Ask Pinkbike: Hybrid Drivetrains, Wheel Weight Limits and Custom Jerseys

Jul 17, 2015 at 12:16
by Pinkbike Staff  
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Here at Pinkbike we get inundated with all kinds of questions, ranging from the basic "Can I have stickers" to more in-depth, soul searching types of queries like if you should pop the question or what to name your first child. Ask Pinkbike is an occasional column where we'll be hand picking and answering questions that have been keeping readers up at night, although we'll likely steer clear of those last two and keep it more tech oriented.




SRAM and Shimano Hybrid Drivetrain

Question: Pinkbike user Timo82 asked this question in the Mechanic's Lounge forum: Can I use a Shimano XT M8000 rear derailleur and shifter with a 10 - 42 SRAM 11-speed cassette? And if that's okay, what chain do I have to use? Will it work as good as a complete SRAM or Shimano drivetrain?

bigquotesAs you'd expect, both SRAM and Shimano would likely say that combining any drivetrain parts that haven't been designed in conjunction with each other is going to result in a voiding of your warranty and less than optimal performance. And while that might sound like them just toeing the company line, there is some truth to that. I've used both companies' drivetrains with aftermarket cogs and have found that shifting performance isn't quite as good as it is with a completely stock setup - it's 97% there, but never just right. A Shimano derailleur and shifter combined with a SRAM 11-speed cassette is very much the same. I've used that exact setup for a few months and shifting was pretty damn good (after all, it is the same number of cogs stuffed into the same space) but I could never get it bang-on perfect. Then again, it still shifted better than what I see from most of my riding buddies' bikes, and it was good enough for me to use without hesitation. As for a chain, any 11-speed chain is going to work just fine. - Mike Levy

XTR and SRAM 11speed

A SRAM and Shimano hybrid drivetrain works well, but not perfect.



Wheel Weight Limits

Question: Pinkbike user Marcencinitas asked this question in the Mechanic's Lounge Forum: I'm buying a Salsa Spearfish RS-1 that comes stock with Stan's Crest rims. I'm 6'5" 220 lbs, ride aggressively, and at my weight I'm 30 lbs over Stan's 190lb published weight limit. Should I even bother riding those rims or should I have the wheels rebuilt with stronger rims right off the bat? I'll be riding the bike on trails like the San Juan Trail and Noble Canyon as well as more mellow trails that combine dirt roads, paved roads, and random trails. Thanks in advance for your feedback.


bigquotesAlthough you could probably get away with running the Crest rims for a while, all it takes is one taco'd wheel in the middle of nowhere to make you wish you'd heeded the manufacturer's recommendation. For that reason, I'd say go with your gut instinct and put something a little more stout on your new ride. I'm also inclined to think that the RS-1 fork might end up being a little flexy for your liking as well. Elite XC racers, the riders who that fork was designed for, typically aren't built like linebackers, and don't exert nearly the amount of force when cornering that you will. Even though you'll incur a slight weight penalty, something like RockShox Pike or a Fox 34 may end up being more suitable options, offering more stiffness to better handle the paces you'll be putting it through. I'd also highly recommend taking a test ride if you haven't already - you may end up opting for something with a little burlier build that's better suited to your dimensions and riding style. - Mike Kazimer

Salsa Spearfish
The Salsa Spearfish is a good looking XC bike, but its light wheels and RockShox RS-1 inverted fork may not be the best match for a larger, more aggressive rider.


Custom Jerseys


Question: Pinkbike user yzhellnot asked this question in the DownhillForum: Looking for a good place to get custom printed DH/MX/Enduro style jerseys, very small runs like 1-10 jerseys. Any recommendations?


bigquotesA quick Google search for 'cycle jerseys' throws out a load of results but most of these seem to be biased towards XC or road riding kit, and many of these companies only offer screen printing. There's a reputable company based in Scotland called thecyclejersey.com who do a customized service offering quality, mountain bike cut jerseys with fully sublimated designs, which means the design is printed in to the fabric of the jersey rather than on to it. Minimum orders on custom jerseys are fifteen, unfortunately a little more than you require. But with prices starting around $50 USD (approx.) they could cost you less than a branded off-the-shelf jersey. For validation, thecyclejersey already supply teams like URS, DeLoitte, Kona UK, Mojo, and Royal Mail as well as their own downhill racing team. - Paul Aston

the Cycle Jersey

The Cycle Jersey offer a sublimated jerseys, any shape size or colour you might want for your mountain biking needs.




Have some unresolved tech questions? Jump in the Pinkbike Forum and we'll look to answer it for next time.

