Battle of the Drivetrains! Which One is the Best?

[@juanhidalgo7043]

Good video! I have both shimano XTR and SRAM AXS and now the new SRAM T-Type. You are right both are excellent. I will also add that it is unfortunate for some that they can not get the electronic versions due to price. However, I also had the SRAM mechanical and it works awesome. I do also agree the shimano is quick when shifting. But the bottom line both are great choices. Don’t get hang up on the electronic vs mechanical. Get what you can afford and get out there and ride your bike!

[@jensonusabicycles]

Wow, a level-headed response for once... we like it!

[@trickyrickymtb5622]

Shimano clutch = strong & quiet. Sram clutch = weak and slappy. Sram has better cassettes, but otherwise Shimano is the best system.... IMO ;)

[@cristhianalonsobatistacast1114]

Weird, I have xt shimano and xx1, and I've found shimano clutch to be way slappier, even to the point to drop chain

[@cristhianalonsobatistacast1114]

Different bikes tho, full sus and shimano and xx1 hardtail

[@matthewkuhl79]

i like SRAM cassettes, too, but i ride full Shimano

[@ethant.guadalquiver5073]

Adjust the clutch​@@cristhianalonsobatistacast1114

[@lamaralvarez7385]

Favorite drivetrains from years of riding experience.1)Shimano XTR 11 speed M9000,2)XT M8000,3)10 speed Shimano Tiagra which is trickled down Dura Ace.Mechanical shifting has came a long way over the years and they only get better.

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

TRP tr12 with a Shimano xt 10-45 cassette and a kmc chain and sram 34t chainring. That's how I like it, incompatibility makes for a sweet sweet experience 😂

[@GokkunGuru]

Nice touch on the oil slick titanium bolts from Better Bolts on the cockpit lever/matchmaker remotes.

[@Stockfish1511]

I have Sram GX AXS groupset on my Trek rail 9.8 and Shimano XT groupset on my Trek Slash 9.8. Its not even close Shimano wrecks. The hyperglide + system makes the shifting so much smoother and better. Sram feels very rough, snappy and loud. Sure its not bad, like its not like you are buying crap. Its still decent, but it can not even be mentioned in the same league as Shimano XT. I have not tried T type variants yet, heard they are smoother. But for now Shimano XT all day for me.

[@jamesturner9858]

One of the biggest things that no one ever mentions which Is very important in terms of mountain biking.. Is the ability to shift under load. This is a game changer that most reviewers miss. There are pros and cons to both. But wher SRAM has the electronic shifting options better than shimano.. but shimano started with the ability to shift underload that now the transmission T-types have the ability

[@johndef5075]

My bikes that had Sram have all been upgraded to Shimano. And the mineral oil vs. caustic brake fluid.

[@gergo.biro.79]

Hi, What about chain retention for DH or Enduro use? Which system is better? Thanks!

[@Perfod]

You Can also get The DI2 in shimano XT

[@SethKendallD]

I was a full-on SRAM fan for so many years, but the new Hyperglide + is so freaking good! Full XT on all my bikes now, well... that was true until just this last week. Now, I'm testing out my ShRAMano GXT AXS frankenbike. So far, I'm mostly loving it. Seems like I'm getting a lot of the best of both worlds but there are some things I miss like the adjustable clutch of my XT rear derailleur.

[@rafaelparedes1937]

I think you are the only person that really spoke about my main concern "speed" and "functionality ". I can deal with a little bit of weight, but the speed... I need the shifting to be soft and fast and I just don't see it with sram. I think the conversation is almost always around weight, but almost never about functionality. I have tried NX and GX after using deore (at the bottom of the list speaking about shimano) for so long and shimano always comes up on top when it comes to speed. For me as I am going up or down, I need the shifting to happen fast as I move my thumb. With the nx and gx i feel the levers are hard to press at the shifter and slow to move at the cassette, half a second after I press... That really sucks because I am looking at a $5000 enduro carbon frame bike but they only offer the GX stuff and I am so disappointed.... all of these bikes are going with sram... thank you for confirming what I always see but no one talks about...

