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Shimano vs SRAM T-Type…hype?

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Shimano vs SRAM T-Type…hype?

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flag campusbicycles
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Posted: Mar 10, 2024 at 5:52 Quote
I’ve been on Shimano XTR drivetrain/brakes and Fox suspension exclusively…I like what I like

I’m looking at updating a couple of bikes and the majority of bikes now come with SRAM T-Type

Is SRAM XO/XX T-Type drivetrains really ‘better’ than XTR?

What about brakes, I actually like the on/off feel of Shimano, are Level and Code really ‘better’?

I haven’t ridden any of the T-Type stuff yet. I tried running Eagle mechanical a few years ago and was NOT a fan, shifting just felt clunky. Derailleur developed slack very quickly.

Some Pro’s/Con’s that I’ve encountered myself and/or read during research:

- Shimano -
Pro’s
- Much lighter than T-Type. An XTR drivetrain/brakes with a OneUp dropper would be a full pound lighter than XX SL/Reverb. Factor in the heavy SRAM cranks vs RaceFace Next SL or R and you’re at another 200g weight difference…pretty significant
- No batteries to mess with or electronics issues
- Shifts great to me
- Brakes feel good
Con’s
- ‘Dated’
- Misting caliper pistons after some mileage

- SRAM T-Type
Pro’s
- ‘New and cool’ current tech
- Cleaner aesthetics(?)
- Shifts better(?)
- Brake modulation…which feels like ‘mush’ to me

Con’s
- HEAVY
- Possible battery and electronic issues

Pricing is not of a concern, I’m trying to go off of actual data and rider experience
flag johnovey
O+
Posted: Mar 10, 2024 at 10:37 Quote
Drive train wise, I have gone from XT to GX/XO T-type. Other than less effort to shift (electric vs cable), performance is pretty close. Cable systems shift a little faster. Both work well under load. T-type derailleur should never need adjustment & just seems to work without any limit screws or b-tension hassle. So far (only about 600kms) chain wear is better with t-type.
I know you said money is no object for you, but for those that it is, the Sram replacement parts (cassette, derailleur & chains) are much more expensive. If I could have found the bike I wanted with an XT drivetrain, I would have been happy with that.
Brakes wise, if you like Shimano, you probably won't like Sram. I tend to drag my brakes a bit, so the Sram work for me & I don't like a grabby brake in those oh-sh!t moments.
flag Bikesbecauserunningsucks
Posted: Mar 10, 2024 at 16:47 Quote
I would be playing the pick and choose game in your shoes. I’ve ridden all sorts of drivetrains and brakes in my time as a “mountain biker”.

As far as the drivetrain goes, intended use matters a ton. For racing, the XX SL group that I’m running has genuinely blown me away. It is actually perfect. Can’t get it to screw up under load. The people who’ve said they don’t like it dumbfound me. However, as the above gentleman mentioned, at more “regular” paces you can get the Shimano stuff to shift quicker.

On the brake side, I’ve had two pairs of Levels and two pairs of XTs. Stick with Shimano. Stopping distance (in a parking lot anyway) is maybe a bike length on the XTs from 15 mph.
You can expect double the stopping distance on Sram. It also sounds like you don’t care about modulation, so definitely Shimano.

Finally, I wouldn’t put a Reverb on. They’re nice, but I have a Transfer SL now and despite being two vastly posts, I haven’t missed my Reverb much.

Hopefully that helps.
flag tc777
O+
Posted: Mar 23, 2024 at 14:29 Quote
I went all XTR drivetrain. Really considered the SRAM XX SL. Money wasn't the deciding factor. At the end of the day, the simplicity and reliability of the mechanical system were the main drivers. Weight was also a minimal factor. I wouldn't call XTR dated either. Remember, you forget to charge a battery or carry a spare and you aren't shifting. I do like the SRAM derailleur mount though.

I went with SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 2 piston brakes and paired with SRAM CenterLine X rotors with the Ti-bolts (180mm front, 160mm rear). The main decision was weight and swayed by the progressive nature of SRAM according to user experiences here and on MTBR.

At first, the SRAM brakes were an adjustment to my riding. I initially thought the brakes were soft, however, I realized it was just my expectation coming from XT brakes on the other bike. Now, I love the SRAM brakes and the ability to modulate and feather the brakes so much more precisely.

The good news is, you can't go wrong with either system of drivetrain.

Oh, I love the OneUp dropper, V2 as V3 wasn't out yet. I'll order the updated rebuild kit to basically make mine a V3 minus. That may be a place for you to save a chunk of change as I see V2's on sale for nearly half of what a V3 costs. The updated seals are less than $20.
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