When it comes to choosing a derailleur for your bike, two of the biggest names in the game are SRAM and Shimano. Both brands offer a range of derailleur options that cater to different riding styles and preferences.
While both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the rider.
One of the biggest differences between SRAM and Shimano derailleur systems is the way they shift gears. Shimano derailleurs use a different cable pull ratio than SRAM, which means that they require a different shifter to work properly.
This can make it difficult to mix and match components from different brands. However, Shimano is known for its smooth and reliable shifting, while SRAM is often praised for its crisp and precise shifting.
What is a Derailleur?
A derailleur is a bicycle component responsible for shifting gears. It is a mechanism that moves the chain from one sprocket to another on the rear cassette or front chainrings. The derailleur is operated by a cable that is pulled or released by a shifter located on the handlebars.
Derailleurs come in various types and sizes, and each is designed to work with a specific number of gears. They are typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber, and they are susceptible to damage from crashes, dirt, and debris.
There are two main types of derailleurs: front and rear. The front derailleur moves the chain between the chainrings, and the rear derailleur moves the chain between the sprockets on the cassette.
Both Shimano and SRAM offer a range of derailleurs for different types of bikes and riding styles. The choice between the two brands often comes down to personal preference, as both offer high-quality and reliable components.
SRAM vs Shimano: What’s the Difference?
SRAM Derailleurs
SRAM is a relatively new player in the bike component market, having opened shop in 1987 in Chicago. However, they have quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative components.
One of the key differences between SRAM and Shimano is the shifting actuation ratio. SRAM uses a 2:1 actuation ratio, meaning that the derailleur moves twice as far for every unit of cable pulled. This results in a shorter throw and a crisper, more precise shift.
Another advantage of SRAM derailleurs is their X-Horizon technology, which keeps the derailleur cage parallel to the cassette at all times. This reduces chain slap and improves shifting performance, particularly on rough terrain.
SRAM derailleurs also tend to be lighter than Shimano derailleurs, which can be an advantage for weight-conscious riders.
Shimano Derailleurs
Shimano has been making bike components for over 100 years and is the dominant player in the market. Shimano’s shifting actuation works on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that the derailleur moves one unit for every unit of cable pulled.
This results in a longer throw and a slightly less precise shift than SRAM’s 2:1 ratio. One advantage of Shimano derailleurs is their Shadow Plus technology, which reduces chain slap and improves chain retention.
Shimano derailleurs also tend to be more durable than SRAM derailleurs, which can be an advantage for riders who put a lot of miles on their bikes.
In terms of price, Shimano derailleurs tend to be slightly cheaper than SRAM derailleurs, particularly at the lower end of the market. However, at the high end of the market, the price difference is less significant.
Overall, both SRAM and Shimano produce high-quality derailleurs that are suitable for a wide range of riding styles and conditions. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and riding style.
Which One is Better?
When it comes to choosing between SRAM and Shimano derailleurs, there is no clear winner. Both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on the rider’s personal preferences and needs.
Performance
SRAM and Shimano both offer high-quality derailleurs that are designed to perform well under a variety of conditions. However, there are some key differences between the two brands.
- SRAM derailleurs are known for their crisp and precise shifting, thanks to their “1:1 actuation” system. This means that the amount of cable pulled by the shifter is directly translated into the movement of the derailleur.
- Shimano derailleurs, on the other hand, use a “2:1 actuation” system, which means that the amount of cable pulled by the shifter is multiplied by two before it reaches the derailleur. This can make Shimano shifting feel a bit smoother and more gradual.
Ultimately, both systems work well, and the choice between them comes down to personal preference.
Price
When it comes to price, there is a bit more variation between SRAM and Shimano derailleurs.
- SRAM derailleurs tend to be a bit more expensive than Shimano derailleurs, especially at the high end of the market. For example, the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS derailleur retails for around $700, while the Shimano XTR M9100 derailleur retails for around $250.
- However, Shimano derailleurs can be more expensive if you need to replace other components in order to maintain compatibility. For example, if you want to upgrade to a Shimano 12-speed drivetrain, you’ll need to replace your freehub body in addition to your derailleur. This can add several hundred dollars to the cost of the upgrade.
Overall, both brands offer high-quality derailleurs at a range of price points, so the choice comes down to what you’re willing to spend.
Compatibility
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a derailleur is compatibility with the rest of your drivetrain.
- SRAM and Shimano use different cassette designs, so you’ll need to make sure that your derailleur is compatible with your cassette.
- SRAM and Shimano also use different shifter designs, so you’ll need to make sure that your derailleur is compatible with your shifter.
- Finally, SRAM and Shimano derailleurs are not always compatible with each other. While there are some exceptions (such as using a Shimano derailleur with SRAM shifters), it’s generally best to stick with derailleurs from the same brand as the rest of your drivetrain.
Overall, both SRAM and Shimano offer a wide range of derailleurs that are compatible with a variety of drivetrains, so you should be able to find a derailleur that works well with your bike.
Final Thoughts
After comparing SRAM and Shimano rear derailleurs, it’s clear that both brands offer high-quality bike components with advanced technology.
While Shimano dominates the original parts spec on road bikes and has been making bike components for over a century, SRAM has established itself as a major player in the industry since opening shop in 1987.
When it comes to compatibility, both brands have made strides to ensure their components work with each other. For example, 10- and 11-speed SRAM road components are inter-compatible, meaning you could run a 10-speed SRAM Red rear derailleur with a pair of SRAM 22 shifters.
One key difference between the two brands is the materials used in their rear derailleurs. SRAM Eagle rear derailleurs are constructed from a mix of carbon and alloy components, while Shimano Eagle is constructed from chrome-plated steel.
Ultimately, the choice between SRAM and Shimano rear derailleurs comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, but both offer reliable and advanced technology that can enhance any rider’s cycling experience.