[@robbklobb6501]

"Shimano - heavier and cheaper. SRAM - lighter and more expensive." What a thorough review! Just so detailed!

[@braveheart0317]

Im still on microshift and im happy with it.

[@spick1923]

I want a 12spd XT cassette with similar ratios as the Campy EKAR, but 12spd not 13spd and starting with the 11 cog: 11/12/13/14/15/17/19/22/26/32/34/38/44 Running an XT 46/30 Crank which presently only exists with incompatible 11spd GRX or 3rd party like Praxis or Easton. I want range and cadence, and can't see a legitimate reason why I'm forced to choose. I don't need or want drop bars at all, and am tired of having to change my entire drive system depending on the type of event I want to take part in aka Gravel/XC/all road. Perfect cadence for going fast on the flats. Ideal gearing for gnarly hills. Not interested in 1X, I'm into ultra distance stuff, tour divide, Atlas, biking man and XC highlands 550 style and prefer keeping the front derailleur. The only reason I can see this kind of setup isn't available except on Ekar's 1X 13spd. Is because the entire drive train industry has a very cynical idea of what will make them the most money out of the present 'gravel trend' When 12spd GRX comes out it's going to be designed to suit drop bars whilst the MTB market is obsessed with 1X. As every MTB rider knows: Gravel bikes will never be a 'do it all bike' because drop bars and lack of Front suspension will never inspire confidence for the real gnarly rough stuff and much of the single track trails. but when I hit those road and gravel sections: I'm on the aero's and want the cadence control. I make do with the way overpriced XTR 38/28 cranks with the XT 10-45T cassette. the bike industry has yet to catch up with my neediness... 19" - 116"/5 to 31mph @ 90 rpm. Smooth at the top, fast at the bottom, but not pedal down hills fast. Shimano please make this!

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

I run both xt and axs x01. You nailed it when you said the shimano is smoother it is that tick better when it comes to that but they both have tradeoffs. As far as the battery issue just to clarify they have long run times and short charge times. So as long as you either keep them on the bike or don't forget them your good to go.

[@gdemorest7942]

I have six mountain "type" bikes, 4 are 3x8(26ers) Shimano Deore, one is 1x10 Shimano SLX (29er) and 1 is 1x12 (36er, 9-52 cassette with 26 tooth chainring) AXS X01 SRAM. SRAM is the ultimate but $$$$$$$$$ ouch! You nailed it. Shimano is the pack horse and more economical. SRAM has that tech edge. Shimano is so cheap and reliable at 3x8 that I'm having difficulty going to 1x8 or 1x9 in either Box or Microshift. At 3x8 (11-36) cassettes are sooooo cheap.... I kinda need the cadence factors as I do not own a car. I run my economical 3x8s mainly in winter and on summer ride into dubious neighbourhoods.

[@dindzbartolabaciii8738]

good video and easy to understand

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Both very good. I'm currently running sram eagle GX on my 2 newest bikes. As good as XT . I love the affordability and it works very well. Might eventually pull the trigger on their wireless GX system.

[@Dbz4life26]

But which one is better in the top of the line for sram “axs xx1” “axs xg1” or “ axs gx”

[@irfanrahmat8406]

microshift adventX 10 speed is 1 of the best too. it shifts smooth and fast like shimano but with the mechanical feel of sram. lightweighted and robust. biggest 48t cogs is probably enuff if match with 30t or 32t chainring. definitely value for money. but too bad it doesn't have the compatability of sram's matchmaker or shimano's i-spec to clean up the cockpit area.

[@GokkunGuru]

I'm very happy with my SRAM Eagle XX1 AXS drivetrain on my carbon racer and also just as happy with my SRAM X01 Eagle mechanical drivetrain on my hardcore trail bike.

[@HectorLopez-j4b]

You had me at Leica!❤

[@StanEby1]

Box Components introduced Gen 2 Prime 9 Drivetrain at Sea Otter Classic this last month.

[@GokkunGuru]

This Dana White is growing on me.

[@rodriguezmathieu57]

very interesting video. thanks!

