Shimano Rapid Fire Shifter

[itself]

Are more mtn bikes coming set up with SRAM? Geez, I have been a huge Shimano fan for years. I just think there componenets are plain better. I know, SRAM is an American company, and I do hear their RED line is pretty nice for road bikes.

[jessmarimba]

Dunno! Mine was built up by a shop owner for himself with a hodgepodge of whatever he had around. (SLX cranks, XT front derailleur, x9 shifters, x0 rear derailleur).

[Aggie_Ama]

SRAM is cheaper which is why I think they are coming stock on more bikes. Makes it nice if you are a serious mountain biker because it is not if but when you will need to replace parts. That is especially true is rocky, dusty Texas. My bike shop also said they have a way easier time resolving any warranty issues with SRAM. I personally like the thumb shifting only, it seems to be more intuitive to me. I am running X7/X9 combo on my Epic and have no problems. Now if I had a choice of Avid Elixirs or something else I probably would go with something else. I think there are better brake manufacturers out there.

[itself]

I would rather spend the money upfront, so that in thinking about replacing it, it is a matter of "if" not "when." I have always purchased bikes (except for this one because I wanted to give the X9s a try), with higher end components, because I do honestly think they do perform better. In the case of Dura Ace, I do think it is more flash with the cash. I've always been a huge fan of Ultegra.

[Mama Coosa]

I'll take Shimano over Sram any day. The two-way release is just one of the many reasons. I love having the option of using my index finger or my thumb depending on what position my hand is in at the moment.

I think Sram shifters feel crappy. Sram drivetrains are also a lot more finicky. I work on a lot of bikes and the Sram bikes always seem to need a lot more TLC.

And Sram brakes can go right to hell.

To each her own, though.

[itself]

Thanks Momma Coosa! I suspected that the Shimano Rapid Fires are worth the extra $$$. Which model do you have?