I begrudgingly accepted the 2x10 X7/X9 drivetrain on my new bike as it seemed like too much trouble changing it all to Shimano. Since then though I've learnt the joys of SRAM equipment...
Wanted to fit some Shimano brake levers which meant 'un-matchmakering' my Elixirs and X7 shifters. New clamps for the shifters cost £25. Each.
£50 for two small aluminium rings with an M5 bolt through them?? They must be laughing all the way to the bank. Thankfully my understanding local shop sent them back and I got some old shifters second hand instead.
Next thing was some spare split links for the chain. £4.50 each and they're not re-usable. Taking the complete p!ss. Hate to think what a new chain might cost me when it comes to it.
Finally, after about 6 happy years ragging the same shimano LX derailleur through the worst the highlands and my local trails could throw at it, my X9 mech lasts a month before getting twisted enough that it can't shift any more, despite my not even noticing I'd hit anything. I hate to think how much that'll cost to replace.
The fact that one of the X9 cranks fell off on the first ride (probably not SRAM's fault in retrospect) and the Rock-Shox forks have a mysterious 5mm of 'dead' travel at the start of the stroke does not enamour me to the company either
Sorry its not a very emphatic rant, bit too tired to really get into it...

