Submitted by
sawyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Date Reviewed: March 18, 2010
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike.
Strengths:
Sure shifting, strong, feels great.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
'08 Cannondale Rush carbon, Fox RP23, Fox RLC 120, Avid 7s.
Bottom Line:
It's awesome. I would recommend it. It's strong and reliable for any riding. Defiantly worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BokorSolo
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince William, VA, USA Date Reviewed: January 3, 2010
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Sturdy design, looks pretty slick too. Well priced compared to Shimano stuff.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
SRAM x.7
Bike Setup:
XC paired with grip shifters.
Bottom Line:
Great derailleur. It is sturdy and works great paired with my x.0 grip shifters. Also had it hooked up to some x.5 stock stuff and some x.9 triggers. I find that great shifters are much more important than the actual rear derailleur. With the x.0 grip shifters this combination is an awesome combination of durability and efficiency.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
meanbeaver
a Weekend Warrior
from vernon, B.C. Date Reviewed: November 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
ellison
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
dead on shifting, quality build, set and forget, 1:1 shift ratio.
Weaknesses:
none really, small break in period but normal with bike parts.
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt, deore, alivio
Bike Setup:
09 opus maadh2
Bottom Line:
I find that with this derailleur there is a small "wear in" period where it's a bit clanky. Once it's broken in the derailleur preforms flawlessly. Better then xt for sure. I even got mine to feel more "whip like" then the xt once I fine tuned it a bit more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HUZZA
a Cross Country Rider
from texas Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
devoid of mutants
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$72.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
reliable and functional
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt
Bike Setup:
2 bikes
Bottom Line:
very reliable,I am now just replacing in after 10,000 miles.A bit of a longer throw at the shifter than XT, just different not bad,just replaced it with a 2009 model, I run it with dura ace cables and housing replaced every season.you guys that have shifting problems with this unit have other issues,this rear derailleur is quite nice.looking foward to a 2by10 drivetrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul E.
a Downhiller
from Dewitt N.Y. Date Reviewed: August 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Skytop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
lightning fast 1:1
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
xtr,x7,xt
Bike Setup:
Gemini,xtr crank,stroker gram,xt front,x9 rear
Bottom Line:
skytop trail is very rocky thus hard on equipment.
my old x7 performed well but got so ugly I wanted somthing new. the x9 works even better so far
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
velociped jones
a Weekend Warrior
from between the darkness and the light of day Date Reviewed: August 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
evl
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes
Strengths:
hasn't fallen off the bike
Weaknesses:
it doesn't work. lower pulley of current model (medium and long cages) isn't sealed properly and clogs with mud.
Similar Products Used:
various shimano
Bike Setup:
currently, sram x.9 with lower pulley replaced with lower pulley from x.7 derailleur. this derailleur came as part of a complete bike purchase; maverick matic with the m50 kit. a mix of xt, x9 and juicy 7.
Bottom Line:
seriously, do not buy unless you are planning to modify, but why do that? my modified derailleur definitely shifts and resists mud a kazouthousand times better than a stock x.9. that being said, it still sometimes waits a long time before deciding to shift. not a big deal. have ordered a replacement sealed bearing from enduro bearings for the original lower pulley and will let you know how that works. so, if you have to have a sram RD, get either the x7 if you're cheap or the x.0 if money isn't a problem.
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Submitted by
rzozaya1969
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico, Mexico city Date Reviewed: June 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ajusco, SNT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Always shifts.. no ghost shifting, no adjustments so far.
I really like the reliability and consistently shifts of this setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Kiefer
a Cross Country Rider
from san juan capistrano Date Reviewed: May 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
rock-it
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
2 years with no real problems, takes a beating, smooth reliable
Weaknesses:
needs regular tune ups.
Similar Products Used:
deore, sram x4
Bike Setup:
X0 shifter, X9 rear derailer specialized hardtail
Bottom Line:
I've replaced half of the components on my bike since I've bought it due to breakage, My derailer is one exception. It works well on a regular basis and is as smooth as butter when properly tuned. It's hard to adust so I have a bike shop do it once a season. A top notch performer overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pvsd4090
a Cross Country Rider
from breckenridge, co Date Reviewed: April 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
bakers tank loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
CO freeride
Strengths:
Great shifts; 1:1 = immediate gear change
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
lx, xt
Bike Setup:
08 Felt Redemption 2
Bottom Line:
Been with Shimano for years, and still like their cranks; but I have never had such postive shifting. Have raced for years with Shimano drivetrain and cogs with plenty of success and real moments of failure. Wish I would have went to Sram mechs before. My current AM rig shifts flawlessly in all condx, even with Really bad cable routing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, California USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek Park(24 Hours Adrenalin Course)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Distinct, sure-fire shifts, never ghost shifts, and operates just like SRAM X0...for more than half the cost!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore LX, SRAM X0.
Bike Setup:
19-pound Cannondale XC race hardtail: Mavic Crossmax SLR, X0/XTR drivetrain, Selle Italia SLR saddle, Ritchey Carbon bars, Thomson Masterpiece seatpost, Continental Speed King Supersonic tires = a billy goat on crack!
Bottom Line:
The previous reviewer below me, is a complete IDIOT. His X9 RD is NOT the reason why his bike failed...it was his riding conditions/style.
Consider the SRAM X9 group as budget X0...without the bling and carbon fiber parts. Properly installed, X9 will give you years of trouble-free operation, under MOST XC/AM/Light Freeride/DH conditions. Every shift is confirmed with an audible click, and gear changes are so lightning-fast...even before your thumb leaves the trigger!
Weighing only 65 grams less than X0- the X9 is more than any rider needs, for 1:1 actuation shifting perfection. It just makes perfect sense; thumb the trigger once- and you get a solid gear change...no more, no less. That's the fairest trade you can get, and all I ask for. Never will you worry about sudden, up/downshifts when applying power...ever again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ep1nephr1ne
a Cross Country Rider
from Groton ct USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
DO NOT BUY
quick shifting, smooth great response
Weaknesses:
It has too many plastic parts. The lower gear cog snap in half under what I would consider normal low speed riding conditions. Which led to a complete eviseration of my bike. Ate the spokes, ate the derailer housing, ate the hanger and ruined my day riding. When it snap it threw my knee into the stem and now i'm icing it and pounding beer. Do not buy it.
Similar Products Used:
Shimmano derore/xt/xtr
Bike Setup:
multiple
Bottom Line:
Waste of money, will make you anrgy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tacubaya
a Downhiller
from Mexico CIty Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Looks, shifting, quietness, price.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bottom Line:
Great derailleur for the money, it is very quiet, shifts much better than my Shimano XT and it keeps the cable on the rear nice and tidy. It is definitely a good investment and much more worth it than a X0.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NolanFJ60
a Cross Country Rider
from Grantsville Date Reviewed: January 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ebay-wheel and sproc
Strengths:
A ton lighter than my old derailer, very crisp shifting, durable
Weaknesses:
not as flashy as the X-0 but who cares about that
Similar Products Used:
deore lx
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900, x-0 twist shifters, x-9 derailuers
Bottom Line:
A couple review below, this product got a bad rating because of the deraileur hanger, the hanger is not the deraileur. Anyway, I bashed the crud out of this thing and it feels the same as the day I got it. Sram has my business now with these things.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tennessee17
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: January 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any Fast One
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Gift from Greenfish
Strengths:
Set and forget installation. SMooth shifting. Press lever, moves to next gear, not fuss.
Weaknesses:
Not immune to upgraditis
Similar Products Used:
XTR 960
Bike Setup:
04 Stumpy, Reba Race, Etc
Bottom Line:
I received an X9 derailleur and shifter set as a Christmas gift in 2005. I have ridden smooth, rough, rocky, muddy, wet, dry, and all conditions in between. The shifters and derailleur work flawlessly on 4 different FSR bikes. THe XTR system these replaced worked well, but the X9 system shifter crisper, quicker, and over a longer period of time without the need for adjustment. Best of all, teh X( system ended the derailleur bumping the chainstay while riding in rough stuff that was present on the old XTR system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ahlmanj2011
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY, USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2008
Cannondale F600, Race Face Deus XC Flat, X9, Maxxis Crossmark, Mavic Crossride Disc, Truvativ Stylo 3.3, PG980.
