Shimano front derailleur with everything else SRAM

[bigandclever]

So my Meta 5.5.2 has X7 shifters, X7 front derailleur and X9 rear derailleur, but over the weekend I snapped the front der.

Can I simply swap the X7 for a Shimano unit (specifically the SLX M661)?

The reason for not replacing the X7 is a simple one - because of the design of the swingarm coupled with the design of the X7 derailleur, fine adjustment basically means taking the rear wheel off, fiddling, putting it back on and repeating the process until it's OK. Which is a ballache. Oh, and it snapped so I'd like to give someone else a tryout

[anonymous-user]

in a word yes. it wont make a difference at all. SLX stuff is nice and functional.

[bigandclever]

Smashing, that'll do for me.

[Rico]

Front mechs are the same for SRAM/Shimano.

Rear mechs (bar the cheap SRAM stuff) is specific... so Shimano shifter/mech or SRAM.

[theboymoon]

Yup, in the past i've run fancy SRAM everywhere but with an LX front mech.

... and the LX front mech is the one bit that's still going strong!!!!

[snotrag]

If you look at the bikes in display in your lbs, many of them will be like this from the factorry. That's because SRAM mechs are absolutely st.

[a11y_m]

Would recommend SLX or XT front mech over a Deore though. I've had a coupe of Deore's and they work just as well but the pivots always come loose and they start rattling, so annoying. My current one's very rattly but still works perfectly so I'm putting up with the noise.

[P-Jay]

I guess you know already but yes.

there are different types for top-pull and reach-around or something so make sure you get the right one.

To be honest though, if yours works, I'd leave it. Front Mechs are such simple things, they never really change year on year. As long as they're angled right and the cable is greased they don't go wrong. The wood burning stove of the MTB world.

EDIT - Oh you've snapped it, you'll have to tell me how you managed that! it's on the middle of the bike!!!

Edited by P-Jay on Monday 10th August 16:58

[baxb]

snotrag said:

If you look at the bikes in display in your lbs, many of them will be like this from the factorry. That's because SRAM mechs are absolutely st.

I'd have to agree with that, swapped my X7 for a Deore as it wouldn't change cogs under the slightest bit of pressure, which was no good when you're half way up a bd steep hill & realise you need the granny !

[bigandclever]

P-Jay said:

EDIT - Oh you've snapped it, you'll have to tell me how you managed that! it's on the middle of the bike!!!

Who knows... too many pasties and too much Pastis no doubt. However, I shall blame the monkeys at EBC in Leeds

And a quick heads up that Chain Reaction Cycles have a sale on at the moment, and I got a replacement SLX mech for 18 quid delivered (52% off list, which is nice).