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84 Comments
  • 114 4
 Big Fella
Bro, that spearfish is a $7k bike and you will probably destroy most of the expensive components on it within the first season. Get yourself a nice hardtail for xc riding and a sweet am whip with that $7k and you'll be loving life.
  • 85 3
 What he said. Id get a Capra and a Tues and then spend any left over on haribo
  • 10 0
 They don't recommend forks over 100mm on the Spearfish either.
  • 22 0
 I have never read so much truth in one comment. @WestwardHo
  • 8 0
 I'm a bigger rider also, 6'2 230. I've spent a time on a crest sets and I would not recommend them. If they survive they will be VERY very flexy.
  • 12 1
 Or just spend $7 on a bike with gear that works. There's no need to spend that kind of cash and have to make everything big guy-capable. You'll need Stan's Flows at least, or better yet switch to carbon, which can be done reasonably cheaply if you go with Derbys. Even for XC use you'll need at least a Pike. Geometry notwithstanding, for a guy your size what's called a trail bike is really an XC bike. What's called an AM bike is really a trail bike.
  • 6 1
 So much truth. Even if the bike holds together (a lot of the top shelf stuff is pretty durable!) all that flex and wiggle sucks the fun out of it. You're 30% bigger than a typical cyclist, don't hesitate to get a bike that 10% heavier.
  • 2 0
 the crests are great for being lightweight, and they work for me. At 140lbs though I can easily tell they have limits. I would not want to be riding them if I weighed 220
  • 18 26
flag aserta22 (Jul 21, 2015 at 19:23) (Below Threshold)
 A Pike ??? Get a Lefty and you're set to go. This guy as stiff as the everest and nearly as light as a full carbon rigid fork !
  • 20 6
 Not worth the looks penalty.
  • 16 6
 Lefty's have never failed me and I'm 2'3 225lbs. Just saying. ^
  • 2 0
 second the crest sentiment. I'm 175 with gear and my previous set of crests were just flexy as all hell. Never again.
  • 10 1
 Looks are personal ! I think a Lefty looks great.. And the guy next door may think it's an add for same-sex marriage but I don't give a damn about what he thinks !
  • 9 1
 2'3? What size stem and crank length you running? Just curious cuz im 2' 2 1/2.
  • 6 5
 When it comes to lightweight 29" rims I rode only Arch EX and they were already too flexy for my 190lbs. Flex, combined with narrow width, toilet paper sidewalls and Xc low cockpit will stop you from any progressing as all sorts of technical features will feel super sketchy, you'll be grabbing brakes all the time due to tyre wobbling and folding right and left. Cornering will feel like crap. That aside of the fact that you will wreck them sooner than later or at least spend time truing them often. 29" + higher rider weight + XC weight demands = carbon rim
  • 3 0
 There is a lot of good info that the original person asking should heed. As a 230 pound rider, who is very gentle on components I have ridden a lot of lightweight components. Even though I have rarely broken things, the piece of mind from the stronger components is well worth it. As one person said above, when you get over 200 pounds, you really need to think of trail stuff as xc, all mountain as trail and enduro as all mountain. The 3 or so extra pounds are well worth the stiffness and confidence.
  • 3 1
 Two wonderful typos above this: Just spend $7 on a bike and a 2'3" rider running a Lefty. Thank you for adding some laughs to the end of my night Smile On topic though, I'm a big guy and good advice from the other clyde's comments above, proportional build weight to body weight. Be OK with slightly heavier, possibly stronger components/build as the extra body mass and potential energy can deem the extra weight negligible. I am by no means a physicist but mass is a large variable in physics equations. Support that extra mass without replacing 1/3 to a 1/2 of the $7k bike you just bought.
  • 2 1
 SRAM shifty bits, Shimano brakes, Primal wear jerseys. The patriotic shark one. 'Murica.
  • 2 0
 WTB KOM i25 will make the rest of that bike the weak link.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. I'm 6'5 210lbs and I am smashing through components like crazy. Wish I had gone with stronger more reliable parts vs the lighter more expensive options.
  • 1 0
 At 150# it took me about 6 rides to destroy my rear crest rim beyond usable and that's just on xc trails. Put on an arch and it's much more solid, but at your weight you should be on flows and a much stouter fork.
  • 2 0
 Get a fat bike and just float big guy.
  • 2 2
 Don't listen anybody up here who claim that you should not spend $7K on a bike. They're just jealous 'cause they ain't got the cash. You go and spend your money in whatever you like... bend some rims and buy another ones after that. Enjoy!!!

