SRAM X7 transmission

X7 IS THE cheapest way to get most of SRAM's latest 10-speed mech and shifter updates and it's a positive, secure set-up for fans of double or triple chainrings.

The 89$ Type 2 rear mech costs 22$ more than a standard X7 mech. That gets you a tension-increasing clutch spring to tame the chain on rough descents though. You also get SRAM's cunning Cage Lock latch, which takes the clutch out of the equation for easy wheel removal/insertion. The steel inner cage and linkages make it tougher than more expensive semi-composite SRAM mechs too.

The front mech works OK and comes in a full range of formats, and the PG-1050 cassette is reasonably robust and clean shifting. The PC-1050 chain comes with a handy PowerLink for easy joining too.

The twin-position shifter mount is compatible with all the usual SRAM MatchMaker combo mounts for fork, shock and dropper seatpost remotes. The metal thumb lever drives a solid downshift that helps overcome the extra clutch resistance too.

Unfortunately, the pivots and jockey wheels wear more quickly and overall shifting degrades significantly faster in filthy conditions than with Shimano's XT transmission kit, which is the closest match for X7 in terms of both weight and price.

WEIGHT 1,300g

FORMAT 2x10

PRICE 344$ (w/ Type 2 mech)

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

READ MORE >>

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

READ MORE >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

Anthony Messere’s Morpheus Vimana Slope

A flying chariot built with one thing in mind – slopestyle domination

READ MORE >>

All Arround MTB

Search This Blog