Replacing the drivetrain on my MTB - Hollowtech vs. GXP?

[SonicShadow]

Hi all,

I'm not a member on any MTB specific forums, so I'll ask here.

I'm replacing the drivetrain and brakes on my MTB. So far, I've specced:

SRAM X9 Type 2.1 Rear Mech
SRAM X9 2x10 Front Mech
SRAM PG1050 10speed cassette + PC1051 Chain bundle
SRAM X9 10sp Trigger Set
SRAM DB5 Disc brake set (complete with discs etc)

All SRAM so far because I've had SRAM mechs and shifters on my past two bikes and I've always been happy with them. Sticking to what I know I guess?

The bike has a 68mm threaded BB shell, so I've been looking at the Hollowtech and GXP offerings. It seems they are quite similar - are there any advantages to either system? Is there an alternative system to those two that I should be considering?

[deadtom]

for SRAM you will need GXP; hollowtech is for shimano (and others, but not SRAM) and is similar but different to GXP.

for what it is worth, I found my GXP BB lasted very well for the couple of years that I had it and still felt like new when I passed it on to my friend who is still using it now

edited to add: just noticed you didn't specify what crank you are using. I assumed you had SRAM and were asking about just the BB itself. If you are asking about the entire chainset then I would say get shimano

Edited by deadtom on Friday 5th June 19:12

[SonicShadow]

Sorry, I should have been more specific - I'm including the whole crankset in the drivetrain replacement. I don't want to spend too much, but I don't want to buy terrible low end stuff - I think the selection above is a good balance of price / performance / quality.

I was looking at the Shimano M785 2x10 crankset with a Hollowtech BB and the SRAM X7 2x10 crankset. The SRAM one works out more expensive as it doesn't come with the BB. If it's a better product I don't mind that though. Plus, it would be quite nice to have all SRAM stuff for aesthetics.

[tjdixon911]

Not sure if I am allowed to post this here and don't know if your looking for new or used, but I have a few XT bits for sale 2-300 miles old - I do have a new Shimano Bottom Bracket which came with the Cranks too (not listed) http://www.pinkbike.com/u/tjdixon/buysell/

I have bikes with Both SRAM and Shimano, I've always preferred the Shimano Stuff but to be fair there isn't a great deal in it.

Brake wise, I have Shimano Deore / SLX's and some SRAM Guide R's all seem to work perfectly - The Shimano's are great value for money.

[neenaw]

It might be worth looking on somewhere like Merlin, Chain Reaction or Ribble to price up complete groupset as it'll probably work out quite a bit cheaper than buying individual components.
Usually you can pick up a complete SLX or XT groupset for £3-400 with brakes.

[SonicShadow]

I'll check those out tjdixon, thanks.

There's not much difference vs groupsets to be honest. All of those parts are on sale of some sort at the moment.

[jshell]

Just ditched all of my SRAM stuff on my Whyte for Shimano XT. The SRAM stuff was just not robust enough.

[Herman Toothrot]

jshell said:

Just ditched all of my SRAM stuff on my Whyte for Shimano XT. The SRAM stuff was just not robust enough.

I'm in this camp, just don't like SRAM just ditch new X9/Guide for XT/Zee on my Commencal.

[torres del paine]

Herman Toothrot said:

I'm in this camp, just don't like SRAM just ditch new X9/Guide for XT/Zee on my Commencal.

I agree completely.

I couldn't believe how ropey my brand new X9/X7 drivetrain was on my new bike. After much tweaking and analysis I came to the conclusion that the shifters are spongy, the mechs are below par and the cassettes second rate, if you're looking for crisp, fast and smooth shifts. I replaced the lot with XT and Saint shifter and took about 10 minutes or so to adjust both mechs... shifts beautifully and I haven't had to touch it.

[deadtom]

to add some balance to this thread I am usually a shimano fan through and through, however I have been very impressed with how well my X7 stuff works (and has done faultlessly over the last couple of years).

that being said given the option I would still go for shimano. My SRAM stuff has impressed me a lot because I was expecting it to be crap when it came on a full bike I bought, however Shimano stuff you just know will be good.

I would still recommend shimano throughout if you have not yet pulled the trigger on the SRAM stuff.

Edited by deadtom on Saturday 6th June 20:05

[SonicShadow]

I'll spec up a Shimano equivalent and see how we are looking pricewise. I've never had an issue with SRAM stuff. Thanks for the info / opinions all

[Kermit power]

I've just specced up the following...

SRAM PC-1051 chain - Leisure Lakes
M771 XT cassette (11-36) - Evans
M785 XT cranks (38/24) - Chain Reaction
M786 XT 10 speed Shadow+ rear mech - Merlin Cycles
M786 XT 2 speed front mech - Chain Reaction
M780 XT I-spec B shifters - Chain Reaction

Evans have everything in stock in their warehouse (conveniently half an hour away in Gatwick), and price match on the other three vendors, so I'm off to get everything in the morning for the combined total of £245.62.

This is to replace a 10yr old Shimano 3x9 setup on my hardtail. I'm perfectly happy with the SRAM setup on my full susser too, but took the decision to go Shimano on this lot for one reason and one reason only... Shimano XT disc brakes are the absolute dogs danglies!

I've already got those ready and waiting to go on, and from there I thought hmm.... If I get Shimano shifters, I can use the I-spec system to tidy the bars up (the shifters bolt onto the brake lever clamps). That, of course, meant I needed XT mechs as well.