Better than XTR?
Written: Oct 15 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Expanded gear range, outward facing limit screws, improved material use.
Cons: No barrel adjuster (ugh!), very touchy to set up.
The Bottom Line: Need professional quality performance, or want a great alternative to Shimano? This is definitely the way to go.
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| sammy_marvelle's Full Review: SRAM 9.0 SL |
SRAM has been fighting the component battle with Shimano for some time now. In my opinion, SRAM is finally winning. It's hard to fight against a corporate giant like Shimano, but with the somewhat recent acquisition of Sachs, SRAM is starting to make its presence felt, and there is no better example than the new 9.0SL rear derailleur.
What some people would have argued was the best derailleur on the market last year has only improved this year. The new 9.0SL has an expanded gear range. Last year it could only accept an 11-30 cassette (11-32 if you knew how to manipulate the "b" screw right), but the 2001 model can accept an 11-34, a big jump for anyone who has to ride up unbearably steep inclines on a regular basis.
Also, SRAM upgraded the materials they use. I'm having trouble finding exactly what they changed in it, but I know for certain that just the feel of the parts, as far as texture and function, have been improved, if only by a small margin.
From the mechanics perspective, the outward facing limit screws, while not neccesarily the most attractive part of the derailleur, are a gift. They make adjustments so much easier, especially if you are trying to dial in your shifting on the road or the trail, or anywhere away from your repair stand.
The downside of the 2001 9.0SL? SRAM still hasn't discovered the wonders of the rear derailleur barrel adjuster. It is 2001 and we still have to make shift adjustments from either the handlebar or by cable tension through the anchor bolt. The up side to the problem is that once you get the system set and the cable streched properly, you probably won't have to touch it again for a long time.
Also, I'm not a huge fan of the direction SRAM's shifters have taken. The Halfpipe was maybe their best idea ever, and now they are reintroducing the Shorty, but with a very smooth grip cover. I'd have to ride it to make a better judgement, but the way it looks, it might have issues in wet or muddy conditions.
When all is said and done, you will not be wasting your hard earned dollars on this system. 1:1 is the way to go, it's quicker, smoother, and just as durable (if not more) than anything in Shimano's line. The only people that seem to have a problem with it are those strongly pitted against Grip Shift.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sammy_marvelle
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Location: Eau Claire, WI, USA
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
A plethora of bicycle knowledge ready for distribution!
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