I'm very pro SRAM I run 9.0sl and love it. The mechs don't clang against frames like the Shimano ones do, are lighter and keep going with even the deepest mud on them. The SRAM casettes are much better than Shimano, same goes for chains! As for the changing I'm not keen on the half pipe shifters and I prefer the smaller quarter ones, less chance of an accidental shift then. I also like being able to change more than one gear at a time, being able to go right through the ratios in one movement is sweet.