Yoln wrote: ↑Wed Oct 19, 2022 2:40 pm
asking because I'm debating between xx1 mechanical, vs axs, vs xtr. Obviously if mech routing is a pain, I might lean towards electronic, even though I'm generally a mech guy
I have X01 and XT 12 speed group. I haven't used AXS but some of my friend use it.
Recommendation: Do you have weak thumb?
If yes:
First choice is AXS.
Second choice is Shimano SLX shifter. SLX lost some features from XT and XTR but it require way less force to trigger the shift.
Third choice would be gripshift from Sram. I prefer trigger shifter over gripshift though.
If no:
Both Sram mech and Shimano (XT, XTR) will work.
Sram X01 and XX1 mech require less lever effort to shift than Shimano. And IMO, better ergonomic while riding in a normal trail position (grip at the bar end).
But Shimano can be shifted to a harder gear using index finger as well. This is handy for road/smooth section riding where you grip the bar narrow. It's easier to reach just the index finger over the bar to shift than to move the entire hand down so that the thumb can reach up shift lever.
XTR cassette won't last long. Worse than Dura-ace cassette, you have a lot of dust and dirt in the trail to wear the titanium and aluminum cogs down. Sram X01 and XX1 cassette have 11 cogs made of hardened steel, only one aluminum. It last comically longer than any Shimano cassette. On MTBR forum, it's not a rare sight to see 4 year old X01 cassette that still function like new after wearing out a lot of chain. X01 and XX1 cassette are pretty much the same thing just in different color. While X01 is cheaper, I think XX1 cassette looks so much more fancy.
If you go with Sram cassette, try to get 10-50 rather than 10-52.
The two are identical in 11 gears but only differ on the last cog.
On 10-50 it is 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 50.
On 10-52 it is 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42, 52.
That 42 to 52 jump on the 10-52 is so big that I don't like it. Shimano cassette (either 10-45 or 10-51) have better progression.