Bottom Line:
If your gonna buy a bike, get it with SRAM. If you want to upgrade, get SRAM. Shimano is all crap. They're like toys that are "made in china".
I also upgraded cable to the Jagwire Ripcords which are sick. They make a huge difference, but the X9 is paired with my old X7 shifters and it could be faster when paired with X9. But my X7 snaped after 3 years of deadly abuse, so I needed a new one. The shifting is superfast and precise. You don't need fancy cables like those, but getting the new ones just makes you realize the potential of the X9.
DONT GET SHIMANO. YOU WILL REGRET IT, AND SO WILL YOUR POCKETS.
P.S. Get the JensonUSA pricematch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Captain Hypocrisy
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT Date Reviewed: August 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hard climbs, gnarly descents
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Durable, reliable, consistent shifting.
Weaknesses:
Not very flashy, but that's okay.
Similar Products Used:
Deore LX, XT.
Bike Setup:
2005 SC Heckler, built for heavy all-mountain riding.
Bottom Line:
Mine is a 2005 model, and I've been thrashing it since I got it. I've hit it on rocks, concrete walls, and caught it in branches. I do some drops and jumps when the opportunity arises, but mostly I just climb up and then go downhill as fast as I can. I've replaced the cable about once per season, and it has performed flawlessly. Set up is easy, and once it's set up and the new cable has finished stretching, I almost never have to adjust it again. The SRAM trigger shifters are my favorite and I'm totally sold on the 1:1 ratio business. Granted, I never tried Shimano's top of the line derailleur and shifters, but I had nothing but problems with their other products, and I don't think I should have to buy the top of the line product to get consistency. I'll keep riding this thing until it's dead.
Buy this derailleur if you like riding more than adjusting, and if you're interested in rock-solid reliability over bling-factor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
the dude
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Poison Spider
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Rowletts
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
weak.
Similar Products Used:
xt, xtr
Bike Setup:
Redline D660 29r. (nine speed)
Bottom Line:
the x.9 came on my bike and on my second ride the thing snapped on me. i've never experienced a bent hanger or derailleur in my 18 years of mt. biking. since then i've bent the new one 3 times. i will admit i'm hard on bikes, but like i said, i've never had this problem until now. i thought i was going crazy until I read the other reivews; it's comforting to know it's the product...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tomfar
a Cross Country Rider
from napa, ca Date Reviewed: July 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
armstrong pass
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
The Hub (when it was
Strengths:
not sure
Weaknesses:
never got it dialed but when it blew up i was glad it was sort of something I wanted to replace
Similar Products Used:
xt
Bike Setup:
GF hi fi deluxe ('08)
Bottom Line:
some people love these things and i could probably get a warranty replacement if I pushed but I'm going back to xt. If it blows up, why risk it unless your riding round your house or something.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scrote
a Cross Country Rider
from petrolia pa Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
many favorites
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
have always ran shimano xt components,sram has no strengh in comparison to shimano
Weaknesses:
limit screws screw into plastic.parts of derailleur are plastic.spring is weak has trouble upshifting especially if muddy.cheap rivets hold it together.pulley bearings froze up in a month of riding.
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx xt xtr similar in that they are both derailleurs,but no comparisom
Bike Setup:
fisher hi fi deluxe
Bottom Line:
not a good quality product.been riding since 1993 so ive used alot of products.gonna replace with shimano xt.would not reccomend this product to anyone.buy shimano stay with aseasoned company who knows how to build a quality derailleur.ive been using a xt derailleur on my other bike since 2002 still works
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nexeo
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hermosa Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Shifts quicker than any other derailleur I have ever used!
Extremely easy to tune due to SRAM's 1:1 actuation ratio technology. Very strong in my experience; many other reviewers complain of how easy it is to break but I have hit this thing against some pretty large rocks multiple times and totally smashed it once and all that happened was a bent derailleur hanger and some scratches on the derailleur, it still works like NEW! This is the best derailleur for your money!
Weaknesses:
I can't think of one!
Similar Products Used:
Deore and Deore XT rear derailleurs.
Bike Setup:
2005 Iron Horse Warrior Comp
Avid Juicy Three Disc Brakes
SRAM X.9 Rear Derailleur & Trigger Shifter
SRAM PC-991 Chain
E.Thirteen SRS Chain Guide System
Bottom Line:
This is the best derailleur I have ever used. It shifts very quickly and it is very strong. Many other reviewers have complained of breakage or poor performance; maybe they don't have it tuned correctly? If your derailleur is going in to your spokes you might want to look in to a new derailleur hanger before blaming the derailleur. I have really beat on this derailleur and I couldn't be more happy with my choice in this component. I have ridden in all conditions from dry to completely submerged in water and this hasn't let me down yet.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
One that doesn't break my X.9
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
CRISP shifting, I love the 1x1 actuation. Self-cleaning is nice.
Weaknesses:
The cage itself (possibly a long-cage problem)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
Fully custom Niner Air 9.
Bottom Line:
I upgraded from a crappy Deore setup to a full X.9 setup and have since snapped two rear derailleurs (both rear) in SIX MONTHS! I should note that I am not a super hard rider, though we do ride some semi-technical stuff. I'm disappointed in the X.9 rears so far. I've been using a long-cage, but since I run a 22/32/bash setup, I'm going to go with a short-cage and see how it works out. Hopefully, I have better luck with that as I dread going back to crap-mano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KevinCulla9
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston, NH USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Power lines/ Fort Rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Accurate shifting......metal.....cable attatchment
Weaknesses:
.......none as of yet......
Bottom Line:
So Far I am impressed it shifts nicely and seems fairly durable....lets just say my brother crashed into the bike from the back slammed staight into my X9 and it ripped right out of the frame hanger.....threads and all.....X9-1 Frame-0......Still shifts like a champ!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nik Benko
a Racer
from Los Osos CA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Secret Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Shifts Really Well
Weaknesses:
Short Cage has an extremely week cage!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT shadow
Bike Setup:
2008 Norco Aline Park edition
Bottom Line:
I Broke two of these in two consecutive days. Both times the lower cage broke in the exact same spot! I'm going to try my luck with the mid cage that is metal instead of cheap plastic, but we will see how long that lasts
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PissedOffCil
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal Date Reviewed: June 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
- Crisp shifting
Weaknesses:
- Weak
Similar Products Used:
Deore, LX, XT
Bike Setup:
2006 Norco Six One
Bottom Line:
I really tried loving this product but after going through 3 RD in one season I've got to be disapointed. I almost jumped and switched to Shimano after breaking the 2nd one last year (both time the cage bent on very small impacts, i.e. walking next to the bike and hit a rock) but the guy at the shop told me they fixed this problem on the '07 version. And they did but something else breaks (this time it's the low setup screw that bent). I'm buying a last one. Going for a short cage this time and it will hopefully be compact enough to avoid hitting it but as soon as this one fails, I'm going for an all XT setup, period. SRAM you've already spent your last chance, if it wasn't that I need to change the shifters (and that I spent too much already), I'd buy an XT right away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from grand rapids - MI Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cannonsberg state and game area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeler Bikes Sh
Strengths:
its light, looks good, and shifts quick and strong.
Weaknesses:
very weak! i snapped the lower unit off after three months
Similar Products Used:
shimano LX, XT, deore, and SRAM X7
Bike Setup:
haro thread 8 frame, hussefelt crank, BB, bars, and stem SRAM X9 rear derailleur, pivit rims and hubs, and avid BB7 brakes
Bottom Line:
this derailleur is not all bad..it shifts well and is fairly light but its not the strongest..i ride more freeride/DJ so it took a lot of big hits and its was really just a matter of time..but i would recommend this to any XC or light trail rider but not so much a an aggressive rider..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howie
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Frankenstein
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Shifted nicely for 3 years
Weaknesses:
Self destructed without warning after 3 years
Similar Products Used:
xt, xtr, lx
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
I've had the same problem as some reviewers below. It worked well for 3 years, then the body of the derailleur broke where it bolts onto the frame. This resulted in some bent spokes, a mangled chain and a long walk home. It shifted nicely (no better or worse than above mentioned shimano) but I think it should have last longer and the collateral damage due to the sudden failure is expensive.
