I'm building up a new bike (it's been a long time since I've bought much new stuff at all), looking for 10 speed - what are people's thoughts and experiences on what to go for?
I'll need shifter(s) (probably 1x10, so just right really), cassette and presumably rear mech. Is it worth spending the extra?
I'm up for keeping things fairly light, and not going silly with XTR/X0/XX type prices.
Any startlingly good deals out there?
Ta,
Si F
My choice,
Xtr shifter
Slx rear mech
Xt cassette, cranks and chain
I have had X5,7, and 9. Rode a bike with XO... X9 definitely better than x7. It shifts like butter and isn't as expensive as XO. Mainly because it's just alu and plastic. Worth the cash. Shifters and mechs.
get the best shifter you can and skimp on the rear mech. I would also go with an XT cassette, lighter and works.
I've X7/X9 (9speed) on one bike, full X9 (10 speed) on another and built a mates bike up with SLX (10 speed). I personally prefer sram stuff but buying aftermarket it'd have to be SLX as it's just so much cheaper now.
I really like X9 for 9-speed but Shimano seem to have upped their game for 10-speed, pinched some ideas out of the SRAM book.
I've got a 2x10 X7 drivetrain with a X9 rear mech and X0 shifters. My first experience of SRAM (always used Shimano up to now) and contrary to popular opinion I've been really impressed. The shifters are particularly fantastic. As others have said, I'd usually get the best shifters you can afford, decent cranks then just get mid-range mechs and cassette.
Shouldn't really need much more than slx for UK riding. Slx shifters seem to do a pretty good job for me, but I haven't tried better ones, so IDK where they could be improved. If you need it to be lighter, then XT but any more than that is probably overkill unless you're going racing.
Chain reaction usually does good deals on SLX cranksets; I got my 3-ring one for £100.
SRAM attack
Shimano 8 speed casssette
Shimano road Mech
SRAM chain
cheaper/lighter/more reliable than any of your options
Recently went from SLX up to XT on my new build. Night and day, far crisper shifting and the double change option is a nice touch.
Have they improved the jockey wheels on the latest X9 rear mech?
Owned both the X9 & XT (9spd) & prefer the XT setup tbh
Shimano every time for price, function and build quality.
XT shifter (or even XTR)
XT cassette
SLX everything else
and plenty of Rock N Roll cable magic to lighten the shifting
If yo look around you can get a 10sp XTR shifter for less than £60.
Upgraded from SLX and it is well worth the extra.
Now running 1x10 as follows
XT cranks
XT Cassette
Wipperman Conex Gold Chain
XTR Shifter
To me this represents good value and looks good to.
thegiantbiker - MemberShouldn't really need much more than slx for UK riding
Can't tell if joking or not.
Just to add another voice to the mix....
XT shifter, from the classifieds if possible. Gives you almost XTR performance for much less
SLX mech if you want to save cash.
SLX crankset; very ittle difference from XT.
XT cassette
Gore RideOn cable. Pricey compared to cheapest options, but worth it for long term reliability.