[@jullianhuisken7779]

Who last longer?

[@martinangelomooney1010]

Shimano for me. I have a deore and my brother has nx on his bike but even he likes my deore. Smooth and light to shift. We both dislike the platic feel of sram and pedaling is harder on sram because its press fit.

[@GokkunGuru]

SRAM's X-Dome makes install/removal of the cassette so simple. The cassettes are super light and there's zero moving parts.

[@justinbucholz8888]

Cranks and bb, they are part of the drivetrain too. Broken cranks are the reason I stopped running shimano. The little splines on shimano cranksets have stripped out and busted my balls twice. Sram ever since on all 7 of my families bikes and we have not had a broken drive train component with sram.

[@tenchiso1181]

Was an avid Shimano fan when I started out Triathlons back in 2014, but when my Shimano Ultegra Di2 Group Set broke on my Cervelo P5-Six in 2017, I tried the SRAM Red eTap Group Set that was on sale at my local bike shop and I’ve never gone back! Love the SRAM’s shifting on my bikes, and now I use the 12 Speed SRAM AXS on my current Race Bike, the Argon 18 E-119 Tri Disc+ SuperBike. Love my SRAM AXS!

[@StanEby1]

I like Box Components. I believe they have 11 speed options.

[@64x83]

🤓

[@kendogz161]

I was a big Sram fan but I don’t like the direction that they are going. Nothing against electric but it like that’s there only option if you want their higher end stuff.

[@MrTrazz09]

The best is the one you own and loving it...

[@jensonusabicycles]

I dig it.

[@jasonsheridan6222]

Shimano hyper glide + cannot be undersold, shifting SO much better than SRAM, especially at the lower end (Deore/SX/NX). Also hub comparability with all 12 speed Shimano drivetrains is huge, whereas NX/SX use the old HG freehub and GX/XX1/XO1 all use the XD driver.

[@jensonusabicycles]

Hyperglide is a game changer, but we definitely can see SRAM coming out swinging to improve their shifting soon! Thanks for the comment!

[@jasonsheridan6222]

@@jensonusabicycles I certainly hope SRAM punches back with better shifting. Back and forth improvements between Shimano and SRAM benefits the end users with cheaper/better performance.

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

First Sram Groupo on my 2021 Orbea Alma 12 speed and it will be the last!

[@jensonusabicycles]

Bummer to hear! To each their own. Thanks for the comment!

[@shannonpriestley3833]

Shimano Deore for me.

[@HLDefender]

Trail riding demands reliability. SRAM is light and durable. For racing - XTR

[@mgoo1713]

Flashy and cool=Sram. Works & shifts=Shimano

[@JohnBrennan-j3m]

Should've been a politician

[@JamesLG4]

I prefer SRAM drivetrains for three reasons. 1. Ergonomics of the XO1 shifter is better than that of the XT/XTR. Index finger is for braking so maybe thats the reason I prefer SRAM. 2. SRAM chains are more durable and corrosion resistant than Shimano, IME. 3. Availability, I had to walk the bike 7 miles back to the truck last time my XT chain broke because I can’t find spare Shimano master links anywhere. Also luckily I snagged a spare XT chain when I had the opportunity because now I can’t find one.

[@jensonusabicycles]

All of those are good points and you make a good case for why you've gone the direction that you have! Either way, we don't think you can go wrong with either company... they're all making incredible stuff for us consumers.

[@64x83]

Sram links work on Shimano chains too

[@sccxvelo]

Sram force 2x10 with gx rear derailleur on my rim brake CX/ general use outdoor bike. Sram 2x10 rival/apex on the old road & trainer bike. Not sure the xd driver freehub as it just another specific standard instead the more universal hg freehub with easy to find cogs for, or battery locking snaps issues, so no more new sram parts. For a new disc bike split between grx di2 or mechanical 810 in 2x builds.

[@jensonusabicycles]

Nice to hear from a roadie/gravel rider! Luckily I haven't had any issues with the tabs snapping on my AXS batteries, but I have heard of third party batteries having this issue. I do have a couple of third party SRAM batteries, but haven't experienced it myself and hope I never do. Thanks for the comment!