I keep my drivetrain maintaned and clean and replace parts as needed to avoid this sort of problem.
I weigh 145 and ride cross country - 2 or 3 24 hour races a year (team of 4) About 800 miles per year on this bike. I usually get good life out of equipment at the xt or X9 level. I got 10 years out of shimano xt so I was hoping for similar performance from SRAM X9. I think I will go back to the dark side and hope Shimano's new version of xt is as durably as the old stuff.
Unless SRAM has addressed this problem with their new X9 derailluers I would not recommend this product to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howie
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Frankenstein
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Shifted nicely for 3 years
Weaknesses:
Self destructed without warning after 3 years
Similar Products Used:
xt, xtr, lx
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
I've had the same problem as some reviewers below. It worked well for 3 years, then the body of the derailleur broke where it bolts onto the frame. This resulted in some bent spokes, a mangled chain and a long walk home. It shifted nicely (no better or worse than above mentioned shimano) but I think it should have last longer and the collateral damage due to the sudden failure is expensive.
I keep my drivetrain maintaned and clean and replace parts as needed to avoid this sort of problem.
I weigh 145 and ride cross country - 2 or 3 24 hour races a year (team of 4) About 800 miles per year on this bike. I usually get good life out of equipment at the xt or X9 level. I got 10 years out of shimano xt so I was hoping for similar performance from SRAM X9. I think I will go back to the dark side and hope Shimano's new version of xt is as durably as the old stuff.
Unless SRAM has addressed this problem with their new X9 derailluers I would not recommend this product to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon puttick
a Weekend Warrior
from england Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
kingly vale
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
emsworth car and cycle
Strengths:
shifts well- for a while
Weaknesses:
keeps slipping out of alignment and has a tendancy to destroy itself and your wheel
Similar Products Used:
x7
Bike Setup:
specialized big hit 1
Bottom Line:
dont bother seriously. ive had it for like a month, just a gentle ride to work- on the road and it snapped off at the strongest part?! it took out 8 spokes with it too- not impressed seriously look at something else instead- im not alone on this!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marc castellana
a Cross Country Rider
from bedford,NY,USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Strengh, easy set up, clearence...
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bottom Line:
Great rear derailleur, it is smooth, fast changing gears, strong, very relaliable. I love this derailleur I would recommend it to anyone who wants to buy a dreailleur.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from S. Carolina Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
muddy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Bike Worx
Strengths:
Trouble-free operation with occasional cleaning. Shifts well. Not a horrible price. (if they would last)
Weaknesses:
Breaks easily. Shears off just under the skewer if the wind blows thw wrong way. The X-7 was equally disappointing.
Similar Products Used:
SRAM X-7 (see my X-7 review, it's about the same as this one)
Bike Setup:
06 Rush. Maverick SC32 fork. mech/discs. Nothing fancy otherwise. It will have a new derailleur soon, but not SRAM :-(
Bottom Line:
I am disappointed by the short life span of both the X-9 and 7. Morseon the 9 because of it's price and because it only lasted a few months. I have a $75 paper weight now, but it does match my X-7 paperweight.
These things really do a number on spokes when they grenade too. Factor that into your replacement price, as you'll be getting wheels rebuilt more than you change socks with these little trouble-makers.
Watch for shrapnel too. They don't go quietly. Bring shoes that are easier to walk home in - or bring a chain breaker so you can at least rig it so you can ride back after the imminent failure that will ensue should the derailleur brush up against a blade of grass or a soft dandelion while you're out riding.
I will do my best to avoid buying their products from now on. Save you money on both the X-7 and the X-9. I have seen quite a few similar reviews about these things.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Wayne, IN Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008
absolutely the best derailleur i've ever used! NO missed shifts, tiny shift adjustments have only needed to be done AT THE BAR while riding. zero-loss travel shifting is for real!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: January 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Local
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks good, light, fairly easy to fit.
Weaknesses:
The derailleur bolt.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
RIP 9 AM.
Bottom Line:
Second ride with this brand new derailleur, and it broke the bolt that attaches it to the hanger...and that gave me a long walk home.
I usually run a Rohloff Speedhub, and have been absolutely spoiled by it's reliability and no - fuss shifting.
I am very disappointed in the SRAM X9 derailleur. I never hit anything, I just changed gears, and *SNAP* ... it was busted. It snapped off and slammed itself into the cassette.
The bolt that holds the derailleur to the hanger is a hollow alloy one that is likely to break if you look at it the wrong way....very weak set up, imo.
I test a LOT of equipment, it's part of my job, and this flimsy little hollow alloy bolt is a joke. When you consider the amount of force placed on the hanger bolt, it would be a wise move for SRAM to strengthen this bolt so that it doesn't break so easily. Mine just snapped like a carrot!
.........Not happy with this, at all.
Rainman.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Wayne, IN Date Reviewed: January 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
sure shifts, reliability, good looks
Weaknesses:
????
Similar Products Used:
x.7 (shimano doen't make anything similar, just lesser)
as long as the x.9 is made like this, i'll never need another derailleur! coupled w/ the "zero-loss-travel" shifters (also x.9), this is a foolproof, mistake-proof system. never a hitch, always a click/snap, new gear!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin Luse
a Weekend Warrior
from CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Shifts in triliseconds, looks awzome, direct cable routing
this derailer is awsome! it's basicly a little bit heavier, less blingage, and stronger(arguably), than the x-0. in fact, i prefer this to the x-o. i would like some x-9 shiftas, but i just got my bike and it has x-7's, so im sure the x-9s would work better. im used to the chain going click click chank pop for like an hour before it acctually shifts, so to me, this thing is like god! i recomend this to any type of serious rider, except a cross-country racer-they would be better with an x-o or an xtr. thank you sram for this AWSOME product!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Laurance
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK, USA Date Reviewed: December 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
This was really easy to install, and easy to adjust when I need to. Pretty much the best one I've ever used.
Weaknesses:
None that come to mind though I probably have to adjust them fairly frequently
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
GF Cobia with pretty much every upgrade possible
Bottom Line:
I've had the X.9 on my bike a year now and they're great. I commute every day and ride trails as often as possible evenings and weekends. On my commute I'm usually towing a kid in a trailer and even ride all winter long. I'm a big guy with a bit of extra weight and towing only only makes it worse but this derailleur has held up wonderfully. Even after four broken hangers all I do is slap it back on and my bikes shifts like new. I also like the sram shifters and it's easy to find both packaged together like I did. At the price and weight I see no reason to upgrade to the X.O and they've treated me so well I have no plans to go the Shimano any time soon. If I have to replace or set up a new bike I will definitely buy another set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rav42u
a Cross Country Rider
from Niagara Falls NY USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Secret Singletrack in Southern Tier
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Beatons
Strengths:
shifts great very quiet
Weaknesses:
5 rides and it BROKE!!!! No banging rocks or sticks or any trauma to it AND IT BROKE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
Redline Mono9 X9 group
Bottom Line:
everybody seems to be trashing Shimano but in all the years I've used XTR I have never had a part fail in such a short time. Reading The 9.0 and X9 reviews I see breakage is a common problem. My first encounter with SRAM was not a favorable one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Glenrock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Shifts well until it breaks. Although the Replacement is having difficultiy shifting with an older casset.
