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)

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