SRAM Components

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In article <[email hidden]>,

Chris said:

How do SRAM components compare to Shimano Components? I've only used Shimano
Components, so thats all I have to judge by.

_ Their chains are very good and I like the new rear derailer I got
a month ago a lot. I'd buy more of their stuff.

_ Booker C. Bense

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Chris said:

How do SRAM components compare to Shimano Components? I've only used Shimano
Components, so thats all I have to judge by.

Chris

I running a Sram PC-99 chain with Sram X.9 derail. and shifters on my
new bike. I really like them, much more of a positive feel in shifting
the rear mech., easy to get used to the thumb push-push engagement.
The only thing I don't like right now is that shifting the front mech
(old XT from last bike) seems like a long throw, I'll have to compare
with others using Shimano, but the stroke seems longer with the Sram?

--
Craig Brossman, Durango Colorado
(remove ".nospam" to reply)

Out of 14 mounted and in service derailleurs 11
are Sram on my bikes. And when those 3 Shimano brake
Shimano no more. I also run Sram PC 48,59, and 99 chains.
I can't for get Sram 9.0 brakes and levers. Just call me Sram man and
loving every minute of it.

I MTB 2004

Chris said:

How do SRAM components compare to Shimano Components? I've only used
Shimano Components, so thats all I have to judge by.

Chris

I'm a holdout gripshift user on both my bikes and will continue to use them
as long as they are available. It just seems so simple to me, and I've yet
to be convinced that trigger shifters offer my anything additional. I've
tried 'em and don't see any reason to change. YMMV. SRAM chains are great,
though my one experience with the PC-99 was somewhat short-lived, of course
those aren't built for durability. Whatever chain you run, the POWERLINK is
the best thing going, IMO. The Shimano replacable pin thingie is just too
much of a pain in the ass. If you like Shimano chains, use 'em but go with
the POWERLINK. SRAM derailleurs I haven't tried, but might give one a shot
if I ever upgrade my hardtail to 9 speed. I'm running a SRAM cassette on my
other bike, but no call yet on durability. It appears to be holding out
fine, but it's still young in terms of mileage. The 34 tooth cassette goes
from 28 direct to 34,which is a bit awkward, but I understand they're gonna
fix that in '05 and make the steps more like Shimano's. It's not that big a
deal though since I rarely ever use the 34t, but when I do the step isn't as
critical as the desire for some serious low gearing. I'll probably just end
up buying whatever's on sale next time I need a cassette.

Though I'm sure many will argue differences in quality, I think any
differences are on the margins. Personal preference is probably the biggest
discriminator between the two component brands. I'm glad to see SRAM come
out with a trigger system even though I don't use 'em. The more
head-to-head competition exists, the more options we'll have at a cheaper
price.

Tom (competition is good)

....are made of plastic.

But before wishing death to you, I am going to tell you that IMO, SRAM makes
a fine product.  I've used SRAM Attack shifters with Shimano derailers in
the past, and I currently use a SRAM X.O system on my hardtail.  The attack
shifters were good, but X.O is marvelous.

I also enjoy Shimano XTR dual control levers, but they're quite expensive.
Despite everyone being afraid of "accidentally shifting while braking," I
stand firm on the statement that this has never happened to me in the 11
months I have used them.  I also hear people say that these levers "allow
you to shift while braking," but again, I have never done this, nor have I
ever felt the desire to shift and brake at the exact same moment.

If you want a comparison, here you go.  The Shimanos shift smoother, almost
like you can't feel it sometimes, the tradeoff being that they aren't
always as quick to snap into gear as SRAM.  With my X.O system, when you
click that twister barrel you can feel the chain immediately engage the
selected gear.  I also like the ability to adjust the front derailer using
the several clicks in between numbers with grip shifts, it allows you to
use different gear combos without rubbing- if you need to.  Shimano seems
to run quieter... but if you keep your drivetrain oiled up you should be
fine there.

If that wasn't enough, the X.O rear derailer looks SWEET!

Some people are not in favor of SRAM components, usually claiming the tired
old 'accidental shift' BS or claiming some issue about the longevity of
SRAM components.  Don't take what that naysayers give you at face value,
most of them operate only on hearsay.

John Morgan

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How do SRAM components compare to Shimano Components? I've only used

Shimano

Quoted message said:

Components, so thats all I have to judge by.

Chris

Hi Chris. I'm the other guy going by "Chris."

I only use SRAM chains and cassettes anymore, because Shimanos have
consistently disappointed. I haven't put real mileage on any other SRAM
parts because my love for Rapidfire is equaled only by my despise for
Gripshift. Just personal preference there, no durability/performance
issues.

I'm biased against Shimano because a) they're the biggest, and you gotta
root for the underdog and b) they keep switching [censored] up. Like "Rapid
Rise." God I hate that - how often are you desperate to "go faster right
now" as opposed to "spin easier right now." Unless you're Roland Green, not
much. I'd rather flow up a climb (how's that for horrible word
usage..."flow up"😉 than get down a nanosecond faster. Anyway...

But yeah, in my experience SRAM chains are head and shoulders above
Shimano - it's not even a question. I will never buy Shimano chains again.
I have a lot of ugly miles on my SRAM cassette, and it's still pointy in all
the right places. My other bits are Shimano.

SRAM does own RockSux now, so I guess that's a check in the "cons" column.

