SRAM X7 vs X9

I am considering several ways of setting up my Gunnar - regardless it will have a mountain bike drive-train rather than a traditional roadbike for assorted good reasons.

For those who are familiar with SRAM trigger shifters - what would you say are the main differences between X7 and X9? I have read elsewhere that X9 is lighter/more attractive while X7 is easier to shift. Has anyone found that to be so? Would I be able to tell a difference between them for road use? I have not committed to go with SRAM, yet, but it is attractive. Just trying to work out the difference between the two.

In case anyone else is interested in this, I did find some people at the MTB forums who have worked with both X7 and X9. Apparently for 2011, some newer shifting technology from X9 is trickling down to X7 which will make the X7 shifters more precise and there will be less difference between the two that I would likely notice riding on asphalt. Others recommended I go with X7 derailleurs and X9 shifters - but they were not aware of the change for 2011 X7 technology.

My LBS has suggested I call SRAM and ask them directly about the performance of both - they have no doubt that I would be able to tell the difference in mountain biking - but the Gunnar isn't a mountain bike.

The staff at my LBS definitely have a preference for SRAM over XT in both performance and upkeep, but they want me to have all the information I can get. It is a refreshing approach they have - it is obvious what choice they would like me to make - but there is no pressure to select one technology over the other. Both are good, and what matters is which one will work best for me - and of course - cost matters. It is a balance. I hope to have this bike for a long time, it won't take long to forget how much it cost.

Let me start by saying that I'm not particularly familiar with SRAM components. The only SRAM I've ridden is my folding bike which has a SRAM drive setup. I think it is X7 level but isn't marked as such.

That said - I postulate that you won't find much functional difference between group levels. Suppose that you are blindfolded and test ride two similarly configured MTB's (on trainers). You probably won't be able to tell which one had a mid grade group and which had the same manufacturer's top grade group.

The differences between group levels have more to do with durability, repairability, weight savings, and appearance.

A while back, I had to choose which current generation Shimano group to buy for a bike build. I selected SLX which is one step down from Deore XT. SLX has all the important technology of XT but at half the price. Comparing the two groups (ignoring cosmetic differences):

The brake levers are identical, except that XT has a reach adjustment.

The shifter pods are probably identical internally, except the levers have different ergonomics.

The rear derailleurs are similar except SLX has a steel instead of aluminum link, XT has O-ring seals on one pulley, and the cage plates may be different material.

The chainrings are substitutable, except that the big ring is visually different.

The crank arms are hollow for both, except SLX is a little heavier (but a lot stronger).

The hubs however have a major difference. SLX uses "standard" steel axles and can be worked on with common hub tools. XT uses large diameter hollow aluminum axles and requires special tools.


I suspect that SRAM similarly has minor differences between groups. Is there a feature you need that is only on the more expensive group? Which one is the better color for your bike? How easy will it be to get replacement components?* What is the price difference relative to the whole cost of the bike?


* I'd have to go mail order to get replacement SLX. A lot of bike shops skip over it and choose to stock just XT. And actually, I had to order about half the SLX groupset from Thailand because it wasn't yet available in the US.

Good thoughts Laura, and I appreciate your comments - they are quite encouraging. I am going to call SRAM today and have a good talk with them - assuming they will talk directly with a customer. I don't think I want to go lower than X7 components - am currently considering X7 derailleurs and X9 shifters unless I become satisfied that I won't be able to tell a real difference between the two on asphalt. I will summarize their comments here, assuming they talk with me and not ask me to work through my LBS with our questions.

I was able to speak with someone at tech support for SRAM and we had a good conversation. Once he understood what kind of riding I do, he suggested that I go with X9 derailleurs and either X9 or even X0 shifters due to the amount of mileage I will put on my drive-train. Apparently X0 shifters are for racing so I don't know that I need to go that far, but I probably will go the X9 shifter route should I settle on SRAM over XT.

So far I've only worked with SRAM shifters on a trainer at the LBS. I want to do a real test ride outside before I make my final decision. Everyone I have spoken with so far has agreed that they are less finicky than XT and easier to adjust/keep adjusted and that means a lot. I really have to take my hands into consideration though - so that test ride is vital for my decision. It isn't a cheap change if I pick something that I won't like...