[ssalmons]

Over the years I have always been impressed by Shimano shifter/derailleur performance, no matter the price point. My only experience with SRAM is the x.9 drive train on my mountain bike, does anyone have experience with the low end SRAM stuff? I am building up a cheap commuter, my choices are EF50 shifters with Acera rear or x.4 shifters with fr-5 brake levers and x.3 rear derailleur. I prefer the clunky feel of SRAM shifters, but I am not willing to sacrifice the reliability of Shimano on this commuter.

No matter the shifter/derail combo I end up with, this bike is getting Shimano cranks, SRAM cassette, chain and front derailleur. Building bikes is so much fun!

 

[mtnbiker72]

The current X-4 shifters are not bad...basically the same as the old x-5's from a few years back. The older SX4 shifters are pretty cheap feeling though my step mother has them on her hybrid and they work fine...but she doesn't use it as a commuter. I would step up to the X-4 derailleur if you can...a lot more metal and a lot less plastic than the X-3.

 

[hardwarz]

My OEM setup on my trial bike (GT iDrive 4) was:
Shifters: SRAM SX-5
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX-5

I changed it up this weekend. Now its:
Shifters: SRAM X.7
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX-5

A lot of companies use Shimano front derailleurs because they're just plain better. Next time I find an SRAM X.7 rear derailleur on sale, my trail bike will be sporting that too!

I found the X.7 shifters on sale at Performance last month (June 2010) for $40 for the pair and $40 for the X.7 rear derailleur. I bought them because I was going to put them on a bike that I am selling. Well, the bike sale didn't go through, so the X.7 shifters went on my bike. Since the bike was being sold, I bought a X.3 rear derailleur for it.

Whatever shifters you choose, you have to get the same companies rear derailleur. Front derailleur can be different. Some people will tell you that you have to use the same cassette and chain too. I've been using mixed mountain drive train for a while. My old Mongoose Sommet came from the factory with Shimano Deore shifters, crank, rear derailleur, front derailleur and SRAM cassette and chain.

 

[Calles]

If you get the x.4 dont shift while pedaling uphill.

It was almost brand new, but I did ride ir pretty hard while I had it though. I just got a new one on order at the LBS, and decided to go with the x.5. A bit of a step up, but not too much more expensive

 

[mtnbiker72]

If you get the x.4 dont shift while pedaling uphill.

It was almost brand new, but I did ride ir pretty hard while I had it though. I just got a new one on order at the LBS, and decided to go with the x.5. A bit of a step up, but not too much more expensive

Upgrading to X-5 may or may not solve the problem

Parts fail occasionally...that is why companies have warranties (otherwise they wouldn't need them)

 

[ssalmons]

I have seen Dura-ace derailleurs break like that, XTR, XT, it happens. My question is does the X.4 stuff function and hold up as well as Shimano Acera?

 

[Calles]

Parts fail occasionally...that is why companies have warranties (otherwise they wouldn't need them)

Thats funny. Almost the exact same spot mine broke. I understand that anything can break given the right circumstances. I was just giving the OP my experience, in that it didn't take much at all the break mine off. I was pedaling and shifting under MODERATE force and it snapped. Could have been from damage it sustained in an earlier fall, I dont know..

As for function, until the break the X.4 worked great for me. I had very few problems. Im no expert, but they seem to be pretty functional.

 

[gr8blues]

When my 9spd Shimmano LX trigger shifters gave up I went to sram attack triggers same compatibility. They shift better than the LX ever did using my otherwise LX components.