Chris
(the other)

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
<snip>

Quoted message said:

SRAM does own RockSux now, so I guess that's a check in the "cons" column.

Maybe the shocks will start to improve?

"John Morgan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Pakkc.8648$A27.6901@fed1read06...

Quoted message said:

I also enjoy Shimano XTR dual control levers, but they're quite expensive.
Despite everyone being afraid of "accidentally shifting while braking," I
stand firm on the statement that this has never happened to me in the 11
months I have used them.

Agreed. 15 months. XT is less $$ than X.9.

Quoted message said:

I also hear people say that these levers "allow
you to shift while braking," but again, I have never done this, nor have I
ever felt the desire to shift and brake at the exact same moment.

Well, maybe once or twice.

Quoted message said:

If that wasn't enough, the X.O rear derailer looks SWEET!

True.

Quoted message said:

Some people are not in favor of SRAM components, usually claiming the

tired

Quoted message said:

old 'accidental shift' BS or claiming some issue about the longevity of
SRAM components. Don't take what that naysayers give you at face value,
most of them operate only on hearsay.

Use what you like best. Either one will work fine. You can even combine
them. That said, I think anyone buying shifters who hasn't tried the dual
controls is selling themselves short.

Chris said:

How do SRAM components compare to Shimano Components? I've only used Shimano
Components, so thats all I have to judge by.

I'm not one of those who believes in hating Shimano because they're
big or any other [censored]. I'm just interested in performance and I've
been impressed with SRAM's recent offerings.

They've had some catching up to do, but they're doing well IMO. Firstly,
their products aren't overly-complex and any innovation seems to be there
for improvement rather than as a gimmick. All the products of theirs that
I have used have worked very well - the 9.0SL shifter derailleur combo has
barely missed a shift in the 2 or 3 years it's been on there, even though
I'm not particularly good with the maintenance thing. Partly, I believe,
that's attributable to the 1:1 shifting ratio - in crappy conditions it
means that the shifting stays good where Shimano stuff would have started
skipping.

Now looking forward to testing out their trigger shifters - the X9 stuff
looks pretty good. Now all they need to do is come out with a front
shifter and I'd then make the final switch.

--
a.m-b FAQ: http://www.j-harris.net/bike/ambfaq.htm

a.bmx FAQ: http://www.t-online.de/~jharris/bmx_faq.htm

John Morgan <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<Pakkc.8648$A27.6901@fed1read06>...

Quoted message said:

...are made of plastic.

But before wishing death to you

I wuz gonna say this, Gianni... 🙂

Quoted message said:

I am going to tell you that IMO, SRAM makes
a fine product. I've used SRAM Attack shifters with Shimano derailers in
the past, and I currently use a SRAM X.O system on my hardtail. The attack
shifters were good, but X.O is marvelous.

I have Attack shifters/XT on my good bike, and they have been great
for the last year and a half. No adjustments required.

Quoted message said:

I also enjoy Shimano XTR dual control levers, but they're quite expensive.

When I look at them, I think "damn, if I crash, and snap off a lever,
or something goes 'boing' inside, I really have to fork over."

Quoted message said:

Despite everyone being afraid of "accidentally shifting while braking," I
stand firm on the statement that this has never happened to me in the 11
months I have used them. I also hear people say that these levers "allow
you to shift while braking," but again, I have never done this, nor have I
ever felt the desire to shift and brake at the exact same moment.

I can do that with my GripShifters. Middle finger on the brake, twist
with thumb and forefinger. I also have my brakes rigged
right-brakes-front, so I'm working the rear der with my primary
braking hand. No problems yet.

Quoted message said:

If you want a comparison, here you go. The Shimanos shift smoother, almost
like you can't feel it sometimes, the tradeoff being that they aren't
always as quick to snap into gear as SRAM. With my X.O system, when you
click that twister barrel you can feel the chain immediately engage the
selected gear.

I like the fact I can grab a gear three lower *right now.*

Quoted message said:

I also like the ability to adjust the front derailer using
the several clicks in between numbers with grip shifts, it allows you to
use different gear combos without rubbing- if you need to.

Something I do automatically, and now that you mention it, it is
nice...

Must be from my friction-shifting days...

Quoted message said:

Some people are not in favor of SRAM components, usually claiming the tired
old 'accidental shift' BS or claiming some issue about the longevity of
SRAM components. Don't take what that naysayers give you at face value,
most of them operate only on hearsay.

On the Loon Lake Death March last year, Paladin's buddy busted his
front der GripShifter about two miles in. In the middle ring, IIRC.
Kinda sucked for the climbs we had coming. They do break, but I have
broken Shimano stuff before, too. I like my old school 9.0SL set-up
on my beater. Works great, looks good. Keep them lubed, and they
work a long time (again, hearsay...)

The real bonus is that you can now have triggers via SRAM, and can go
totally Shimano-free, even on a geared bike. You just have to find
one of those early SRAM front ders.
--
Jonesy

[email hidden] (Jonesy) wrote in message

Quoted message said:

On the Loon Lake Death March last year, Paladin's buddy busted his
front der GripShifter about two miles in. In the middle ring, IIRC.
Kinda sucked for the climbs we had coming.

You've reminded me that I kept that ride in the middle ring of my
21spd hardtail. Sort of a self-imposed punishment or exile from
granny, since I chickened out on singlespeeding the whole thing.

Paladin