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SRAM X.9 Shifter & Rear Derailleur
James - 13th January 2008
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While everyone was sitting around trying to decide whether rapid rise or low normal was really a good idea, SRAM were sitting back and coming up with a product range to rival the industries best.
There are three basic models in the SRAM arsenal, X.7 is the baby of the range, offering decent performance at a fraction of the price, X.9 is the mid range shifter and mech, with probably the best compromise in terms of spec and price. It benefits from the trickle down technology, getting the advantages from X.0, without the hefty price tag, X.0 is for those with the cash who want simply the best shifting you can have on a bike with derailleur’s.
Looking no worse for wear after 9 months hard riding
Fitting took barely any time at all, adjust the stop screws, fit the cable and the chain then you’re ready to ride. And in 9 months of testing the only maintenance I’ve done on the system is oiling and degreasing the chain periodically, and fiddling with the barrel adjuster on the shifter when cable stretch takes the shifting out of sync. And isn’t that the whole idea? We ride bikes, anything that takes time out of the workshop is a given in my book.
We all like fit and forget parts and that’s what this is, truly maintenance free. The shifting is extremely crisp and precise, changing up and down is dealt with immediately as you push the lever in, there’s no ‘dead’ area; as soon as the lever is pushed it’s begun to change gear.
Quick and simple, it just works.
With its alloy B-knuckle not only does it look smart, it’s strong, and the lightweight lower cage makes for a formidable package. As usual with SRAM you get the 1:1 actuation ratio; that is the amount of cable pulled in the lever for the lever push, which essentially means that cable stretch is less of an issue. The RRP on the rear mech is £70, and the shifter £48. Though look around because we've seen prices as low as £52 and £20.
To see more of the range head over to www.SRAM.com, and the UK distributors - Fisher Outdoor.
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