Weaknesses:
This product broke unexpectedly after about 2 months, mild bump with a rock pushed it into my spokes and it disintegrtated. Meant a walk home and a very costly replacement.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano xt xtr
Bike Setup:
Canondale Prophet
Bottom Line:
Dont waste your time. Good shifting is great until it breaks then good shifting means nothing. Soft product SRAM pick up your game.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
THOM Lamourine
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridge NY Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point Long island ,ny
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
with bike
Strengths:
always shifts smoothly, easy to set up and adj
Weaknesses:
none so far really, bent the cage on a bige rock, got it working again (and still) shifts fine but can't seem to get it "straight" ... but it's still working fine, sooo not really a weakness
Similar Products Used:
Shimano lines
Bike Setup:
K2 Apache 5, sram x7-9 shifters and drive Xc bike
Bottom Line:
well I have crashed it, smashed it, broke one hanger and bent 2 hangers and it's still running. jockey wheels just started squeeking.. cleaned a re oiled but still squeek a little.
guessing they fixed the braking thing all the 05-06 yr people were complaining about!! thing shifts SOOOO much better than Shim, and is much easier to set up/adj just don't think you could do better for the $$$$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a
from australia Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Strengths:
one word---------- SRAM
Weaknesses:
they only work with sram shifters,so its a shifter and der for an upgrade unless you were lucky enuf to get em stock on ya rig in da first place
Similar Products Used:
shim xt-shim deore-07 shim lx
Bike Setup:
07 kona stinky, king-hope-staitline-sunn-sram-juicys n more
Bottom Line:
ggot a lx stock on my stinky,changed my shim shifters for SRAM X9,changed my rear der from shim lx to SRAM X9,and my shim hg50 cass to a SRAM 990 and my shim chain for a hollow pin SRAM,admititly it wasnt a real cheap upgrade but f$#k i was a idiot for not doin it sooner,also all the people that have had the der shift into there spokes and say oh its srams fault i dont know how/why that happened,sram is poo, its called get some knowledge on setting up the der,after all normally the only reason ones der overshifts into the spokes is lack of correct adj,i will neva look back or go back to shim for that matter,DO YOURSELF A GOOD DEAD GET SRAM IT ROCKS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a
from australia Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Strengths:
one word---------- SRAM
Weaknesses:
they only work with sram shifters,so its a shifter and der for an upgrade unless you were lucky enuf to get em stock on ya rig in da first place
Similar Products Used:
shim xt-shim deore-07 shim lx
Bike Setup:
07 kona stinky, king-hope-staitline-sunn-sram-juicys n more
Bottom Line:
ggot a lx stock on my stinkt,changed my shim shifters for SRAM X9,changed my rear der from shim lx to SRAM X9,and my shim hg50 cass to a SRAM 990 and my shim chain for a hollow pin SRAM,admititly it wasnt a real cheap upgrade but f$#k i was a idiot for not doin it sooner,also all the people that have had the der shift into there spokes and say oh its srams fault i dont know how/why that happened,sram is poo, its called get some knowledge on setting up the der,after all normally thew only reason ones der overshifts into the spokes is lack of correct adj,i will neva look back or go back to shim for that matter,DO YOURSELF A GOOD DEAD GET SRAM IT ROCKS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corstian Devos
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any trail is a good trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Sonic
Strengths:
Solid product. Put it on and forget about it. Just realized reading the previous reviews, how little time I have put into adjusting this derailleur. My old SH XT needed adjustment at least once a month (riding 3X +/wk)these have only required a few little cranks on the shifter barrel adjustment to stay in tune. SRAM sells all the parts in this derailleur separately.
Weaknesses:
The end of large logs jammed rudely into the space between the chain stay and the lower chain path while biking tend to rip this derailleur off the bike bending the rear derailleur hanger and ripping the hanger bolt out of said derailleur hanger.
Similar Products Used:
SH XTs, XTR, and LX
Bike Setup:
Giant Glory Freeride with with OURY DH grips, Fizik Atlas seat, and SH PD-M540 Pedals. Tires - Conti Double Fighter frt and old faithful WTB Tyrannoraptor bk. Replaced stock Fox DHX 4.0 450 X 2.80 rear shock coil with 650 X 3.19 coil to get proper sag. ( As per Fox rep.) The rest of the bike is stock
Bottom Line:
Came stock on the Glory Freeride. It works. Its tough. I like it!!! Broke it. Fixing it. When I truly trash it will get another one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cor-Mon
a Downhiller
from Bend Oregon Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Current one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
thru LBS
Strengths:
Shifts like butter.....smmmmmoootthhh
Weaknesses:
Well it isn't bullet proof!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT....ewwwwwww
Bike Setup:
Norco Rampage with lots of upgrades
Bottom Line:
I switched to SRAM after my XT shifters broke on the third day of riding them brand new. Being tired of Shimano just consistantly being a crappy drivetrain system, put SRAM X-9 drivetrain...WOW...amazing difference, huge difference!!! Smoother shifting, more reliable, less maintance. I just put on my 2nd X-9 rear derailleur after bending my other one just once too many times after 3 seasons of use. But ya know, the most vulnerable part of a bike is the rear derailleur/hanger and they sure take a beating and after a good couple of seasons of riding, you probably need a fresh one anyhow.
Hail SRAM Nuke Shimano
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman, Mt Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
up, then down
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very solid shifting, reliability, easy to maintain.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT (horrible)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, SRAM drivetrain, e13 chainguide, avid brakes, Fox DHX 5.0, Marzocchi Z.1 Sport.
Bottom Line:
The most solid and reliable part I've ever put on my bike. I will not hesitate to buy SRAM again, and will never go back to Shimano drivetrains.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle Date Reviewed: August 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
Works well with the X.o grip shifters
Weaknesses:
Wears out quickly. After a short period of time they seem to develope slop/play in the pivots and the body becomes loose. When your just adjusting the deraileur it doesn't seem to be an issue. BUT, when you start riding and cranking at high speeds the SLOP and PLAY in the body cause the shifting to be all f***ed up and skip. Another weakness, I've sheared 4 of these things off my Turners. The body cracks off just below where it's mounted to the hanger. The newer ones seem to be made from a different alloy so hopefully SRAM fixed the problem. I'll have to give SRAM props for warrantying several of these but it gets old when they keep breaking and wearing out so quickly.
Similar Products Used:
XT but not as good
Bottom Line:
I've got X.O grip shifters so I'm stuck with the SRAM specific deraileurs. I should really just switch to a Rocket/Attack shifter and put an XT on the rear. This seems to be the most frequently replaced part on my bike. Noisy at high speeds and body wears out quickly. They work great when they're new but don't when they're shearing off and tearing out your rear wheel...OUCH, a double wammy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Toledo Date Reviewed: August 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Looks ok - does the job reliably but...
Weaknesses:
Adjustment
Similar Products Used:
Shimano xtr
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
When this needs adjustment its a pain. How can so many people say they prefer this adjustment system to the simple shimano version? The H - L adjustment face outwards and slightly to the front...therefore when you stand behind the bike to monitor the adjustment of the derailleur its nearly impossible to turn the screws.
Price is nothing too special, although it does appear at good discount prices around the web, probably as its still a 'relatively' new product.
When in use there is nothing to fault the sram but all derailleurs require adjustment and this just ain't as straight forward as it should be...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donnie Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
All
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Giant Aluminum Hardtail, Full X.9
Bottom Line:
It has been brought to my attention that my previous review of this product stated that the derailleur works when the chain is crossed. I am not suggesting that it is ok to cycle while your chain is crossed. This should never be done or you may cause damage to your drivetrain.
I was only saying that the medium cage length derailleur was able to be set up (while in the stand) so that I could shift form the extreme small/small and large/large combinations without the derailleur hitting against the casette or flexing too much. I still have a nice S bend in the derailleur. The shorter derailleurs are known for not being able to work in these extreme situations and that it is a compromise of having the better performing medium cage. Well I was able to set mine up just as good as a long cage.
I was just mentioning that in case somebody else is stuck between choosing between the long and medium cage lengths. And again, never ride with a crossed chain, just tune your bike so that your are capable of riding in this position. Tuning so will provide ultimate performance, and piece of mind in case you accidentally go to these extreme you will not cause immediate damage.
Still an outstanding product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Voltage
a Downhiller
from Prince George BC Canada Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
jump trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
red shreds bike and board shed
Strengths:
Does everything a derrailler should do. Shifts smoothly everytime, very low maintenance, never screws up, what more could u ask for?
