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Shimano SLX or XT? Opinions Needed

2399 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by crisillo, Jan 14, 2010

MTBERMISS

Discussion Starter · Jan 14, 2010

I want to build up an old bike and was wondering which componets to build with- Shimano SLX or XT? I have a mixture of both lying around the garage but don't have a crankset at all and don't have XT shifters or SLX Cassette. They are both about the same weight, the XT being a little lighter especially in the cassette. Anyone have a personal preference when it comes to these two?

I currently have:
1 XT Cassette
1 XT Rear Derailleur
1 XT Front Derailleur

1 SLX Front Derailleur
1 SLX Rear Derailleur
1 SLX Shifters

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One Pivot

· #2 · Jan 14, 2010

slx crank is cheaper, stiffer, about the same weight. that ones a no-brainer imo. i think shimano kinda kicked themselves in the nuts with the slx triple, it overlaps the xt way too much.

sram cassettes are just as good as shimanos, id get whatever one is currently on sale, xt or 990/980.

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the old fool

· #3 · Jan 14, 2010

pick the derailleurs that are in the best condition
LX is cheaper and good stuff
when your looking for a chain SRAM is ok too
Don't get too hung up on what is better than what just do the best you can and go riding

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MTBERMISS

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 14, 2010

I believe the SLX setup is what I'll do. So I'll probably just use the XT Cassette since its about 125 grams lighter and i'll probably use the FSA Gamma Drive (crappy) Crankset I have already until I decide to get a new one. I want it to be light as possible for XC riding with a HT. I Have a xc full suspension that im currently using but I like climbing better with HT's.

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the old fool

· #5 · Jan 14, 2010

sounds good .. wear it out !
How important is weight really? I would concentrated of functional and reliable

If it's an old bike maybe you could consider an NEW one once this lot of LX/XTis worn out.
I ride a '95 GT converted to a singlespeed but got a ride recently on a new 29er ... oh my how times have changed !

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crisillo

· #6 · Jan 14, 2010

One Pivot said:
slx crank is cheaper, stiffer, about the same weight. that ones a no-brainer imo. i think shimano kinda kicked themselves in the nuts with the slx triple, it overlaps the xt way too much.

The one that is claimed to be stiffer is the 2 ring version of SLX, IIRC.

I do agree that the difference between the SLX triple and XT triple is minimal, mostly a looks thing

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