Which is better, Shimano vs SRAM Rear Derailleurs?
We have here a good graph that shows Shimano and SRAM rear derailleurs depending on the performance level.
This could be helpful if you want to buy a new bicycle and you want to have an idea regarding the overall quality of the rear derailleur.
In the past, pretty much all the very cheap bicycles came with a Shimano rear derailleur called “Shimano SIS”, also known as “flat face”.
This derailleur was far from perfect, has issues shifting but it can be considered a huge step from the no-name derailleurs.
Today in 2021, most of the entry-level bicycles come with Shimano Tourney, a btter version of the “Shimano SIS”, a bit more reliable.
The next level derailleurs are Shimano Acera or SRAM X3, both great derailleurs for basic mountain bikes with a price range of 200-350$ or even more.
Shimano vs SRAM Rear mid-range Derailleurs
Shimano Altus / Alivio and SRAM X-4 are the next step, we find them on bicycles in the range of 300-400/450$.
Leaving the entry level, we find the basic Shimano Deore, SRAM X5.
Great derailleurs, should work flawless.
Moving on, middle – high end, we find the rest of the derailleurs that come mostly on more expensive bicycles with a price of at least 600-700$ to 2.000$ – 3.000$.
Shimano XT, SLX+, SRAM X7, X9+.
The top end for Shimano is XTR which are very expensive.
In the past, a lot of bicycle brands like Specialized for example was using Deore LX on middle range bicycles like Specialized Rockhopper.
Today the Rockhopper comes with Shimano Tourney, so you can get the picture of how things evolved.
We can find XT or XTR on a lot of classic bicycles like Specialized Stumpjumper, some old GTs, Ritchey bicycles etc.
Today, a brand new bike with XTR components is very expensive.