Convert my SS to 1x9.

[liltommy]

Thats right.
The rebel that I am, while everyone else is converting to SS I wanna go the other way. Too many damn SSers. Its just not cool anymore!

Seriously. My old man knee's are objecting to mashing in a bad way.
Its either go with a 32x20 all the time or covert it to a 1x9.
Although I love the simplicity and not having to worry about a Rear-D , I have to be realistic.

I just wanted to get opinions on derailer systems.
All I've ever used are the SRAM x-9 and have always been relatively happy. They've come stock on the bikes I've purchased.

Can anybody give me any reasons if I should think about Shimano or something else before going straight to the SRAM.

I'm just happy I had the sense to purchase a SS that could be converted to a 1x9.

Seeyall

[Dirt]

Good thread Tommy.

Just out of curiousity, what gearing are you running on your SS? I'm assuming it is a 29er?

My knees complain when I'm running too big a gear before I'm physically ready to do so. I basically run the biggest gear I can without them hurting. As I get stronger with a particular gear, I occasionally move up. I've finally settled on a gear beyond which I probably won't go any time soon. I'm riding 34x21, which is a hair taller than 32x20, if I'm not mistaken.

To answer the question you asked, I'm MUCH happier with SRAM stuff than Shimano. Though Shimano rear derailleurs often seem to be a hair more durable when it comes to smacking them against rocks, the SRAM stuff holds an adjustment MUCH better than the Shimano stuff ever has. My SIR9 was running shimano for the last year (before I un-neutered it back to a SS) and I had to adjust the derailleur every other ride. I tried many different configurations and shifter styles and always came back to the conclusion that the Shimano stuff requires more attention. It holds an adjustment a little longer if you've got brand new cables and housing, but it isn't a huge difference.

With the SRAM stuff, I start with new cables, adjust them once after the system has settled in, then I go months without having to touch the shifting adjustments.

I'll also confess that I really like the way the grip shift works much more than any of the push-button shifters. That is a matter of personal preference. I've run grip shift in some form or another since 1988 when it hit the market and I haven't been dissappointed once... except that the original ones for road bikes only came in this aweful neon green/yellow color. It was nothing that a little Krylon couldn't fix though. ;)

The ONLY thing that I don't really like about the SRAM stuff is that there isn't a cable adjuster at the rear derailleur. I like having the ability to adjust stuff from the derailleur and the shifter if I need to.

As usual, you just got a long answer to a short question. I guess people should be gettting used to that by now.

Pete

[rodnreel729]

Heres a short answer...stick with the x-9, its a really good, solid derailler. I cant think of any reason why you should switch over to Shimano (unless you had extra cash laying around and you were going with the new XTR derailler and shifter...those things are sweet!).

--Kevin

[Pinoy Rider]

2007 X9 is the same as the XO. The difference is price and weight(different materials).

[liltommy]

Ok, I guess I'll stick to SRAM. I'm used to it already.
Hmmm. I never thought about the grip shifters. I've always had the triggers.
I'll have to look at those.
The triggers have annoyed me some by accidently shifting on rough stuff.

I'm running 32x18 Pete.

Is there already a thread for grip vs. trigger shifters?
I'll have to look.

[allencb]

I haven't had any problems with Shimano on my 1x9. The last time I had to replace a rear derailleur (late 90s vintage LX) was when I broke the cage on a large stick at Quantico. It worked well enough to finish the ride, I just couldn't get into my lowest gear.

As for adjustments, I was adjusting the old derailleur every couple rides (1/4 turn of the barrel adjuster), but to be fair, it was old. The new one, also an LX model, hasn't needed any adjustments since I installed it back in Febuary.

That said, if you're happy, there's no reason to switch from one brand to the other.

Chris

[skillet999]

I have had a very good experience with my XO gripshift to XO rear. Has worked flawlessly for over a year. Gripshift v. Trigger is a matter of personal choice - I am sure that many have opinions to share but I have always liked the way you can shift and brake at the same time and the way you can go thru all 9 gears with one twist.

BTW - I had a bad experience with the Gripshift Rocket (Shimano compatible) to Shimano rear derailleur combo. Don't go with this! Way sucky.

[Pinoy Rider]

I've run Gripshifts from 1995 on. Had a brief experience running shimano triggers for a few months last year but decided to come back to the Gripshifters. Currently, running XO with an X9 rear. Use to run the Rocket Gripshifters with an XT with no problems at all. I thought there would be a world of difference running the SRAM stuff but I honestly really can't tell. My hardtail is running Attack Gripshifters with an XT without any problems(well maybe not for long, might try SS:)).

[riderx]

Gorilla man -

You are riding a 29er, correct? If so, the gear you have is roughly the same as a 2:1 on a 26" bike. That's about as big as most people go on a single speed MTB. There are plenty of long time SSers and fast guys and girls who are running less than that. I'd suggest dropping a couple of teeth in the rear and give that a whirl before you invest in the 1x9 setup.