Weaknesses:
absolutely nothing...
Similar Products Used:
crappy shimanos on various bikes
Bike Setup:
06 bighit2 stock with blackspire nsx chainguide
Bottom Line:
If u want a derrailler that works and you never have to think about ever again, then get it. Plain and simple.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The fun one behind the hill over near there
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
CyclePAth
Strengths:
Weight, precision, style
Weaknesses:
Durability
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT, XTR, ultegra, Campy record, old SRAM X7
Bike Setup:
06 Titus Moto-Lite
Bottom Line:
Got this as part of a package. Was happy with the price but the derailleur significantly lacks durability. A stick 5mm in diameter was wedged firmly into the cage at a slow speed. This torn the cage in half. Knowing what I know now, I am not sure I would buy this (were it not for the fact I have the shifters). I have snapped a Shimano road derailleur this way in cyclocross, but never have I wrecked a mountain bike derailleur with suck a non-event.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Spugnardi
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Forks, ND Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Maah Daah Hey
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Online retailer
Strengths:
Quick and easy installation. The straight cable run from chainstay to derailleur minimized friction and eliminates concern of the cable getting caught on anything.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bottom Line:
A great derailleur that I MUCH prefer to the Shimano XT derailleur I was using previously. Shifting is smoother, more accurate, and quicker thanks to SRAM's 1:1 cable pull design. Once setup correctly this derailleur needs minimal attention. Straight cable leading to the derailleur is a great design. If you've seen Shimano's new '08 XTR derailleur they have adopted the same straight cable routing that SRAM has BEEN using. A testament, I suppose, to great innovation at SRAM.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Racer
from Neenah, WI Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Calumet County Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Gearn' Up
Strengths:
Durable, somewhat lightweight, shifts smoothly and quickly
Weaknesses:
sometimes, not very often, it needs adjusting, however, it's quite simple to adjust
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, SRAM X-7
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Optimo frame, headshock fork, Mavic 819 wheels, full Shimano XT except a Shimano XTR rear derailleur.
Bottom Line:
If you are planning on getting a new rear derailleur but don't have a huge wallet, this would be a good choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donnie Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimno Acera through XT
Bike Setup:
Full X.p with gripshift
Bottom Line:
Actually works. Ease of installation. Cable routing is a charm making the installation of the cable housing a snap. No more big loop like on Shimanos. I have the medium cage and it works through all gears even with chain crossed. It was able to take up the chain slack no prob even though its the medium cage.
I love it. The gripshifts compliment it perfectly. I never had such a smooth operating system in my life. I'll never go back to Shimano again. I'll never buy another bike again in my life, I'll build them form now on since all new bikes come with Shimano. It's just a handful that come with SRAM and that's a shame cause SRAM works great and is not more expensive.
Highly recommended. The whole X.9 lineup is even the front derailler. Read my in depth review of that. I never tried SRAM triggers so I can't comment but that's only cause I'm a gripshift fanatic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P
a Cross Country Rider
from ATL Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pinhotti
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
This is for the 2007 model. clean shifting, set it up/forget it, works with Sram Shifters (love the all thumbs), direct cable routing (no massive bend at RdR).
Weaknesses:
lower pulley has worn out
Similar Products Used:
Lx, Xt, XTR
Bike Setup:
Saltamontes
Bottom Line:
Much better RdR than my XT. My XTR was its equal in shifting and dependability but I really like the all thumbs shifting Sram shifters provide much better. I've just kind of forgot about it, after the cable stretch adjustemnts. Chain binded in the RdR a couple of rides ago while in not so friendly gear combos. Check out why and the lower pulley has almost no teeth left but I think its ok considering I put over 1900 miles on it. Its worth $18.00 to replace them as I have had zero problems from this part.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Franco Lazzuri
a Weekend Warrior
from SP-Brazil Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Gift
Strengths:
Shifts good Eazy do setup Good for all terrain and long rides (>65km)
Weaknesses:
Sealed bearings aren't sealed... you need to open the bearings to pass oil after mud and messy walks... Becarefull on full suspension setup
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Xt rear del.. Shimano XT dual control shifters
Bike Setup:
Kuruma 1.5km frame, bonatriger kevlar roa.. Sram X.9 shifters, sram x.9 rear del. , shimano alivio front del., disk brake winzip, speed dial TI .
Bottom Line:
Excelent performance and really good for agressive down hils and xc, on mud and messy circuits you will need extra work to clean inside rear del... the ball bearing stopped working after my second ride, I openned, cleaned, it's ok again. Extremme and good shifting, GREAT! Take IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ Born
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, OR, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Shifts good Sealed bearings
Weaknesses:
I suppose it weighs more than the X0, but it's way cheaper.
I have to say I'm very happy with the X9. I did a 25 mile muddy race yesterday, and even with the drivetrain coated in mud it shifted flawlessly.
I initially had some issues getting the shifting set up properly, I suspect due to cable stretch and inexperience. Before the race I took about an hour to tweak, test, and adjust the cable tension till it was spot on, and it held up beautifully despite all the muck. I was adjusting the front too, so it's not like the X9 is finicky.
5 overall flames for rockin in the mud, 4 for value cause it ain't cheap, just reasonable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a
from jskjreaqgb Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Everything, Super short cage, perfect shifting...Will never go back to shimano
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, LX, ALIVO, DEORE, X.7, X.O
Bike Setup:
RMX, And good stuff Ethirteen , (not Gamut that sucks) and X.9 and 729
Bottom Line:
The BEST for the money. Buy one now!!! you will love it...
get super short cage btw!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a
from jskjreaqgb Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Everything, Super short cage, perfect shifting...Will never go back to shimano
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, LX, ALIVO, DEORE, X.7, X.O
Bike Setup:
RMX, And good stuff Ethirteen , (not Gamut that sucks) and X.9 and 729
Bottom Line:
The BEST for the money. Buy one now!!! you will love it...
get super short cage btw!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryab
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV, USA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
tyrolean dh
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came w/ bike
Strengths:
smooooooth shifting no skipping
Weaknesses:
like all deraileurs, it requires maitnence
Similar Products Used:
x7, deore
Bike Setup:
teocali
Bottom Line:
still hasnt broken after 6 months of dirt jumping, light downhilling, and trail use. still shifts smooth. only needs adjustment after major crashes. i love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
caudex333
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great design and very responsive
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, old SRAM X9
Bottom Line:
The new 2007 X9 stuff is awesome. Just like XO without the carbon bits. Super fast shifts. Had the old X9 and the new one is tons better. Well worth upgrading.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Downhiller
from vermont Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
shifts nicely
Weaknesses:
its weak
Bottom Line:
today i was taking like a 4` drop and it snapped it is poop i say poop
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott sullivan
a
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
Cant fault it, 1550kms and no gear slipping or any adjustment needed.no cable stretch like constant adjusting of Xt. My first SRAM and will always be a SRAM purchaser from now on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Spaff
a Downhiller
from Fanklin lakes, new jersy Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
alpine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
acurate shifting, never had to adjust it but once, after the cable stretched out like all new cable have to
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimmano deore xt
Bike Setup:
06 stinky wth sram x-9, dhx 5.0 air, e-13, soon to be boxxer rae or team
Bottom Line:
ok so i got this der for 10 bucks from my friend, he chenged it cuz it was scrached, so i put it on my bike cuz the groun came up and ate the xt of my bike withought anny hard riding, the x-9 hass yet to break, its been impailed by rocks, smashed onto the ground, a lil kid kicked it outside subway, and nothing has happened to it, i definatly recoment this derailer, i works great with the x-7 shifter, GET SRAM SHIMMANO SUKS WANG
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tucky
a Weekend Warrior
from Hermosillo, Son Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
I was at Shimano XT Level, a lot of people kept telling me that Sram was better, when I change my Mechanical disc brakes to Hydro, i was using integrated levers/shifters, decide whas the time to test Sram, they were right, I feel more confident with Sram the shifting is smoother and more precise, chain slapping is not as annoying as it use to be 'cause Shimanos deraileurs are weaker springs, this one feels better. Haven't miss a gear so far and no more ghost shifting I would change it though, to Sram X.O but I dont' think I'll go back to Shimano.the price on X.O is a little overwhelming, but using X.9 I bet X.O is worth it. well maybe for a pro, I Plan on keeping X.9
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lukasz
a
from Wroclaw, PL Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Harfa-Harryson
Strengths:
Design, average weight, durability, easy to repair
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore XT, ESP 9.0
Bike Setup:
DC Cane Corso, Roco RC, Boxxer, SRAM, Avid Code
Bottom Line:
A truly MTB derailleur. I had my bad times with one X.9 last year, but easy in-field repairs with standard tools made riding possible. In general, the cage was sucked in by spokes thus almost broke, but everything stopped with a huge bend. Two stones, one hammer and all has been fixed up. Now I have a new one, works great in mud, when very dirty, no lubrication, standard cables. SRAM goes better in bad conditions when compared to Shimano, so it fits better to european tracks and conditions. Great value with average price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Best derailleur i've ever used, it never misses a beat. You don't have to adjust it all the time like you have to with sh_tmano.
