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2X10 Specific Question

1466 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  eddy02
For starters, I appologize that I am probably asking questions that are answered somewhere on the boards. After searching and reading many, many threads on 2X10 I am confused and my head hurts:madman: ....although I have learned a lot and have some specific questions:thumbsup:

I am looking to build up a 2011 Rocky Mountain Slayer that uses a direct mount E-Type front derailluer and want to use a Race Face SIXC 24/36/Bash crank with 10spd chainrings and a 10spd Shimano front derailluer. As far as I can tell Race Face is making 10spd chainrings for this setup and so far everything is kosher.

A) Will a SRAM XO/XX shifter in 2X10 work with the "granny/middle" setup and a Shimano front derailluer?
B) Is there much of a difference between XX and XO shifters
C) It looks like an XTR shifter is no problem with the switch for 2X or 3X, correct?

I have decided to run an 11-36 2X10 set up in the rear.

D) Are SRAM and XTR 10spd 11-36 cassettes interchangeable?

If I cannot use an XX/XO shifter for the granny/middle setup up front I will go complete XTR. If I can use the XX/XO for front shifting with the Shimano front derailluer I will most likely go SRAM out back. If I end up with XTR shifters and derailluers, I am considering a SRAM cassette if that is possible.

E) With 10spd chainrings, cassette and derailluers are SRAM and Shimano 10spd chains interchangeable?
F) Is there a compelling reason to use SRAM vs. Shimano chains on a 10spd setup (I like PowerLinks a lot)?
G) Is there much of a difference between XX and XO 10spd derailluers?

Thank you for clarification and saving me from more headache inducing searching of this topic. Any comments beyond my questions are appreciated greatly! Things seemed so much simpler in the past............................
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one more thing.............

I calculate capacity (36-24=12)+(36-11=25) at 37t. It looks like XTR medium cage derailleurs capacity is 35. Would a medium cage derailleur work? What about a medium cage XX or XO derailleur?

Thanks again!!
I figured out the XX and XO differences so my questions are about XTR vs. XO. I also figured out that I can use a SRAM cassette with Shimano XTR (and then use a SRAM chain). It looks like the reccomendation is to use a Shimano chain with a Shimano Dynasis cassette.

Look how good I am doing all on my own!

I guess I don't really have any questions after all. Still, free free to add anything that may be of value. Or just flame on if you wish! Thanks!
Saw this linked from the front page of the Race Face website

http://raceface.com/comp/pdf/10 Speed FAQ.pdf

looks like you're running a '3x10 double' not '2x10' according to their definition so you'll need to run a 3x shifter. XX is out but the X0 3x option will work.
eddy02 said:
Saw this linked from the front page of the Race Face website

http://raceface.com/comp/pdf/10 Speed FAQ.pdf

looks like you're running a '3x10 double' not '2x10' according to their definition so you'll need to run a 3x shifter. XX is out but the X0 3x option will work.
Thanks for the link. I saw this as well but the explanation helps. Now I am trying to decide between DynaSys and XO. I have been a SRAM guy for the last few years and like it a lot but the new XTR has me wanting to try Shimano again. Can't go wrong with any of them but I haven't had the pleasure of picking a new drivetrain in a while so the options are cool.
I found out recently that although SRAM 10sp chains use their Powerlinks, but unlike their 8sp and 9sp chains, they are only to be opened and closed one-time.
onegymrat said:
I found out recently that although SRAM 10sp chains use their Powerlinks, but unlike their 8sp and 9sp chains, they are only to be opened and closed one-time.
I read that too. Is that what SRAM reccomends? Or is there something going on that prevents the link from being re-used? I suppose it isn't a big deal either way but I have a stock of new and used 9 spd PowerLinks that have come in very handy. If the 10 spd PowerLinks function the same as the 9 spd I can't imagine what would prevent them from being re-used.

