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SRAM vs SHIMANO
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Gday folks,
Happy New Year to you all!
I'm in the process of replacing my old Anthem X1 - 2006/7? and Im thinking of going down the Specialized route, but I know that is a separate debate itself. Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29er vs Anthem X1 29er . . . . ahhhh
Really what I would like to hear from is people who have ridden bikes with both SRAM and Shimano. I know the systems [shifting] feel/are different. What were/are your thoughts
Opinions on quality of the product and resilience are also appreciated.
Feel free to engage in the Giant v Specialized debate if you want, lol
Thanks,
Exx
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Holden v ford....
personally I like the feel of SRAM
I Have both but prefer Shimano.
Both high end stuff are awesome. It's just what your personal preferences are?
I own a Giant with Shimano and a Specialized with SRAM and the winner for me is.....either. IMHO, it's more about the bike itself along with the (within reason) the component quality (XX/X0/X9, SLX/XT/XTR) than the brand. Also, some components maybe feel better in one brand and other components in another.
BTW, I would probably be comparing the Epic to the Anthem and compare the Stumpy to the Trance or even the Reign. All awesome bikes and I would be happy to own any of them but the Epic is a short(er) travel race bike like the Anthem where the Stumpy is more of a trail/AM bike like the Trance/Reign.
Ahh, bike shopping, even vicariously it's still somewhat enjoyable.
Same, I have the top line of both. Xtr has been flawless for me. SRAM xx IMO works great but keeps going out of tune quickly. I never had these issues with SRAM x0.
But then again it could just be me.
For value for $ the 2012 xt is excellent.
Horses for courses imo.
A single speed will solve most of this dilemma
The thing I like about XTR and now XT is the ability to shift with either thumb or forefinger on the front lever, in fact I love that feature. I've had XTR on my 26er for three years now and have had no problems whatsoever.
if you are after a allmountain bike I saw a Trek 29er dually yesterday & it looks good , I might invest in a frame & swap everything over .
used both SRAM and Shimano - nothing in it for me, both worked well with few problems - even though I tend to fiddle with gearing - eg 20*30*40FR and 11*36 cassette on the 29r. Seemed to get more chain suck with Shimano - but thats just a feeling.
But i do like being able to drop three gears at once on the SRAM which i couldnt do on the Shimano, not sure if latest XT(R) can drop 3 on the rear.
FWIW.
... so long as you dont forget to factor replacement knee joints into the the total cost of ownership
Ive been a firm XT fan for over 10 years now but while I found the latest push push/pull shifters good they occasionally give sticky up shifts. I have also found them generally less slick & more notchy than the previous incarnations. I wondered whether this was intentional as all of the SRAM shifters that I've tried also had a more notchy/agricultural feel.
Then I tried the latest SRAM 10x2 on a new Stumpy. The best shifting I've experienced so far. Ffast & positive with little effort.
My new build will be running SRAM.
Exxodus I think the answer is that I would not let whether the bike comes with Shimano or SRAM be the deciding factor in what bike you buy. Sure, S-Works and other high end bikes often let you choose which brand to go for but generally, find the bike frame you like and that feels comfortable and then buy the highest spec'd in that model you can afford.
I will add to this that whilst my Trance 26er is still an awesome bike I *love* my Epic 29er! First upgrade is going to be some better wheels. Hmm, Roval carbons or is there something better?
Took out the S Works Epic and the S works Stumpy when Specialized were in town. The shifting feel of the SRAM was pretty good. Compared against a 2010/11? XTR I thought the SRAM was a much better feel, but like everyone says, it's personal preference.
Went into the new specialized shop on Milligan st in the city yesterday and I can't however say that I like the colour for the new Epic Comp which is what I am setting my sights on. Definitely won't be buying the flurescent yellow version of the bike.
After racing and riding all year and talking to people on both sides of the fence, I have found Shimano to be far more reliable than SRAM , I have used Shimano for 20 years and never had a problem.
It always comes down to the user though, so try and see what you like, just don't ride a demo bike, as the setup will almost always be perfect.
Good Luck
MPN
Thanks everyone for all your opinions.
I guess the next step is to test ride some SRAM as I am a long time Giant rider . . .
Ive got a brand new full XX groupset for sale if you want to take the leap. Includes drivetrain and brakes.
$1700.
Otherwise I'll post something up on classifieds soon.