which derailleur is better?

Question

which one is better - Shimano XTR or SRAM X7? does the x7 actually shift faster? please explain. thanks

let me put it this way - what justifies spending $235 on an SRAM X0? i no carbon is not that expensive.

Answer 1

those SRAM are the way to go these days. i had have heard alot of rave about those Sram X.0 carbon derailleurs and its superb shifting action and downshift are just perfect. XTR is just overrated because its has been so long in the market and people dont have much choice. Believer of SRAM. Cheers

Answer 2

Shimano XTR = SRAM X0 (highest)
Shimano XT = SRAM X9
Shimano LX = SRAM X7 (lower)
etc. etc.

As you move higher up, you are getting a lighter derailleur with better performance. Will a casual or even a serious rider notice much difference between an LX and XTR or X7 and XO? Maybe, maybe not. You have to decide how much you can afford. The type and quality of your shifters will also determine how well your derailleur perform. As for Shimano vs. SRAM, there are people on both sides of the issue and one is not better than the other except in opinion.

Answer 3

The shimano XTR is actually there high end mtb shifter. The sram x7 is the equivalent of the shimano XT. If one shifts any faster than the other, I believe that would be a personal opinion.

As to which one is better, again that's a personal opinion. The only thing I can say is I run the Sram X9 on my Catrike and I haven't found anything that will come close, IMO.

Unless you're a pro rider and making a living at riding nothing would justifie spending that amount of money on a derailleur.

Answer 4

I think you're comparing apples to oranges. There are two things here:

1. Shimano has a 2:1 ratio vs Sram 1:1. I'm no engineer, but what I think this reflects is that on the Shimano system, for every mm that you pull on the lever, 2mm are moved on the deraileur, while on the SRAM it's linear: 1mm pulled on the shifter reflects as 1mm on the deraileur (maybe it's not exactly the explanation, but something similar).

2. X.7 is comparatively speaking lower than XTR, but I guess that pricing is the same proportionally (lower price on the X.7).

A lot of people that have actually tried both systems prefer SRAM. They say that it is more reliable on the long run, and has crisper and more consistent shifting. I have used Shimano XT and I'm happy with it, but I would like to test SRAM.....

If you have shimano shifters, and want to go with SRAM, you need to buy new shifters for the SRAM deraileur, since they are not compatible. Well, you can just replace the real shifter to save some money. SRAM front der shifter works for Shimano, the rear one is the one that's incompatible.

Answer 5

The XTR is better, hands down. Now if you want to compare XTR with X.0 thats a different story. I've used both, I like both, but the SRAM derailluers are not compatible with Shimano Shifter pods and vice versa, so to switch from one to the other it can get expensive. (Shimano front will work with SRAM pods) My advice, go test ride a bike with whatever shifters you don't have and decide which you like more.
As far as faster shifts, you enter a point of diminising returns the more you spend. XTR shifts fast, and unless you are racing at a high level you don't need any faster.

Answer 6

Carbon fiber is cool until you smash it to smithereens on a rock. Stick with the XTR.

Answer 7

SRAM verio X7 does shift faster....i have experience...very nice little thing. SMOOOTH also.

Answer 8

I would test ride each of them. It's all a matter of preference. I LOVE Campagnolo over Shimano components (road).

Answer 9

carbon is not that expensive, but it works very good.
Titanium , i think it's cheaper, (that component, not the material) in the XTR and works much better thamn s-ram.

Answer 10

I think the XTR is better made and functions better.