SRAM X.9 Rear Derailleur

Ian Thompson 5
Reviewed: 27 August 2008

WAZZES OVER XT

Easy to setup.
Ultra precise shifting- super slick.
Works even when buried in mud.

Not found any yet.

I can't believe how slick this thing shifts. Even under heavy load the change is smooth and precise.
They seem to stay the same in heavy conditions with a thick coating of mud too. I've had to stop with Shimano in similar circumstances and wash the mech to get it shifting!
I haven't had any issues with jockey wheels but I do have the latest model- maybe they have fixed the issue or perhaps I haven't run it long enough. I do tend quickly to wash the muck off after every ride and am even known to throw a bit of lube at things, maybe that helps?

I've been a fan of some of SRAMS sister brands (Truvativ, Avid & RockShox) but have always used Shimano for mechs and shifters until now. What have I been missing! I can't ever see myself going back.

Bruce Woodhouse
Reviewed: 25 October 2005

SWIFT CHANGING, EASY TO SET UP

Simple adjustment
Clean shifting

Looks bit fragile. Jockey wear.
Give it a clean regularly
Must be used with SRAM shifters

500 miles on and I'm still impressed with this mech. Needs the 1:1 SRAM shifters but with these the shifting is super swift and definite. Set up is easy with no rear cable adjust and the cable routing looks reliable. I've used mine in all sorts of gloop and never had problems although I do give it a clean afterwards-only 2 minutes work after all. The frame looks a bit lightweight and fragile, but I've wacked mine a couple of times so far without cracking it. Jockey wheels are wearing a bit, but the bearings are OK.

A genuine XT alternative, especially if you like the SRAM shifters.

John Gourette
Reviewed: 06 February 2005

PLEASANT SURPRISE

Changes better than the latest XT up the block when new.

Jockey wheels wear out faster than XT and then start sticking/ wobbling. After a few dunks in the gloop its no better than LX which is still better than the latest XT.

Jockey wheels let down a great design.

jon Cort
Reviewed: 11 November 2004

BETTER THAN XT, FOR SURE

There is a wide range of opinion on this stuff - so here's mine:-)

It's worth it to change the shifters at the same time... The 1:1 precision shifters really do work better than Xt or combined braker shifter pods.

By work better i mean, very positive click in either direction, easy to move 5 gears at a time and the thumbs only action is in fact useful when you've cocked it up & are hauling on the brakes and are needing to change gear simultaneously.

Installation is well easy for mech and shifters, if you need instructions then they are clear and simple to follow.

By having no barrel adjuster at the mech end is much better, mainly cos there is less moving parts to get gunged up and then start sticking.

I have had no ghost shifting problems, which is impressive when the trails I ride at this time of year are in fact a quagmire.

The construction is very solid.

As my XT mech exploded recently and I wasnt going to get drawn in to the big S incompatability game - never mind the combo brake / shifter madness i decide to go sram, in fact there's not much else to choose from.

er... had to get the shifters as well to ge the most out of the mech...

- worth the cash

- works better than XT

- easy to set up

- i dont understand why you dont see more of them about

Graham Haller
Reviewed: 23 October 2004

GOOD BIT OF KIT.

Easy to set up and precise shifting

Jocky wheels seize up with mud if not cleaned.

Despite the one problem with the jockey wheels, which was easaly fixed, it continues to shift precisely even after a months use.
Usually with Shimano rear mechs (XT, LX and Deore) I'm experiencing duff shifting after a couple of rides.