slbenz's Full Review: Sram Attack Trigger Shifter, 9 Speed, Set
Background:
As a volunteer mountain bike patrol officer for my local Regional Parks system, I really put my mountain bike and its equipment through a very good workout. Patrolling during the winter through mud and rain to the summer in the extreme heat and dust tells me very easily what works and is durable. At the time, my SRAM twist shifters were giving me problems and needed to be replaced. I went to my local bike shop that showed me the new SRAM Attack trigger shifters that are supposed to emulate Shimano's own trigger shifters that I used before. My experience with the SRAM Attack trigger shifter is based on 2.5 years of almost daily use out on the trails.
Features:
Like most of the shifters out on the market, this one has a window with numbers to tell you at a glance which gear you are in. But unlike some lesser shifters, this one actually gets the numbers right to the corresponding gear. Like Shimano, there are two triggers, one to shift up and another to shift down a gear. There is a plastic cap where you need to use a screwdriver to remove in order to access the shifter cable if you need to replace it. With the plastic cap in place, it easily keeps dust and muck out of the SRAM system. And like Shimano, the SRAM is easy to install. One bolt is all that's needed to have this shifter clamped onto your handlebar. Though the SRAM site doesn't promote this, the SRAM Attack is just as light as their lightest trigger shifter at 260 grams a set even though these are in the entry/middle of their line. Also, the barrel adjusters can be easily used while riding to dial in the shifting. SRAM also includes pre-installed shifter cables. A nice touch. Lastly, since the pull ratio on these shifters are 2:1, make sure to select the correct rear derailleur that works with the SRAM shifter.
Actual Trail Use:
In over 2.5 years of use, I have not experienced one problem with the shifters. Climbing under load, the SRAM Attack has no problem shifting to the correct gear. It can also shift up two gears on one push, if necessary. Also, when I am descending and need to quickly shift into a higher gear, the SRAM Attack quickly and easily shifts into the right gear for me. Sure, the twist shifter will shift more quickly but the SRAM Attack is plenty fast for most people unless you are a picky racer-type. Ergonomically, the triggers feel as good as anything I have tried from Shimano. Initially, I had to get used to it again with using trigger shifters vs. twist shifters but it didn't take to long to switch. These shifters are very easy to operate, are virtually maintenance-free and still operate well today. Also, the shifters seem to be well sealed against the elements since the internals seem to be fairly clean each time I open up that plastic cap to be sure everything isn't clogged or gummed up by dirt or oil. No rust as well. For those weight weenies, these are heavier than SRAM's own twist shifters by about 60 grams. But I can't tell the difference, only in shifting operations. The barrel adjusters on the SRAM Attack have quite a bit of adjustment for the user to dial in the shifters properly to the 9-speed cluster in the rear.
One thing I really like going back to trigger shifters is that I can use the full length of a handlebar grip again. With my old twist shifter, you had to cut a small length of grip off in order for the twist shifter to have enough room to be installed on your handlebar and work with your brake lever. Also using trigger shifters reduces the need to quickly release your grip on the handlebar to shift unlike a twist shifter. I am sure there are advocates for both systems which then boils down to personal preference. One thing nice about purchasing these shifters, it is easy on the wallet. I only paid $40 for mine.
Warranty:
Two years from the manufacturer. Warranty good only to original owner and is not transferable.
Conclusions:
I think you can see that I am satisfied with the perform of the SRAM Attack trigger shifters on my mountain bike. The SRAM Attack has been problem-free, easy to shift and operate these last 2.5 years for me.
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