Weaknesses:
They break easily on full suspension bikes
Similar Products Used:
XT and Deore
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic, rear der. and shifters are x.9, front is LX, Avid SD 7 breaks
Bottom Line:
Overall it's a great derailleur, but I completely destroyed one on a few months ago, the cage got ripped off and my derailleur hanger snapped in half. The next day I went to the bike shop and bought a new derailleur hanger and new derailleur. The new one has never even had a problem. The 06 X9 is much more durable than the 05, so that's why it's gotten negative reviews in the past. It's a great derailleur and i would recommend it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Basil Chua
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Singapore
Strengths:
Fast, assured and accurate shifting that just keeps you focused on the trail... I don't have to anticipate shifting anymore when tackling technical terrain.
Weaknesses:
I wish there is the shift indicator initially... But after getting used to, I don't really need the indicator at all.
Submitted by
jeff
a
from greensboro, nc, usa Date Reviewed: November 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
price, durability and a quaility shimano alternative
Weaknesses:
planned obselesance
Similar Products Used:
stx, lx and xt 8 speed. lx and xt 9 speed. sram 7.0, 9.0 and x7
Bike Setup:
truvative crank, x9 rear derailleur, gen x front, x9 twist shifters and avid disc brakes and levers.
Bottom Line:
they're a lot better than the old 9.0 stuff, but not nearlly as cool (remember the woody?)the shifting stays accurate. i've dumped the bike a couple of times and i haven't had any problems with it yet. i don't understand how all these guys on here a breaking so many of them. i've ridden for 30 years from my starter stingray to bmx, to schwinn 10-12 speeds and through 6, 7, 8 and 9 speed mountain bikes and i've only broken one derailleur in that time. it was a 10 year old shimano 7 speed stx after i crashed on the street at 20mph.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, CT Date Reviewed: November 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Moose Alley in East Burke
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Relaible shifting, not as high-maintenance as Shimano and work better out of tune.
Weaknesses:
not quite as precise as Shimano, might snap too easily.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rush 1000.
Bottom Line:
I'm using this derailleur with Sram X-7 trigger shifters, Sram cogs, and a Shimano chain- stock setup on a Rush 1000. It's a workhorse system- reliable and low maintenance but not as precise as Shimano's best. The levers have a longer throw than Shimano, and this gives them a less precise feel and slightly slower shifting, but also more margin for error in the way of adjustment. That's why they work better out of tune.
I've already broken one derailleur in the 6 months I've been using it- a stick got sucked in to the drivetrain and snapped the derailleur (it sacrificed itself for the sake of the hanger). It's impossible to say if this is a weak derailleur or not. It was a big stick, but I never broke my XTR derailleur in the three years I used it (never sugked a stick that big either).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: November 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
weak weak weak
Similar Products Used:
x7
Bike Setup:
truvativ crank x9 rear deore front x7 shift sram chain
Bottom Line:
Small weak excuses for sticks snap x7 and x9 derallieurs like styrofoam. Ride with guys running shimano and have never seen them break a rear xtr or xt. Im switching to shimano and never looking back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: November 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Accurate shifting every time and I never seem to need to adjust it. Gets rid of that loop of cable to the derailleur that Shimano have.
Weaknesses:
The cable clamp
Similar Products Used:
8 Speed XT, 2002 XTR, 2005 X7, 2006 XT
Bottom Line:
Competed in a 6 hour enduro on the weekend and the 2007 X9 never skipped a beat, even when doing panic changes while climbing. I definitely find the SRAM derailleurs more accurate than shimano. The only problem I’ve had is the cable clamp destroys cables. The washer that clamps down on the cable rotates with the bolt when it gets tighter, pulling cable through and damaging the cable, making initial installation difficult. It would be 5 Chilis if they just used the X7 cable clamp on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris P
a
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tai Mo Shan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Various
Strengths:
Slick change
Weaknesses:
Broken 3 in 3 months
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Nomad, Fox 36, Juicy 7s, Mavic 823s, Maxxis
Bottom Line:
Sram must have switched base manufacturer or changd their mix or something - have snapped 3 X-7s in the past 3 months. The first was caused by a snagged branch - fair game. Bought the new short cage (and new hanger) - this snapped just 5-10 mins into the trail for no apparent reason. Went back to old long cage and for my 3rd and it lasted less than 4 rides before snapping at b-nuckle. This never happened with Shimano. No such probems for other riders out with me, but my 2 local shops say Sram are not proving to be that strong. Two chilis for a good idea, but you gotta build them better. Am getting the new XTs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Downhiller
from Aarhus (Denmark) Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Vejle Speed trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice strong design, easy to install, easy to setup and ajust
Weaknesses:
None So far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore, LX, XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS-X 06, Manitou Metel shox,Manitou Sherman Breakout plus, Axlesrims DM24, Hope pro II front and rear hubs, Hayes HFX 9 DH breaks, FSA F-200 ONEpointFIVE stem, RaceFace Evolve DH handlebars, Sram X-7 shifter, Sram X-9 rear Derailleur, Sram Chain and gear, E-13 SRS chainguide, DMR V8 pedals, Maxxis HighRollers 2.35, FSA big fat pig ONEpointFIVE headset
Bottom Line:
Work perfect and it has made shure that i am never going back to Shimano gearing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Chaos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
shifts very well, easy adjustment
Weaknesses:
broke after only 6 months at the b-nuckle
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
1994 Cannondale Super V setup for XC
Bottom Line:
It would be a great product if it didn't break. I am not a hard rider and have never broken a derailleur since 1994. Sent it back to SRAM for a warrenty check and John/SRAM told me it was an adjustment problem. I worked at a bike shop for 5 years, I know how to setup rear derailleurs. Also they changed the construction for 2007 from cast to forged because it is stronger. John/SRAM did not want to hear it and also said that MTBR was not a good place for information. I will not waste my time with their products anymore. It is too bad because I was hoping for more...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
imino
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
smooth and fast shifting
Weaknesses:
non so far
Similar Products Used:
only shimano XT LX alivio acera etc.
Bike Setup:
06 specialized XC pro
Bottom Line:
i've change from xt,which came with bike and diference is just amazing.I had to adjust xt after every ride,and even then on the trail i have to tune it as well.So,since i've got X.9 i forgot that there is rear derailer,as i've fitted it and set it up works nicely,didn't have to worry about it any more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: October 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tea Creek Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
With Bike
Strengths:
Has held up to two years of rugged all mountain riding with multiple hard core crashes.
Weaknesses:
I havent found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 55, XT, X9, X9 triggers, RockShox Revelation, Manitou 3way RS, WTB Motoraptors on Bont. Race Lite Wheels
Bottom Line:
This rear D has held up to two years of solid abuse. And yes, I rode my trusty bike through two winters in snow, slush, and ice. I've bent the derailleur hanger twice with nothing more then scratches on the derailleur. I even slammed the bike on the derailleur side while bombing a downhill completly cutting the rear D cable in half right above the read D with no noticeable damage to the Derailleur. I'd buy another one.
