I'm converting my 2008 Specialized Rockhopper 29er to 3x9 from 3x8. I bought a SRAM PG-980 cassette, PC-991 chain, new freehub, bearings, and cones. My current rear derailleur is the stock Shimano Alivio RD-M410 and kinda sloppy so I want to upgrade to match my new cassette and chain. Looking at Shimano Deore XT or SRAM something or other. I know that I have to buy at least a rear shifter to match my new 9-speed rear casette, so maybe I should go with SRAM instead of Shimano? Current stock shift levers are Shimano Acera SL-MC40. I can get a good condition used pair of couple year old Shimano LX shifters for cheap.
Currently running the stock front derailleur, a Shimano Altus FD-M310-6, top swing, with 34.9mm clamp.
Looking for best bang for my bucks here, but want quality operation, reliability and durability.
Also thinking about converting to 2x9 instead of 3x9....don't seem to need big ring much. What rear derailleur should I buy, Shimano or SRAM, long-cage or mid-cage?
Looking to spend about $100 + tax for rear derailleur....not sure about the shifters. I've managed to bend several rear derailleur hangers riding rocky trails, so that is a consideration too....as far as rear derailleurs go.
EDIT: Hmmm maybe Shimano SLX? Save a few bucks, little more weight but same spring tension and shifting?
Shifters are a definite preference- but here are some items that may help you figure it out:
Shimano-
Shifters will work just like your current shifters as far as trigger/thumb actuation, but some of the newer SLX, XT, and XTR are dual release this will allow the "trigger" to be a "thumb" action as well. The newer Shimano XT and XTR shifters offer multi-shift release both directions- not sure about SLX (check the website).
Rear D- Shimano offers the SLX, XT and XTR in a Shadow design which keeps the derailleur tighter to the bike- and less likely to make impact with rocks... per Shimano anyhow-
Cranks/Front D- you may have some issues with adjustment when using the 8 speed Cranks and FD with a 9 speed chain. I have done it and had no issues in one instance but in another it would either up-shift perect and not down or vice versa- slightly more narrow chain- if you go to a 2X9 this might not be an issue though-
Sram
Srams X7 or X9 drive trains are comparable with Shimano's SLX and XT but slightly less expensive and because of the 1:1 cable movement they are less prone to slop and grime affecting shifting- very set and forget-
Sram only offers a "thumb -thumb" shift action- no trigger like your current shifters, so there will be a bit of a learning curve if you go this way-
Both Shimano and Sram will work fine with your new cassette and chain, as for the best overall set up that is up to you any of the above mentioned are reliable and have a good following Money is almost always a consideration but for such a small price increase I would personally get the X9 or XT. they are just a bit more refined and use more of the trickled down tech of the XO and XTR stuff- although the New SLX stuff is suposed to be pretty tough stuff as it is offered in some downhill/freeride applications....
Bought Shimano XT Shadow long cage and going to run 3x9 for now, may try 2x9 later. I'm going to try to keep tabs on how often and when I use the big chain ring. Going to install and set it up myself (first time), still need PC-991 chain, they were out of it, but had Shimano XT chain. I've only used SRAM chains had good luck with them and like the quick link.
Thanks for all the input, I bought the Shimano XT Shadow rear derailleur, new SLX shifters, SRAM PG-980 casette., and Shimano CN-HG93 chain XT (they were out of the SRAM 991 chain.) Waiting on shfiters and can't wait to ride it!
I went from a 1x8 to a 2x9 earlier this year. I went with Sram X9 twist shifters (much lighter,and cheaper than the triggers) and rear derailleur,and have been very impressed with their abikity and reliablity,very happy and satisfied with the investment.
Very happy with my new setup! Works great, fast smooth shifting! The shifters are very compact and lightweight too.
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