Beer
Sergio MC
(BTW... I actually envy you for being about to buy a $7K bike... very much) tup
  • 57 0
 I read on the internet you can put a SRAM shifter on a Di2 derailleur. Can you do that for me?
  • 9 0
 yes
  • 22 0
 Dang, where'd you learn that, Hogwarts or Durmstrang?
  • 10 0
 From Harry himself
  • 6 1
 letmegooglethatforyou.com
  • 2 0
 school of rock duh
  • 4 0
 You forgot to say; can you do it now? It only takes 5mins.
  • 12 0
 One tacoed front wheel and a seperated AC joint was all it took for me to ditch the light wheels. DT swiss FR600 for me...
  • 5 0
 Anyone have any experience running an 11-42 XT cassette with XX1 shifter and derailleur? Should work the same I think/hope. Would save a chunk of change over an X01 and only a 10% drop in range from the top end, which I could live with.
  • 5 0
 Helped build up a bike for a mate who wanted xx1 and specific wheels. The XD driver wasn't available so we slapped an xtr 11sp cassette on and shifts perfect, no troubles at all. I'd imagine XT 11sp would be the same.
  • 4 1
 Good to hear. Thanks for that
  • 3 0
 Good to hear that! I'm going X1 with a XT 11-42 cassette, once those become available (with a RaceFace NW chainring).
  • 2 1
 I thought about doing this exact same set up, running sram x01 shifter and derailleur with a shimano 11 speed cassette. The good thing is you wouldn't need the XD driver which will save you a whole lot of extra cash. The only downfall is shimano didn't have an 11 speed cassette out on the market when I built my bikes up Frown at the time if they did I would have been all over that because who really needs the 10th tooth cog and would it be that noticeable compared to an 11 tooth!
  • 2 0
 It's almost exactly as noticeable as comparing 36t to 40t !
  • 3 0
 It might be noticeable, but in real life use (I'm running 1x10 currently), I haven't needed more than 32x11. If I'm fast enough to need a higher gear, I'm usually more worried about handling the bike than pedalling. :-D
  • 2 0
 @decom. Yah sometimes on the road ride heading to the trailhead I've spun out the top end gears on the SRAM 11 speed group but its not that often it's happened. I've been babying my 11 spd SRAM cassette changing out the chain when it gets to 0.5 on the Park tool and so far have 88 days on the cassette without visually appreciable wear but its nice to know that the so much more cost-effective XT cassettes are an option. Big plus to have options
  • 2 0
 @leelau I considered going full Sram, but taking into account how much more their 11sp cassettes cost, and the fact that I'd need to purchase a new rear hub and the respective xD driver, I didn't have to think too hard… :-)
  • 2 0
 Update (if anyone is still paying attention): Been running Sram 1x drivetrain ( X1 shifter, chain and rear mech, XX1 crankset) with XT 11-42 cassette, it works like a charm!
  • 6 0
 If you are in the US, check out Voler for the jerseys, but again they have a minimum of 15.
www.voler.com/browse/product/li/EnduroJersey-LongSleeve?store=0
  • 2 0
 Worth having a look at Blackmore cycling, a mate runs the company (as part of a fabric printing) and has make custom jerseys for our club/forum. Fit was better than some other high end bike jerseys that i've got
  • 1 0
 @mattvanders
Did the same, printed 20 jerseys with a custom logo and own designs. Fit was like a tailored shirt and all in all it cost 12 Euro pro Jersey. I have to say, they look catchy during a race Smile scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/10704081_653839204724439_7043057940126506695_n.jpg?oh=36a5304edc506ecdce662cf7d798df0c&oe=5657A5D1
  • 1 0
 If you're UK based Stak Clothing did ours sand did a good job too! We got 10 and they came in at £30 a Jersey inc postage. He also has an online Jersey builder which is ideal...
  • 8 1
 royal mail has a cycling team??
  • 30 0
 Pat and the boys have gotta wear something when they are banging out laps at Llangollen
  • 6 0
 What's Jess gonna wear? Black and white again?
  • 1 2
 The comment of the week
  • 3 0
 I have used Canari and Mt. Borah for making custom jerseys. I did a run of 6 with Mt. Borah and it was a good price too. They had the most options for me and do everything from tri to full sleeve downhill. They did take a while to make but the quality is pretty solid borahteamwear.com/full-custom/cycling/jerseys
  • 5 0
 If you want to have a custom made jersey just contact V12 radgear at facebook or logon to their website for samples Also check localcrag
  • 2 0
 Right! V12 Radgear can do custom Jersey for a reasonable price. Jerseys cost at around $40-60 depending on quantity. See sample jerseys below.. you can Pm me for inquiries.. Smile