A buddy of mine even swithced from his X0 to an X9 because he liked it better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jurij Stariha
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
It shifts very good when it is in one piece..
Weaknesses:
I have broken mine the first day on the trail goung uphil?!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rush 5 EU specs (2007)
Bottom Line:
Mine x9 came with the bike. First time I went to the trails it broke in 2 pieces. I was going uphill, and it got stucked between the spokes (I do not know how did this happen). When I stopped the bike it was allready in 2 pieces...So I have spend 2.000 EUR for the bike (got it yesturday) and the first time i went out mine girlfriend had to pick me up because of broke x9.. Other than that it shifts very well...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Downhiller
from North Shore Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Freight Train
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
on bike
Strengths:
shifts better, quicker than shimano. Easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
bends a little with heavy use
Similar Products Used:
saint, xt, x7
Bike Setup:
x9 shifter/der. demo 9 pretty stock
Bottom Line:
it works. better cable routing. I ride the shore and whistler, and that kicks the crap out of all parts. all those guys saying they keep breaking derailleurs must be crappy riders that smash into rocks every 15 feet. the x9 stands up as good as any, and works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
23mjm
a Cross Country Rider
from No Cal Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fast n twisty
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
I do not recall!!!
Strengths:
Cheap, shifts well with a long travel bike.
Weaknesses:
Non yet, in 1 plus years of riding
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, X.0
Bike Setup:
Bullit, Sram X.9 triggers & Darailleur, Saint brakes, RaceFace cranks, Easton bar, Thompson post & stem.
Bottom Line:
This thing works and is tuff enuff!!! I have run this Derailleur for over a year on my "freeride" bike and it has worked flawlessly. Yes I have crashed the bike and the Deraileur shows it and it has never broke and never has missed a shift!!! Here is a reality check for some of you--If the derailleur shifts into the spokes--it's your fault--all derailleurs have limit screws--use them they work. If you are thinking about Sram, I don't think you will be disapointed, spend some time setting it up right and ride like hell, I have and it has never failed me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Johnson
a Downhiller
from Washougal Wa Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
post canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
BTI
Strengths:
It shift asome when its set right. But it dose git mest up often. but so do all Derailleurs.
Weaknesses:
Nothing really .
Bike Setup:
Kingfisher, raceface,marzocchi66rc2x,fox5.0,hayes mag,bontrager king eirl wheels.
Bottom Line:
the way I see it is if you are a freeride/downhill rider we all know it cost a lot to ride we brake stuff all the time. x9 works really well and dose not cost that much like the x0 for say. you could go with a saint wich is stronger but I just dont like the shifting patern so..yeah. If you want to keep rideing dont spend so much money on the little stuff and pay more for the big stuff such as fork crank and so on. x9 it a good way to go. just know they you will go through them. Im on my 7th one on the same bike. oh well
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff Randall
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Silent Sports
Strengths:
Great shifting.
Weaknesses:
Nasty habit of breaking off
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
Blur LT X9 AM build
Bottom Line:
I broke this derailleur within 2 months of having it. Silent Sports was great about taking it back (props!), but this past weekend a friend broke one as well (same bike, same setup). I have a minor in materials science, and my bet is there's a casting problem. If anyone knows whether SRAM has solved this, whether it applies to all X9 or all SRAM derailleurs, please let me know.
I'm happy with the shifting capabilities and I don't want to go back to Shimano, but riding a 5 1/2" full suspension bike out single speed is no fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Horsetooth Mt. Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
It does shift very nicely.
Weaknesses:
Durability -- it doesn't hold up on more rugged terrain.
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
Blur LT
Bottom Line:
Just broke my second x-9 in less than 2 months of riding fairly standard terrain by Colorado standards. And I don't consider myself a super aggresive rider by any means. In examining the brake the casting looks very weak. Strongly considering moving back to Shimmano XT which I've ridden for over 5 years on the same terrain with no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Bennett
a Downhiller
from Phoenix, AZ USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
So. Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Rage Cycles
Strengths:
Shifts very smoothly....
Weaknesses:
When it's actually on the bike, and straight.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky Primo
Bottom Line:
This has got to be the softest metal I've ever seen used on such an exposed part. I'm on my 3rd der. in less than 6 months. Both of the ruined ones were wiped out just by grazing a rock. The first one didn't even break the replaceable hanger but still bent the knuckle and jammed the pivots. The most recent one is so mangled I could barely get the chain out of the carcass, but it didn't even break a spoke (although the hanger did break). I've put several Shimano XT's into the wheel and taken out half the drive side spokes without much damage the der. I could stomach it if these were cheap parts but they keep raising the price. I held off converting to a full SRAM system for a long time and now I'm glad I only did one bike. Maybe SRAM will make a Saint type unit? Please.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Alamo Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
shifts smoothly
Weaknesses:
bends really easily. ive bent it and straightened it like 4 times. Somehow it makes it WAY harder to take off ur rear wheel. the dual thumb system i hate cuz i always accidentily hit the shifter wit my thumb switchin it to a lower gear making harder to climb
Similar Products Used:
xt?
Bike Setup:
rmx r2
Bottom Line:
if you want to save ur hangers dont buy this rear derailleur. get SAINT. that is what im doing when I have the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Alamo Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
shifts smoothly
Weaknesses:
bends really easily. ive bent it and straightened it like 4 times. Somehow it makes it WAY harder to take off ur rear wheel. the dual thumb system i hate cuz i always accidentily hit the shifter wit my thumb switchin it to a lower gear making harder to climb
Similar Products Used:
xt?
Bike Setup:
rmx r2
Bottom Line:
if you want to save ur hangers dont buy this rear derailleur. get SAINT. that is what im doing when I have the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Alamo Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
shifts smoothly
Weaknesses:
bends really easily. ive bent it and straightened it like 4 times. Somehow it makes it WAY harder to take off ur rear wheel. the dual thumb system i hate cuz i always accidentily hit the shifter wit my thumb switchin it to a lower gear making harder to climb
Similar Products Used:
xt?
Bike Setup:
rmx r2
Bottom Line:
if you want to save ur hangers dont buy this rear derailleur. get SAINT. that is what im doing when I have the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, N.C USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint .com
Strengths:
The Price I got both shifters and the rear derraileur thus the $125.00 price tag listed above, this thing almost never gets out of adjustment, it is also extremely tough
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT
Bike Setup:
2005 Raleigh M80 Sram shifters and rear derr. Cane Creek Thudbuster, Crank Brothers Stainless Eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
This is honestly the smartest upgrade I have made to my bike in a list of numerous ones, this thing almost never gets out of adjustment and is super tough, just the other day I took a hit froma rock and sheared the hanger off, the derraileur was undamaged and is still in use, just got back from Dupont National Forrest and had absolutely no trouble at all from this baby, nothing but positive thoughts!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacques
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
wilsons bikes
Strengths:
quick and smooth shifting
Weaknesses:
it continously slips into the spoke and rips off. i have just recently snapped my 4th X.9 deraileur and am getting tired of paying for new ones. i locked out top gear with the limiting screws but it continues to fly into my rear wheel and snap off.I dont know if its my bike because no one else i know with x9 deraileurs has this problem. my bike is a turner rail if any one has any ideas please tell.
Similar Products Used:
shimano rear deraileur
Bike Setup:
4X
Bottom Line:
nice top of the line deraileur except that it has a habit of killing itself on my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derik
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Looks nice, shifts fast, 1:1 ratio leads to more robust tuning
Weaknesses:
Price, durabilitly (read impact resistance), not servicable
Similar Products Used:
SX-5, XT
Bike Setup:
Chromo rockhopper, Marzocchi z5 fork, Shimano Deore xt hubs, Sun Ryno lite rims, and a bucket of SX-5's
Bottom Line:
If you ride hard and rough you should probably stay any from this product. The cast AL knuckle has a low fracture toughness, and the Al cages bend easily and are not servicable.
