SRAM – The acronym stuck like a knife in Shimano’s side. Of course these days, knives come in many flavours; most notably the X-7, X-9 and deadly-ninja-stealth X-0. In the past we’ve checked out the X-7 and X-9, so to complete the lineup I’m reviewing SRAM’s X-0 setup including the new ‘06 trigger shifter.

I must admit, I am a bit biased these days. Since my first SRAM setup I’ve become a SRAM man. The pastures are green and I’ve become a fat cow. Despite this fact I am determined to put prejudices aside and review this items properly (pinky swear).

Features:

Typically, I’m not one to jump on marketing-hype driven bandwagons. Today is no exception. SRAM have done a great job pushing their new ’06 line up and their sales I’m sure will confirm this in due course. When I first heard of SRAM bringing out an X-0 trigger shifter, I envisaged an X-9 with some carbon bits strapped to it. On first glance I could argue I wasn’t wrong. However, on closer inspection I started to notice some subtle differences. The up-shift lever is adjustable and now made of a strong alloy, you can un-mount the entire shifter body without having to remove you grips and/or brake lever, and you have more mounting versatility.

Bling.

So right out of the box things look pretty good. You don’t just get an X-9 with some funky carbon bits, you get extra adjustability and in turn extra bragging rights over the plebs (if you’re into that sort of thing).

 
X0/9/7 Derailleurs Comparison Chart | XO Trigger Features

The comparison chart above gives you a pretty good idea of the differences between the three different X-series derailleurs. The main differences being the weights and types of materials used in construction. You may also note that there is roughly 30 grams in weight difference between each derailleur. The X0 is around 30 grams lighter than the X9 (med cage), and 60 grams lighter than the X7. Shimano's Saint derailleur starts at 362 grams for the short cage version and goes up to 399 grams for the long cage version, almost twice the weight of the X0 and 100 grams heavier than the X7!

Installation:

Installation is really just the same as any of the other X-series setup. The only real difference is you can put the X-0 shifter clamp on without the shifter body. This to me is actually one of the biggest advantages of the new system. Pros and dedicated racers will find this saves important seconds when making emergency repairs. No longer do you have to remove your bar cap, lock jaw grips and in most cases brake lever. No longer do you have to re-align your lever when its all been put back on. Another positive is a solution to another old problem. Short shifter cables won’t allow you to get the shifter off without unbolting the bars from the stem. Again more time is saved when you don’t have to re-align your bars to within 0.01mm of what feels perfect (if you’re as anal as me).

'06 X0 Derailleur

So you’ve got your clamp on, now you’ve got to decide which mounting position you want. Inside or outside the brake lever, the left or right clamp mounting position. Sounds like too many options, but the extra adjustability is actually a very nice thing.

I never actually thought anyone would really make use of the extra adjustability of the up-shift lever. I asked Graves (Jared) if he had changed his and was actually surprised to hear that he had. He gave me a quick spiel of the advantages and I could quickly see what SRAM where thinking when they went ahead with it.

*For interest’s sake, Graves has his set at -10 degrees (towards the bar).

Riding:

First thing I noticed when riding with the new shifter was that it is the most solid feeling X-series shifter to date, and so it should be. There is no hint of play or flex. The alloy up-shift lever has a reasonable impact on the feel of the system. Downhillers will appreciate the ability to rotate the up-shift lever closer to the bar so you don’t have to reach back with your thumb as much for up-shifts. It may not seem like a selling point to most, but all these little things do make a difference.

60deg of up and down bubble goodness

After two months of solid testing I can report that shifting is as smooth and precise as the day of installation (with a few minor adjustments to account for cable stretch).

I must admit the biggest concern with an X0 setup is easily fear of the rear derailler being ripped off. It's not that the X0 derailleur is weaker than either the X7 or X9; it's actually stronger. It's the fact that you have a $400+ item stuck to the rear end of your bike constantly being threatened by deep benches/rocks/shrubberies etc. Everything is out to get your poor little X0! Once you get past the paranoid stage it's smooth sailing (well at least I assume it is, I haven't quite made it there yet).

Conclusion:

Should everyone go out and buy an X-0 setup? No. In most cases there is no need to. Most people will find the much less expensive X-7 and X-9 series setups just as good as X-0. You’ll get the same precise and reliable shifting across the whole range.

I don’t think SRAM expect their X-0 series to go mainstream at any point. X-O is there because it’s got features galore, it’s pushing the limits and creating new boundaries. It’s there for Pros and a few cashed up riders to have, and for the rest of us to drool over. Why else would you put carbon on everything? It’s there to be ridiculously good.

I’m glad SRAM have their X-0 range and development program. Like the latest VPP technology it’s keeping the sport alive with innovation and excitement. How boring would it be if we hit a point where the industry decided that what we have is good enough. We’d be stuck with 4 inch single crown forks and canti brakes if that were the case.

Overall I can pretty much sum up the review with one sentence. SRAM X-0 is the best shifter/derailleur combination available today. If you've got money to burn and must have the best then go for it, for the rest of us an X-7 or X-9 setup will suffice.