http://www.pinkbike.com/u/akosidave/album/V12-Radgear-Custom-Jerseys/

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/12482729/
  • 2 0
 +1 for V12 Radgear! Smile
  • 5 2
 Buying a SRAM cassette you still need to buy the XD driver. The XT 8000 will have 11-40 and 11-42 options. Plus don't have to shell out for the driver and Shimano cassettes shift better
  • 2 0
 I ride an xt dérailleur and a sram 11 speed 42 tooth cassette. I run a Shimano chain and I've done tones of mileage and I've had nothing put perfect performance. The set up was recommended by a respected mechanic from a reputable chain of shops. At the time a Shimano 42 cassette was not an option. Downside it was a bit more expensive set up due to the necessity of a sram freehub.
  • 5 0
 Can I put a 8.5 sized shock onto a bike that usually runs a 9.5?
  • 2 1
 I believe yes, it would just alter geometry. Issues come about from people trying to fit longer shocks in their bikes as the frame isn't designed for that much movement so issues come about with clearance and linkages hitting the frame
  • 5 2
 I miss huck to flat era when people were buying some shitty 5" frames, installing 8" Dh fork and mounting longer shock, thinking they were converting them into DH bikes. BBs were getting 2ft high
  • 4 2
 no. your tire will hit the seat tube. Or put a 24" wheel.
  • 1 0
 Again Wakidesigns nails it. I'm not that big or burly but flexy rims are the pits. I'm upgrading from some oem DT swiss and onoff wheels sets to Hope evo hubs with ZTR Flow rims (26) because it feels like the rugs being pulled out from every ride, super flexy, super sketchy and no fun at all.
  • 6 6
 hey timo82, i was wondering the exact same thing. i prefer shimano shifters over sram for the same reason a lot of people do-better ergonomics, and the option to push/pull and push/push, and downshift multiple gears. even if shift quality is "only" 97%, it's still gonna be better than push/push only.
  • 4 1
 SRAM 9 speed shifter and 10 speed Zee derailleur is the ghetto hybrid setup that works like a charm. highly recommended.
  • 1 0
 In fact, it works better than Shímano 10sp + Shimano 10sp and at least as good as Sram 9sp + Sram 9sp. I'm also running 10sp Sram chain to provide 100% effect of N-W chainring.
  • 1 0
 the chains are good, maybe because a good part of them are not produced in china but in europe here in portugal
  • 2 0
 People you need to contact Kazoom Clothing. They are fast and totally cost effective. There turn around time is ridiculous and there cool people to talk to as well!
  • 2 0
 I'm currently running a Zee shifter, 11-36 XT cassette, and an X7 Sram derailleur. works great.
  • 2 0
 Our team is rocking Canari for enduro/DH racing. Overall they are amazing and affordable.
  • 2 0
 KENETICMTB does full sublimated, custom jerseys and they do not have any minimums.
  • 1 0
 The Cycle Jersey will do one-offs for a little bit extra to cover the cost of the design etc - drop them an email.
  • 5 5
 The RS-1 Is crazy stiff. I doubt a fox 34 would be any stiffer. Plus It wouldn't be nearly as smooth those things are awesome.
  • 34 0
 No way dude this is PinkBike so you AT LEAST need a Pike for XC!!
  • 28 3
 If Rs-1 is crazy stiff according to your standards, then I am sorry for your lady
  • 2 0
 Pfft are you nuts at least run fox 40's for xc
  • 3 0
 The RS-1 is stiff.... for an XC fork. The 34 is a trail/AM fork. It's both heavier and stiffer than the RS-1, because it's designed to handle chunkier terrain.
  • 3 2
 RS-1 offers better ride quality, at least for 90% of buyers in that segment, because it is damn flexy it tracks better and offers more grip on off camber... people riding those are not really a kind that you'd expect to roll the tyre off due to immense G-out in a berm... anywaysmy morning wood is halfway from Boxxer to 40
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns so 37,5 mm? or 37,5+ mm is more like it with todays standards
  • 1 0
 FJC clothing is another company that's worth a look if you want custom jerseys
  • 1 0
 Canvas MX for custom jerseys. Best custom gear out there
  • 1 0
 Custom jersey? You gotta check out KENETiCmtb.com
  • 2 3
 Shimano 11s mech with a SRAM 11s cassette may not be 100% perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better than using a SRAM mech
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