they both work well, and I would not let the S vs S decision factor into your purchase if you don't already have a preference.

The actual functional difference has already been explained in this thread (cable pull ratios).
 
#18 ·
I use both and as others have said, they both are good, just a little different.
My casual observations using both would be that when Shimano's are dialed in, they feel more precise than SRAM, but SRAM tends to provide more consistent shifting over the long haul. Also, the SRAM rear derailleur doesn't seem to bounce around as much as the Shimano. So I guess it's the difference between something that feels more like a precision instrument but needs more attention, and something that feels a little more utilitarian but works more consistently. Keep in mind, these differences are subtle.

My most recent builds have been SRAM, but that has been primarily because I found better deals on the SRAM stuff at the time of the build. Other than that, I'm happy with either. I'm referring to X7, X9, or LX/SLX , XT level components.
 
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