SRAM Vs Shimano Chains & Cassettes

[OneDs]

Time for a change on my MTB cassette and chain:-

Currently have what the bike came with Shimano HG-53 Chain & a SRAM PG 950 cassette.

As usual with me when it's time to change something I look to upgrade it.

I'm not a particular brand fanboy so am happy to mix and match or swap completely from one to the other.

Any body have any experience +/- on a Shimano XT HG-93 chain Vs SRAM 991 and a Shimano XT 770 Cassette Vs a SRAM PG-990 cassette.

Cheers in advance.

Edited by OneDs on Tuesday 12th October 13:26

[P-Jay]

I don't know why, but it's common knowledge that Shimano make the best cassetts and SRAM the best chains.

I've always found SRAM 991 chains work really nicely with XT cassetts.

Infact SRAM 971 with Shimano SLX cassetts work just as well, cost less - weigh more but shift just the same IMHO.

I wouldn't bother with any cross-step / hollow pin bks unless you're kept up and night worried about scary grammes.

[HundredthIdiot]

P-Jay said:

I don't know why, but it's common knowledge that Shimano make the best cassetts and SRAM the best chains.

Yes, I use SRAM chains with Shimano cassettes.

I think Shimano have some patents on tooth profile which give better shifting performance but have developed a reputation for unreliability of their chains.

[CerbitonFlyer]

HundredthIdiot said:

P-Jay said:

I don't know why, but it's common knowledge that Shimano make the best cassetts and SRAM the best chains.

Yes, I use SRAM chains with Shimano cassettes.

Yep - I'll third that. Defo the best combo, but again I don't know why. I also hate the stupid pins that Shimano insist you use on their chains

[lou_m]

I use KMC X9SL or X10SL chains on my bikes with a mix of sram and shimano cassettes. Shimano cassettes are a wee bit smoother when chainging gear. Broken plenty of sram and shimano chains over the years, over 3500 miles on KMC chains this year with no problems.

[SkinnyBoy]

You can't go wrong with a Wipperman Connex chain

[OneDs]

Argh!!! someone had to do it didn't they, give a PHeader two good enough for anyone options and there will be a 3rd better one along in no time.

Well done lou_m , right who's got the fourth, maybe an unobtainium cassette or chain somewhere I don't know about

Edited by OneDs on Tuesday 12th October 14:42

SkinnyBoy get in!!! ok come on there must be a 5th anyone?

Edited by OneDs on Tuesday 12th October 14:43

[ysnnim]

Sram 971, xt cassette..

[lou_m]

Oh and if you want to save more weight you can run a 10sp chain on a 9 speed set up!

[SkinnyBoy]

Oh if you insist... Viking titanium hollowpin chain when one expects the best and would sir care for a M980 cassette

[snotrag]

Shimano cassettes - SLX or up that are on an alloy carrier, not the pressed/stamped cogs with that are screwed/riveted together.


Chains - classically used Sram 971, The only thing Shimano dont do well is chains.

The issue with Sram chains is they go 'baggy' quickly, not stretched but lateral play, so on a mtb they tt around off your wheel and chainstay.


Now though - KMC. Brill, AND Gold - and seems to be lasting better than Sram so far.

[was8v]

KMC chains and Shimano cassettes unless you can get the sram equivalent much cheaper.

Shimano cassettes shift slightly better than Sram, and KMC beat all other chains.

[beanbag]

I've got an XT cassette and I can't fault it in any way.

It works miles better than the stock HG-50 I had on the Spesh Stumpy. Much smoother, quicker changes.

[Raven Flyer]

On my road bike I have changed my Shimano CS-5600 12-25T cassette for an SRAM 1070 11-25T. The SRAM is better in all respects. It changes better but the biggest improvement is it is much quieter.

[Parsnip]

was8v said:

KMC chains and Shimano cassettes unless you can get the sram equivalent much cheaper.

Shimano cassettes shift slightly better than Sram, and KMC beat all other chains.

Yup - 'specially the gold KMC affairs - the extra bling makes you go quicker.

[OneDs]

many thanks all for your input.

OK so a 770 XT cassette and a KMC chain.

Is there any reason why Merlin have KMC X9 SL chains for £27 and wiggle/CRC have them for £40+, unless they are old versions at Merlin or have miss printed that looks like a bit of a bargain.

[itsnotarace]

Merlin are very cheap but don't stock a huge range of stuff. I will always check Ribble and Merlin before looking elsewhere

[mackie1]

SLX HG80 cassette with SRAM chain here, no problems so far.

[zebedee]

CerbitonFlyer said:

HundredthIdiot said:

P-Jay said:

I don't know why, but it's common knowledge that Shimano make the best cassetts and SRAM the best chains.

Yes, I use SRAM chains with Shimano cassettes.

Yep - I'll third that. Defo the best combo, but again I don't know why. I also hate the stupid pins that Shimano insist you use on their chains

Another for me - have broken 2 or 3 shimano chains, never a SRAM one. No specific problems with SRAM cassettes though, so if you see a good deal, get it!

[MrTom]

I use the cheapest Shimano or Sram chain with a Sram pg990 cassette. The strongest chain is one that is fitted properly, and maintained correctly (regularly cleaned, and lubed).