I have gone round and round with gear inches, 10 spd, 9 spd, 2X, 3X and all of the combinations and think I have it all figured out...............finally! For the type of riding I am setting this bike up for I am pretty sure the combination that is going to work for me would be 11-36 with 24-34-bash up front. I have an email in to Race Face to see if I can get 10 spd rings in 34 for the SIXC crank. I can't see why not but who knows these days.

I am trying to avoid giving up too much top end when I ditch the big ring; that is why originally I was looking at 24-36 chainrings. But, after going through the gear combinations I am concerned that the 36/36 (big-big) combination is going to force me to shift to the granny in situations where I used to be able to stay in the middle ring. Trying to avoid a situation where I need to make a desperation shift under load in technical riding, or even worse starting a climb in the granny to avoid the desperation shift.

I know I am obsessing, and I know I have the gears available but it isn't easy to teach an old dog new tricks. Plus, it is one hell of a lot of money to spend to find out it isn't set-up in a way that works for me.

Thanks for the helpful comments.
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cornfish said:
I read that too. Is that what SRAM reccomends? Or is there something going on that prevents the link from being re-used? I suppose it isn't a big deal either way but I have a stock of new and used 9 spd PowerLinks that have come in very handy. If the 10 spd PowerLinks function the same as the 9 spd I can't imagine what would prevent them from being re-used.
Not sure either...baffles me too! I am in the middle of a 2x10 Sram X.0 build as well. So got my Sram 1091 chain and thought I would order a link for backup. Then read on several sites about it being used only ONCE. I like to take the chain off (my other bike is traditional 9sp with Sram 991 hollowpin) once in a while for a thorough cleaning. I did buy a packet of four 10sp links anyway...but guess I gotta be selective when I take off to clean I guess. I suppose the thinner/narrower 10sp chain, they suspect, would be weaker and cannot handle the occasional detaching. :rolleyes:
SRAM does recommend that the 10 speed PowerLocks are to only be used one time. If you want a removable 10 speed master link get a Wipperman Connex or a KMC Missing Link.

I think the reason for the powerlocks being one time use is the fact that the 10 speed chains are much narrower than the 8/9 speed Powerlinks, therefore being a possible safety issue. The instructions for the powerlocks state that a chain tool is required to remove it.

Pulled from SRAMs website.

Once the Power Lock is installed it can only
be removed by means of a Chain tool.


The 10 speed Powerlocks require the use of a pair of pliers to get them off. The 8/9 speed Powerlinks can be removed by hand.

I run a SRAM 1090 chain on my road bike and once I need to pull the chain for any reason, I'll probably end up buying the KMC Missing Link for re-usability.
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After deciding that 24/34 on a 6" bike was the right way to go, Race Face (I also decided on a SIXC crank, 10 spd) just informed me that they do not make a 10 spd 34 tooth chain-ring. Arrghh! Now I have to re-think my gearing again.

Anyone out there that lives in a place with a lot of climbing that cares to comment about gearing, I would love to hear your thoughts. I would still like to go with 10 spd 11-36 out back and am now trying to decide if 24/36 up front is going to be ok. if I end up with a 32 middle ring I will most likely save a lot of money and just run 22/32 with an 11-34 9 spd set-up.

Thanks for whatever suggestions you feel like throwing my way.
cornfish said:
After deciding that 24/34 on a 6" bike was the right way to go, Race Face (I also decided on a SIXC crank, 10 spd) just informed me that they do not make a 10 spd 34 tooth chain-ring. Arrghh! Now I have to re-think my gearing again.

Anyone out there that lives in a place with a lot of climbing that cares to comment about gearing, I would love to hear your thoughts. I would still like to go with 10 spd 11-36 out back and am now trying to decide if 24/36 up front is going to be ok. if I end up with a 32 middle ring I will most likely save a lot of money and just run 22/32 with an 11-34 9 spd set-up.

Thanks for whatever suggestions you feel like throwing my way.
24/34 is too close anyway...
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