SRAM vs Shimano MTB

SRAM and Shimano...both have their pros and cons. In this video I talk about the differences in the drive train and brakes to help you decide which system is best for you.

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[andyeunson]

Another difference between Shimano and SRAM shifters is XT and XTR can release two gears ie upshift two gears with one push of the thumb. And Shimano will shift to higher gear as soon as it clicks whereas SRAM shifts only after you release the upshift paddle.

[mttec]

For anyone with the chain ticking issue, try reducing the chain gap with the B limit cog. (Get that jockey wheel closer to the cassette, as close as possible without negatively effecting shifting) I always dealt with the chain trying to jump out of the middle of the cassette.

One day, without the chain gap measurement tool, I decided to play with the b-limit screw and see how shifting was affected moving the jockey closer and farther away. I found going closer to the cassette cleaned up the shifting perfectly. No idea what the measurement is, but no more ticking.

Kind of a back of the napkin kind of solution, I realize you’re supposed to measure it. But a lot of us just like to play with things on the fly. That’s what I found worked for me.

[zigazackwrx]

My GX EAGLE rear derailleur/cassette tick in 6th gear as well. Glad to hear it's not just me I've tried everything to tune it out.

[danmorgan]

My setup the past few years has been GX Eagle for going and XT for stopping. Seems to work pretty well. If I had to choose gun to head I'm going all XT on my next bike.

[ronggearrob]

I prefer Sram drivetrains, really enjoying the ease and performance of AXS. However, I like Shimano brakes for the same reasons you mentioned. The heat dissipation has never been an issue for me as I ride mostly XC flow trails where there aren't too many long descents. BTW, I appreciate your insightful videos.

[vlbz]

Shimano is king in the budget segment (Deore, SLX) brakes and shifting. Sram below GX is no good. GX vs XT and up kind of the same. Brakes... I wouldn't touch anything other than Code RSC, there is no power in anything below that. Shimano on the other hand, even Deore is just fine.

[jeffrogers]

I can't get SRAM brakes off a new bike fast enough, and the only SRAM drivetrain I've owned was a GX setup which was fine at first but then started making a noise which never went away despite every part being replaced.
Installed an SLX drivetrain which performed flawlessly, never looked back.

[docmartin]

Got a bike with SRAM GX. Love it but was surprised by the poor performance of the Guide R brakes that came with it. Replaced with Shimano XT brakes and am super happy with my setup.

[petererbse]

For the drivetrain I love shimano. I think the consistency you explained on the brakes is also found in their drivetrains. I had the experience that I had to go at least with GX eagle for it to work without issues longterm. On my current bike I have a complete deore drivetrain with only an xt shifter and it seems bulletproof and feels like a full xt to me. With brakes I just stay away from dot fluid and I went with the formula cura.

[mgoo]

You should look at the boiling point of DOT vs Mineral Oil...they are similar, but when DOT gets any moisture the boiling point plummet...

[CharlieMetcalf]

I am running Shimano, and honestly it is because I have ALWAYS used it. I have never had a bike with SRAM.

[nomagon]

In the process of building a bike, never used SRAM components but was going to give them a try... Yikes on brakes!!! I usually have Shimano mineral oil all over the place when I work on my brakes!!! Going to return the SRAM brakes and invest in Shimano brakes and keep the SRAM drivetrain. Thanks for the video and information!!!

[mattdickey]

Shimano ONLY for me. I love XT shifter can shift 2 gears harder with 1 press. The Sram rear derailleur seems too easy to chain slap. I prefer the Shimano clutch. Brakes, I agree with you Word for word. If I'm buying a bike, and it only comes Sram, I ain't buying it. Period. Awesome video! PS, mechanical rules.

[adrianw]

One of my bikes is SRAM and the other Shimano. I've never experienced that ticking thing on my SRAM GX, It's flawless. My SLX is flawless too.

[markreams]

The drive train tick would be deal killer for me. I prefer mechanical shifting. I wish that they would offer 12 speed mechanical on road groups. A 12 speed GRX group was spied at unbound and it was mechanical. Hopefully it will make it to production. For multi day adventure rides it’s nice not to have to worry about batteries. We have enough stuff in our lives that has to be recharged! 😂

[aligferrari]

Shimano for the win. Just easier to work with and from old to new from 105 and Ultegra mechanical to Di2 shifting is so smooth and consistent plus better brake feel and also no disc brake rub with Shimano.

[freshiesat]

When I just bought my Tallboy, the shop allowed me to choose my group set. I choose the XT shifters and the Code brakes. It’s been a great combo so far.

[aidenleung]

Some perfectionest probably don't like the combine of two systems. As I found XT brakes works better on me while I prefer the shifting of sram, currently using a gold xx1 12 speed.

[billybudz]

Not to mention SRAM comes at a premium when compared to similar Shimano components. I guess budget matters more to some.✌️

[dreman]

Hey Clint, I’m with you on Shimano brakes. Also I have avoided SRAM drivetrains since back in the day when I had the SRAM 11 speed, that when you backpedaled in low gear, even a ratchet stroke, the chain would drop and I would have to stop and fix it, extremely annoying. Anyway I’ve held a grudge against SRAM ever since, until now that I’ve ordered my new e-bike with the SRAM transmission.