My knuckle suffered a crack from a stick impact and factured off 8 rides later. To be fair nothing lasts to long on my bike and this thing downshifted like a champ untill the end though!
So either take it easy on the x.9, bone up and by the x.0, or buy a couple sx-5's or x.7's. (I went with the last option)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a
from fernie,bc.canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
shifts great
Weaknesses:
high and low set screws back out of the plastic housing,
Similar Products Used:
xtr,xt,lx
Bike Setup:
giant glory
Bottom Line:
sram says this should not happen,and wants to see it so i will be without one for 3 weeks and they think that i should be happy about that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
weight, fast shifts
Weaknesses:
doesn't come in black
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
x.9 rear with x.0 shifters
Bottom Line:
It's light, WAYY cheaper than X.0, shifts fast, and really impressed me with the setup I am running now. Buy this if you can deal with all the silver.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring Hill, TN USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Champion Cycles
Strengths:
durable, sure shifting
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Blur XC, Fox, Avid, Race Face
Bottom Line:
Great Derailleur, no problems at all. I moved this from a hardtail to my new Blur and have had no issues (after 6 months) unlike the Blur owner in the previous review. I use the front Sram front derailleur and trigger shifters. I don't think I'll ever go back to Shimano. Great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEITH
a Cross Country Rider
from GARLAND,TX Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ROWLETTE CREEK PRESERVE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
PLANO CYCLING AND FITNESS
Strengths:
DEPENDS ON YOUR RIDE....HAS NONE ON MY SC BLUR
Weaknesses:
POOR DESIGN FOR FULL SUSP
Bike Setup:
SANTA CRUZ BLUR
Bottom Line:
I have read several reviews and found some common themes. This x-9 seems to work well on some single speed, or hard tail setups. It fails miserably on full suspesion bikes like my Santa Cruz Blur. I have broke two x-9 rear derailleurs in a weeks time. They were mangled in my spokes and ripped apart while down shifting. I upgraded to the x-0. The x-0 suffered the safe fate on the second ride. My Blur is less than two months old and I have had my chain tension checked and rechecked. I dont see how SRAM can deny their is a problem. I going to change my equipment to shimano and I dont think I should have to pay for the change out.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
colin
a Racer
from SLO Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
My yard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
wholesale
Strengths:
works like it should
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler, Marz All Mtn. 1
Bottom Line:
Did anyone else check out the dude with the broken tandem below? He is blaming a frame failure on his X.9! Buddy, a broken derailleur bouncing into your stay doesn't cause the stay to fail and twist your rear end. It wasn't the X.9 hitting the stay that twisted the rear end, rather it caught on something, broke off, and the force caused the stay to fail. Also, and this is coming from a guy who has worked in the industry for a few years --if you try to sell the JRA, clean the mud off before you send in the pics! Mud is a sure sign that you weren't "just riding along." It was VERY generous of SRAM to give that dude a new one. I actually feel even better about SRAM after reading that, they are pretty generous, given the pics of the bike. Anyways, the X.9 works way better than the old school SRAM crap I had in the mid 90's. I stuck with XT since then, but it seems SRAM has got it right so I am back. We will see about durability after a few jumps, drops and rockgardens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rudy
a Weekend Warrior
from San diego CA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
good ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
really good shifting. although living in san diego i have never ridden in the rain
Weaknesses:
could be free?
Similar Products Used:
my c'dale 1mx is on the way with an x0. but nothing as of yet
Bike Setup:
dont have one right now =(
Bottom Line:
dont know about bad conditions, but when its dry it works great. ive hit it on stuff and it didnt mess it up at all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Vienna, Austria. Date Reviewed: May 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Crisp shifting.
Weaknesses:
Every time I ride this in mud I have problems. In fact it got ripped off in a muddy race today, along with about 10 others. I only saw one Shimano with the same problem. Definitely a bad design. I think I'll go back to Shimano.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bottom Line:
The shifting is great. I would say it is better than the old XT rapidfire. But this component cannot be relied on in bad conditions. I would only recommend it for dry weather.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC Date Reviewed: April 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$95.00
Strengths:
smooth like butter, strangly easy to install, relativly cheap for the quality
Weaknesses:
no idea
Similar Products Used:
various shimano offerings
Bike Setup:
specialized p3, hayes discs, tempermental old DJ3, some raceface and fsa components
Bottom Line:
alright, so because I havent pounded on this derailleur much yet I'm not going to comment on its durability, ability in mud, etc. However, I felt the need to leave some sort of praise for the x9 simply for the incredible ease with which it can be installed. Being something of a mechanical disaster, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of blood and frustration involved in setting it up. Far simpler that anything shimano that i've used. Oh yeah, smooth, consistant shifts and all that jazz. Get this if you want to install and forget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jesse k
a Cross Country Rider
from ns Date Reviewed: April 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
shubie/scotts
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Price pt
Strengths:
Well designed product at first lack of rear barrel adjuster was strange but its held its setting great the armature for the cable hook up is brilliant!
Weaknesses:
cheap friction bearings on almost hundred dollar device? Sram shame on your cheapness. However machined wheels with sealed bearings are cheap and easy to install.
Similar Products Used:
several shimano styles deore lx etc
Bike Setup:
Norco Bigfoot, Spinergy disc xyclone, avid bb7 discs, rock shox SID, Sram trigger shift, Sram Xgen front and x9 rear derailures, ritchey rubber
Bottom Line:
Okay so its obvious that im not a shimano guy. I find their product lines impossible to follow, and unreliable. these shifters are amazing! without the barrel adjuster this shifter was easier to set and held true better than any other derailure ive seen. Just docking a chili for the cheap wheels with crappy bearings, but heck even after market they were only $10.
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Submitted by
tom thomas
a Downhiller
from sacramento ca Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
salmon falls many others
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
town@country bike 9167264322
Strengths:
very strong like short shifts bang gears at slow speeds
Weaknesses:
i personly thank for the price it beats the hell out of sham. xt or xtr
Similar Products Used:
i own a shop can have any thing i want . and have used the others dont work ner as well going to try xo now
Bike Setup:
mountain cyc fury x9 trig x9 rear der xt front der sram990 chain 990 raer cog
Bottom Line:
im a sram person for a good long time and you cant beat the value
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Submitted by
Dean Marshall
a Cross Country Rider
from Fordingbridge, hampshire,UK Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Part of initial build
Strengths:
Good in the mud, reliable, very little maintenance required, positive change.
Weaknesses:
Shifts a little slower than Shimano XT
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX and XT
Bike Setup:
Scalpel 3000 (2005 model)
Bottom Line:
I have never been never a lover of Shimano kit and found my previous XT and LX derailleurs would regularly clog with mud and would also require adjustment every couple of weeks. There are no such problems with the SRAM X9, it's rock solid and reliable. The gears only need adjustment every few months but this may be due to using SRAM shifters with a 1:1 activation ratio. The X9 is truly a piece of "fit and forget" kit. The only slight down side is that the change is a little slower than with XT but overall I would never return to Shimano.
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Submitted by
Evan Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town,WC,South Africa Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
It sees its fair share of abuse and i wouldn't say i give it a hell of a lot of TLC but it just gets on and does the job. It's been reliable and precise since i got it and after thinking that i'd upgrade to X-0 that's now seeming a long way off as the X-9 shifter/derraileur combo just seems to keep on working 5 Chillis without question
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Submitted by
Dakota
a Weekend Warrior
from Nevada Date Reviewed: January 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Reaper (Bootleg Canyon)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-No-nonsense shifting -Light (236 grams) -Mid-cage, so no smacking rocks -Super easy to adjust
Weaknesses:
-Absolutely none
Similar Products Used:
-Shimano XT -Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
Haro Extreme, Z1 FR III, Maxxis tires, Sram X-9 drivetrain, Truvativ cockpit, Sun rims
Bottom Line:
I have yet to readjust my X-9 rear derailluer. I have never missed a shift. It is super light compared to my old Shimano derailluer and it looks so much cooler. Really good price for the performance, by the way.
$ 67.00
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