I've never had issues with SRAM clutches nor have I had issues with Shimano clutches so I can't comment on that. However, as nsmb had an excellent article on Shimano clutch maintenance, I would agree that's a win for Shimano.
Regardless, in my experience I still prefer SRAM derailleurs for their durability and that they just work with virtually no maintenance. Shimano on the other hand requires more maintenance and is just more finicky to external factors such as dirt, mud, impacts, etc. I'm still bitter on my XT shifter multi-release tiny spring breaking and rendering the 1 year old shifter useless as no parts exists nor can you take it apart without damaging it. Again, all of this in my experience.
Just wanted to point out how great it is to have parts that are serviceable for home mechanics. Don't want to start a SRAM vs Shimano debate as I know there's plenty of people who have the opposite experience to mine.
March 27, 2025, 11:36 a.m. - kamloops_rider
I've never had issues with SRAM clutches nor have I had issues with Shimano clutches so I can't comment on that. However, as nsmb had an excellent article on Shimano clutch maintenance, I would agree that's a win for Shimano. Regardless, in my experience I still prefer SRAM derailleurs for their durability and that they just work with virtually no maintenance. Shimano on the other hand requires more maintenance and is just more finicky to external factors such as dirt, mud, impacts, etc. I'm still bitter on my XT shifter multi-release tiny spring breaking and rendering the 1 year old shifter useless as no parts exists nor can you take it apart without damaging it. Again, all of this in my experience. Just wanted to point out how great it is to have parts that are serviceable for home mechanics. Don't want to start a SRAM vs Shimano debate as I know there's plenty of people who have the opposite experience to mine.