I am trying to figure out how to resolve the crappy shifting experience of my current bile, which is a frankenbuild for sure. At the moment all of the components play nice with each other (for the most part).
The issue: From time to time the shifting seems to work pretty good, but inevitably it gets out of adjustment and I'm stuck with the chunk a chunk a chunk. Using the barrel adjuster I can usually find the right spot (for that specific gear) to get rid of the noise, but it doesn't seem to stay for very long.
The goal: I am reluctant to spend the full monty on a complete groupset, replacing everything - it's just not worth the investment. I am hopeful there is a way to resolve the issue using an upgraded shifter / derailleur combination.
Some thoughts: I believe the Rival shifters are of an older version, and though they seem to shift fine for the most part, they don't feel anywhere near as crisp as I've felt on bikes I have recently test rode. I also have a basically brand new cassette and chain, and would prefer to keep things at 10-speed if it's possible to improve the shifting using some of the components I already have.
I was thinking that it might be possible to score some take-off Shimano 105 shifters and a Shimano GRX 400 10-speed derailleur to replace the SRAM components. Can't go full GRX due to wanting to keep my TRP mechanical disc brakes and GRX only does hydro brakes.
According to this chart (https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/com?acid=C-454&cid=C-453) it looks like the only suitable configuration would be to purchase a Shimano Tiagra 4700 shifters and the Shimano GRX-400 rear derailleur. Can anyone confirm this would be correct?
I have used a Rival 10 shifter and X9 rear derailleur combination before. While the shifts were acceptable it seemed like the clutch on the rear derailleur produced added chain tension that the shifters didn't like. I currently use those shifters with a medium cage Rival rear. It handles a 36T XT rear cassette with no issues. Same setup with X9 without clutch also worked perfectly. I too would suggest fresh clean cables and housing and also careful b-screw adjustment.
I had a complete re-cable done about a month ago (when I purchased the bike) so I don't suspect this as the pain point. As for choosing the GX RD, I wanted something with a clutch since I ride this bike as a gravel bike and wanted to avoid the chainslap.
Would upgrading the shifters to a newer/better model help resolve the potential issue with the clutch?
Does anyone think replacing the Sram components with a Tiagra/GRX combo will help resolve the issue? Looks like that would cost me approx. $200 or so...
I moved to SRAM from Shimano 105 because I dislike how vague and eventually sloppy-feeling Shimano shifting was. I've always been happier with SRAM rear shifting, so going to Tiagra sounds like a downgrade to me. I haven't personally used mechanical SRAM with a clutch RD, but that is the setup in my 9yo son's CX bike and he has reported no issues shifting (it feels like it works cleanly to me). He is using a Rival 1 medium cage RD, though, so not exactly the same. On his new bike he has Force 1 (11sp) hydro with a (10sp) GX RD which also feels like it works well in the stand, but he hasn't ridden it much yet, so I can't comment on viability of the GX. But on paper it seems like it should work fine.
Personally, I'd check the hanger and cables/housing and if those don't fix it, then swap out for a med cage Rival RD as suggested above since with 2x you probably don't need the clutch and it sounds like shifting might improve without it.
Volsung wrote:Replacing sram with shimano is always a good idea if you cant afford Campy.
I’m a big fan of Campy but I like SRAM and will not ride a mechanical road/gravel group by Shimano, I can’t stand the soft sloppy feel of the shifters.
Tbh I only have like 3 miles on Sram road and my anti sram animosity comes from how many brake issues they've had over the years, on my bikes and other peoples.
Campy hoods are more comfortable for me than Ultegra.
pushstart wrote: I haven't personally used mechanical SRAM with a clutch RD, but that is the setup in my 9yo son's CX bike and he has reported no issues shifting (it feels like it works cleanly to me). He is using a Rival 1 medium cage RD, though, so not exactly the same. On his new bike he has Force 1 (11sp) hydro with a (10sp) GX RD
I had 2x10 Roval shifters with clutch mtb rear derailleur and 11-36 cassette on my previous bike, Worked fine. The cable routing on mtb rear derailleurs doesn’t line up with a lot of road frames, so I sometimes have to route the housing around, zip tied to the seat stay, to get a nice wide arc.
given the mix of parts, which I do all the time, I would look hard at the cassette/chain combo with the levers, as SRAM shifters have different throw than the spacing on the cassette, and generally you can get by with the derailleurs being mix/matches, but the cassette needs to be generally of the same make as the shifters. To that end, it just seems my experience also, the chain should generally be the same as well. I have gotten by with some KMC chains but generally keep the rest together when possible
dscoduc wrote:I am trying to figure out how to resolve the crappy shifting experience of my current bile, which is a frankenbuild for sure. At the moment all of the components play nice with each other (for the most part).
The issue: From time to time the shifting seems to work pretty good, but inevitably it gets out of adjustment and I'm stuck with the chunk a chunk a chunk. Using the barrel adjuster I can usually find the right spot (for that specific gear) to get rid of the noise, but it doesn't seem to stay for very long.
The goal: I am reluctant to spend the full monty on a complete groupset, replacing everything - it's just not worth the investment. I am hopeful there is a way to resolve the issue using an upgraded shifter / derailleur combination.
Some thoughts: I believe the Rival shifters are of an older version, and though they seem to shift fine for the most part, they don't feel anywhere near as crisp as I've felt on bikes I have recently test rode. I also have a basically brand new cassette and chain, and would prefer to keep things at 10-speed if it's possible to improve the shifting using some of the components I already have.
I was thinking that it might be possible to score some take-off Shimano 105 shifters and a Shimano GRX 400 10-speed derailleur to replace the SRAM components. Can't go full GRX due to wanting to keep my TRP mechanical disc brakes and GRX only does hydro brakes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Have you checked that your cables aren't in need of replacement?
Have a mechanic check the rear hanger alignment with a proper alignment tool.
Make sure that the B-tension screw is adjusted properly. If the top jockey wheel is too fdar away from the sprockets it can result in vague shifting.
Finally, if all that fails to sort it, you may need to look at fresh levers. Apex is still 10 speed.
