Shimano to SRAM

[Rusty]

Currently I am running a Shimano XT cassette with SRAM PC-69 chain on one bike and a Shimano XT cassette with SRAM PC-99 chain on the other. The only reason is because I did not have to pay full price for the cassettes or chains. Now, due to the last few years my LBS closed, and I need to find parts.

I would like to try a SRAM cassette but am not sure which one. I think the PG-970 would be a good choice. Is this about the same level or better than the Shimano XT?

Is the PC-970 equivalent or better than the PC-69?

Is the PC-990 equivalent or better than the PC-99?

Sorry for the question, but I was unable to follow all of the industry changes last year.

[Wayne P]

Originally posted by Rusty
Is the PC-970 equivalent to the PC-69?
Is the PC-990 equivalent to the PC-99?


Yes.

[Dean W]

In my experience, the XT cassette is better than the Sram. It just seems to wear better and shifts smoother. The Aluminum spider used on the XT cassette stiffens up the whole cassette.

I run a PC-99 chain, XT cassette, XT derailleur and LX shifters on both my bikes and could not be happier.

Stick with the PC-99 chain and XT Cassette. In my opinion Sram needs to catch up in the area of the cassette.

[Wayne P]

I can mash the gears pretty hard and I nor anyone I know have never had issues with SRAM cassettes. I have however had problems with XT's and XTR's like broken teeth, loose pins, and general manufacturers' defects. Not knocking them, just my experiences.

[ATN]

SRAM has a big jump from 8th to 9th gear vs Shimano when looking at a 34 T cog. I don't have the numbers but it is very visible. If you spend a lot of time in those gears you'd probably want XT. I have an XT on one bike and a PC-970 I think on the other.... I will know in a little while how SRAM holds up since its a new bike.

[Rusty]

ATN or anyone else, do these gear sizes look correct?

Shimano: 11 13 15 17 20 23 26 30 34

SRAM: 11 12 14 16 18 21 24 28 34

[Sticky]

I've ridden Shimano gear for so long and finally tried the SRAM X9 trigger shifter and rear der. Really thought I liked Shimano XT, but now it feels clunky. SRAM chains have always been better IMHO and now they have great running gear to go with it.

[Universe]

Originally posted by thedude
In my experience, the XT cassette is better than the Sram. It just seems to wear better and shifts smoother. The Aluminum spider used on the XT cassette stiffens up the whole cassette.



I'll second that. Sram der, XT cassette, and Connex/Wipperman chain. Best combo I've ever used by far.

[Colin]

i havent ridden it yet but i just bought a sram to replace my XT sooo we will see how it goes

[*Pepe*]

There is no discernable difference between SRAM's cassette and Shimano's. Both shift well, both are durable, both will have the occassional quality control issue. This is why competition is good.

What to do? Support the company you like best, or buy the product that fits your budget best.

[Wayne P]

Originally posted by *Pepe*
There is no discernable difference between SRAM's cassette and Shimano's. Both shift well, both are durable, both will have the occassional quality control issue. This is why competition is good.

What to do? Support the company you like best, or buy the product that fits your budget best.

Well said.

[TheGiggler]

anyone know what the X7/X9 SRAM stuff is going for at MEC?

i just found out they now carry the shifters and derailleurs :thepimp:

[Wes]

http://www.mec.ca/index.html

[thewalrus]

a lot of the stuff hanging from shelves at the MEC Broadway store isn't on the web site (chainrings for example)... you may have to go down to see prices in-person.