SRAM drivetrains

[lunacycles]

so technically it doesn't work but I always wonder if there is a way.

There's always a way! If you want to run your mountain gearing with high end road shifters, you can do so with Campy 10-sp road shifters and rear derailleur and an otherwise Shimano or SRAM 9-sp drivetrain (double or triple)--cassette, cranks, front derailleur. You will have a "ghost" click on the right hand shifter and it is a little finicky to set up, but it does work. Warning, Campy will not warranty their parts if you mix and match like this.

Here's my "cyclocross" bike--it's actually a mish-mash bike for mountain goating around my old neighborhood near Nederland, CO (all dirt and all hills): Campy Chorus Ergo shifters, Campy Triple rear derailleur, XTR front derailleur, XT cassette and crank. Works like butter.