[Dirt]

I'm running 32x18 Pete.

Is there already a thread for grip vs. trigger shifters?
I'll have to look.

You're more of a man than I am. :D I think legs would break off at the knees if I had to haul my portly self up a hill with a 32x18.

I've probably got a set of 9 speed grip shifters that will work with the X-9 derailleur if you'd like to try before you buy. I'm going to use them on a new bike, but the frame isn't going to be here for a while so you can stomp around with them for a month and see how you like the way they work.

Pete

[liltommy]

X-MAN ,
Yeah its 29".
It came stock with a 20t on the back and after a month I switched it to 18t. No big problems pushing the 20t so the switch made sense (and lets face it, 32x20 isn't worth bragging about).
I'll try going back to 20t for a while and see how it goes.
I've got experience now anyways with the 18t so I can make a comparison.

Thanks

Edit: Thanks Pete but see above.
BTW, it feels like my knee's ARE breaking off but its always the next day when I can't walk straight.

[RetroG]

I'll try going back to 20t for a while and see how it goes.
I've got experience now anyways with the 18t so I can make a comparison.


That's a good idea. You already have a bike with gears, don't you? It's pretty early in the season and your knees are probably rusty.

[ride-n-fall]

That's a good idea. You already have a bike with gears, don't you? It's pretty early in the season and your knees are probably rusty.

I guess his knees match the bike with gears then! :)

[liltommy]

I guess his knees match the bike with gears then! :)
Its a space aged lube that just happens to be red. :p

[joep]

and lets face it, 32x20 isn't worth bragging about

Drevil to the white courtesy phone, please. Liltommy on line 1 says you're a wuss... :o

Joe "32x19" P :p

[drevil]

Drevil to the white courtesy phone, please. Liltommy on line 1 says you're a wuss... :o

Joe "32x19" P :p
I is sad. My 20T and I are leaving...

...however, Pinky (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/424768518/) runs 33x20. :p

rickyd

[Vecsus]

I briefly toyed with the idea of a SS but decided to go with 1X9. I have very few rides on it but the the dot-gov ride we had at Rosey on MLK day was a blast. I am desperately hoping I can get at least one FH ride in before I head out to Iraq so I can really test the setup. I thought about trying a Gambril ride but with my current fitness I am afraid it would kill me. I certainly couldn't do a group ride there out of sheer pride.

My 1X9 ratio is a little goofy, on a 29er anyway. On my old 26er I ran a 32T middle ring but now I have a 34 (with a 11-32 cassette). That means my gears a steeper than I had before, with the added insult of no granny to bail to. I figure that will force me to man-up or wuss out. At least I still have wider options than the SSers.

[liltommy]

I just thought it was ironic........or maybe the bike god's way of telling me something.
I took the geared bike out to Rosaryville last night and broke the rear hanger.

I think I'll give the 20T another shot for a while.

[Vecsus]

must be a sign from the bike gods

[drevil]

I just thought it was ironic........or maybe the bike god's way of telling me something.
I took the geared bike out to Rosaryville last night and broke the rear hanger.

I think I'll give the 20T another shot for a while.Buddha says "NO!"

[Dirt]

FSM says "Do it if you feel good. I'll have a beer volcano waiting for you in heaven after you die."

http://www.venganza.org/images/wallpapers/fsm1920x1200_th1.gif

[cbass]

I too run 32x20 on a 29er and my knees and I are not ashamed to admit it! :D

Everyone please put away your rulers and johnsons.
Size doesn't matter.

Run whatever works for you and ride that mofo with passion!

[peter6061]

I just thought it was ironic........or maybe the bike god's way of telling me something.
I took the geared bike out to Rosaryville last night and broke the rear hanger.

I think I'll give the 20T another shot for a while.
Yeah, after last night you need to stay SS. My 32:18 is just because that's what I was riding while 'in shape' last season. After last night, I need to drop it down a bit to get the legs back. I'll be switching over to a 20 for the coming months. Might even keep it if the bike starts seeing more trails with obstacles and big climbs.

Hang that geared bike up and let it gather the dust it deserves.

And thanks again for the ride last night. It was such a pleasure to be back on the dirt and the trails were great.

[joep]

Everyone please put away your rulers and johnsons.
Size doesn't matter.


My fork is 5mm longer than Ricky's.

Ok, I'm putting away my ruler before this gets out of hand.

[Dirt]

Everyone please put away your rulers and johnsons.
Size doesn't matter.

Run whatever works for you and ride that mofo with passion!

Nice try, but wise words will never put to rest the deep-set hatred and animosity that joep and drevil have for each other. Nothing short of a cage match will solve this problem.... Maybe not even that. We might need a Battle Royale.

Pete