MTB Drive Train, which do you prefer?

[Gooby]

Do you like slick shimano, clunky SRAM or maintenance free Rohloff? Why?

[P-Jay]

I've always used SRAM, I used it mostly because it came with the bike, although I've built a custom since and specced SRAM again, but now I'm moving back to Shimano.

There's so many pros and cons, but they're really tiny little differences, I guess the biggest factor at the moment is price, Shimano XTR stuff is currently about the same price as SRAM X9 stuff, nevermind X0 or XX so on the new build I'm starting at the end of the month I'm speccing a complete SLX drive train even though I slightly prefer SRAM stuff because it's better VFM.

IMHO

SRAM rear mechs are tougher than Shimano ones, but Shimano ones tuck away more so they're less likely to get whacked in the first place.

Shimnao stuff shifts smoother than SRAM stuff, but is more effected by mud and grime.

SRAM levers are nicer to use than Shimano ones because they're metal and I prefer a double thumb type, but they should do for the money.

[Dudd]

I go SRAM, I find it less effort.

[.Adam.]

Really like Shimano Dual Control, got it on both my bikes.

[neilski]

I've got Shimano on my MTB but only because I couldn't afford bikes with Campagnolo Euclid when I bought it.

If I were to buy a trekking bike nowadays I'd go with a Rohloff hub and Gates carbon belt drive but I'd also like to check out Pinion's P-1 internal gearbox.

[the_kato]

Shimano for me, but I do miss the clunky shifting of my old SRAM

[Pablo16v]

Shimano for me. I've been using their kit for almost as long as I've been mountain biking, and apart from using suntour XC stuff in the early days back in the mid-eighties, I've always used Shimano.

[Sheets Tabuer]

Sram here, I like to feel something has changed when I pressed it.

[Rolls]

Shimano...
Shifters HAVE to be XTR though!

[a11y_m]

SAll relating to MTB stuff (not road) but Shimano for me - mostly at least:
Shimano: shifters, mechs, chainsets
SRAM: cassettes cos they're usually cheaper
KMC: chains

I've tried SRAM on my wife's bike and hate the clunkiness. Shimano IMO nicer.

Haven't tried Rolhoff but did have a Shimano Alfine which I rated until it broke after a couple of years...

[SkinnyBoy]

Rolls said:

Shimano...
Shifters HAVE to be XTR though!

Amen, the pinnacle of shifters, i love my M970's and I reckon the nicest shifter Shimano has ever made.

[Ironballs]

Live in the Pennines so most of the year you're riding through some form of grinding paste. So for summer I have a full susser with Shimano derailleur transmission, ordinary winter a full susser with Rohloff and for really nasty stuff in the winter I have a hardtail with Alfine. The two hub geared bikes have been a revelation and proved utterly reliable over a number of years and a lot of abuse. Much cheaper in the long run too

[Gooby]

SkinnyBoy said:

Rolls said:

Shimano...
Shifters HAVE to be XTR though!

Amen, the pinnacle of shifters, i love my M970's and I reckon the nicest shifter Shimano has ever made.

I have to agree XTR shifters are an absolute joy.
I have tried a few bikes with SRAM but I did not like it. I do admit I did not give it time. My riding buddy has XO shifters and mechs. Gear change is so loud and clunky. If something is making that much mechanical noise, it cant be efficient?