[@sd5458]

Appreciate the video, but your script and delivery needs a bit of work. You trail off a lot at the end of your phrasing and "run out" your thoughts. Be precise. A little more effort in the delivery and script departments, the visual is fine, a bit over produced if anything. You dint need side angles just because everyone else is doing it. Again though I appreciate the video, channel has much room for growth and is on the right path.

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

The bigger question is, is it pronounced SRAM or shram? Lol

[@TheNationalTrails]

embarrassing... unless the two companies merge.

[@tamarashook3858]

SRAM!!!!!

[@matthew_4589]

Shimano cranks suck but for the rest of the drivetrain shimano is the way to go

[@blazacrew]

Sram AXS. For simplicity and reliability

[@polingification]

fast shifting...SRAM XX1 gripshifter

[@snowthugs]

Why does SRAM call their shifters Trigger. Never at the range have I fired my 9mm with my thumbs 👍

[@BlackyBrownDestruction9337]

SRAM makes the best twist shifters

[@jensonusabicycles]

We respect this comment! Thanks for dropping us a line!

[@lp4342]

Shimano percusión a con ??

[@Fra93TheGrande]

Shimano XTR 😍 💦 🔝

[@jayswavely6371]

Shimano

[@GokkunGuru]

What about all those Archer fan boys that think it's a "wireless" system? lol

[@danielvelasquez7708]

Never ridden 12 speed Shimano or Sram Eagle always ridden Box Components Prime 9, if I were to consider to pick one Sram GX eagle would be my choice, and the only issue will have to change to different wheels probably I9 1/1 wheels.

[@jensonusabicycles]

I'm not the host, but the guy behind the camera and that is my SC Megatower V2 being modeled in the video. I went GX all across, but added an XX1 chain... zero complaints with my setup! Great cost and decently long lasting so it's not a bad choice. If you're talking hub compatibility on your current wheels, you might want to check out just replacing your freehub so you can convert over to an XD driver, otherwise you can't go wrong with anything I9. Loving my I9 Hydras!

[@leeretaschen231]

Painfully obvious at this “comparison” is being done by a company that sells both and is trying desperately not to say anything disparaging about either.

[@GokkunGuru]

Box is pretty shitty. I'd take microShift over that.

[@DNDinitials]

SRAM all the way. shifters are way better for me compared to Shimano.

[@spotdBS]

I'm a Shimano user and that's because all the bikes I've bought came with Shimano. I stay with Shimano because all my bikes have Shimano and I can switch parts around when upgrading (in most cases). Upgraded from an XT Gr Set to an XTR Gr set to check off my bucket list. BTW, the rear derailleur lockout is to keep the chain firm in place on bumps.

[@jensonusabicycles]

I hear you! It's always a gamble spending so much money to convert to another company, not knowing whether or not you'll actually like your new setup. I don't think I've ever heard anyone complain about anything XTR so you're sitting pretty. Thanks for the comment!

[@amosgreene4686]

Nx is terrible

[@boxinggloves87]

iPhone is one of kind rubbish.. not the best example 😂

[@joko-kc3wc]

Stick to a script, or at least rehearse a little.

[@lederppz6202]

I bet $10 he won’t survive the next attempt at the word “ derailer”

[@chadmax4087]

SRAM Gang 4 life!

[@jensonusabicycles]

Does HR know you're gang affiliated, Chad?

[@skellener]

🤦‍♂️

[@silver_c1oud]

I Hate Sram I Hate Electronics on my MTB that makes me Hate Sram even more. overrated unreliable drivetrain

[@roppyroppert133]

its called SHITmano not Shimano... im using SRAM X01 Eagle,not once ive been let down with it,SHITmano XT on the other hand...old,flimsy and weak,Clutch is useless

[@jeroenberger9064]

It’s personal

[@sggr7708]

this ALL BS - SRAM IS A REAL REVOLUTION ! NO MORE F ,, SCREWS ! SIMPLE LIKE AN IPHONE ! ALL THE OTHERS ARE RUBBISH !