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Bike Magazine reviews the SRAM X.9 group
SRAM is generating a lot of consumer and media interest with its 2006 X0 lineup, mostly because it’s the company’s first full-scale foray into the high-end drivetrain market. Well, that, and the stuff just looks sexy. However, most riders won’t ever get a sniff of an X0 rear derailleur or shifter set because, like the Shimano’s XTR lineup, the prices are simply beyond the reach of many consumers. While this really is a shame — the high end stuff from both Shimano and SRAM is a pleasure to use — it’s the working reality for most mountain bikers and they’re forced to look at quality alternatives.
Bike Magazine has a review of the complete SRAM X9 group that looks at the components over a long test period. By and large, the writeup confirms what avid SRAM users already suspected — X9 is comparable in quality and performance to Shimano’s XT group.
Personally, I really like the positive action (ie. the clicks) of the X9 shifters and have no problem recommending them, with an appropriate 1:1 rear derailleur. However, like many others, I found the X-Generation front derailleur to be a little finnicky to install and dial in correctly — check with your frame manufacturer before you buy an X-Gen front derailleur because it might not be compatible with your frame.
1. Posted by Ashwin | 12:58 pm, 19 January 2006
From what I’ve gathered the Xgen was designed with the twist shifters in mind and has had problems with the indexing of the trigger shifter. A lot of people with the front triggers have better luck with XT or XTR front der. It works real well with twist shifters but is finicky to set up, but once set it’s fine.
FYI the twist shifters are almost identical from the X7-X0 except for cosmetic differences. So you can save some $ and get the same performance.
Same with X7 and X9 triggers. The only difference is the thumb lever which is silver/metal on the X9 but is plastic and black on the X7.
Personally, I didn’t like the amount of dead travel in the triggers. That has been taken care of with the X0, but it could be another year or two till that trickles down to the X9, X7 level.