I know I can't mix mechs and shifters, but can I mix chains and cassettes? ie Shimano mech and shifter with a SRAM cassette and chain? Or SRAM chain and Shimano cassette?
I have... but I've never had a truly silent drivetrain like a new bike sort of silent.
Yes
Although in theory it won't deliver the last couple of % best shifting, it will still work well with thise combos. I've always run SRAM chains on shimano cassettes and they work great.
Yes.
I do - Shimano casette but with a Sram chain (I've never had any issues with them since it was Sachs making the chains). I'm not a fan of Shimano chains because the ones that I had appeared to be made of cheese.
Well, I run a SLX 3x10 front mech with a SRAM 3sp. Shifter setup for 2x9 on a SRAM cass. And a DMC chain on XTR rear mech. Works for me no dramas.
Aye I've mixed and matched cassettes and shifters for ages on 2 and 3x9, just wasn't sure if there was a difference on 10spd. Looks like I should be ok!