so what groupsets do you avoid on your builds?

[jonnyboy666]

we all know the stuff we like to use, i think we have as a forum quite similar choices. we seem to aim for xt/xtr

specifically i see alot of:-

m900 xtr
xtr m950/2 etc
deore dx
deore xt 7speed m735
deore xt 8speed m737/9

these are the main groupsets i build with aswel, frankly it's not just the snobbery of building with higher end shimano components, i use these particular groups because i think they are more aesthetically pleasing than others.

for example i don't like the black lx groups, i absolutely hate the bluey silver lx group (the first 9 speed one i think) the limited edition gold/black was mostly awful aswel. i don't like stx (although i don't mind stx-rc), there is nothing wrong with the function of these groupsets, i just think they look a bit pants!

and don't get me started on altus/alivio etc i know it's perfectly good entry level functional stuff but it's mostly butt ugly!!

so, what do you like and what do you hate?!

discuss!

 

[Raging_Bulls]

and don't get me started on altus/alivio etc i know it's perfectly good entry level functional stuff but it's mostly butt ugly!!

Dunno, I quite like the look of my Altus A10 set. I actually prefer the Altus to the M730 kit on my other bike.

 

[makster]

Anything with more than 18 gears!

 

[GT-Steve]

Suntour.

Sram

Tried them, personally didn't really like them. XC pro Thumbies were nice, but the rest was a bit 'clonky' in operation.

Interesting at Mayhem how we noticed the same names failing at the hecking corner. Most of the retro stuff survived without failures..

 

[dbmtb]

Pre-Record-OR Campag with the chunky brake levers and lego shifters are pretty much the only place I won't go.

 

[feetabix]

My first bike had dx kit, I gradually went xt then xtr.....I know i was the shimano marketing mans dream, but it just worked better than the rest, campy kit had Italian flare, and suntour was an alternative but it just didn't and still doesn't flick my bean!.....m730 xt is where I'm at when it comes to kitting out a retro steed I'm afraid!....

 

[ferrus]

I'm gonna sound like a right snob here, but apart from cassettes I don't run Shimano or Suntour on any of my bikes. It's not a catagoric/principle thing (hence the cassettes) but I just find it boring.
As long as the components work adequately, all I'm bothered about is interesting looks and build quality, and durability/repairability; I don't want to be binning something 'cause the bearings have worn out.
All the bikes run Campag, Mavic, Sachs or CNCd boutique stuff (some of which isn't very durable, admittedly)

 

[sylus]

I don't hate it I just think it's overated and far too exspensive even if I did have the cash....xtr

I am for xt on most builds...the cheaper builds I quite like the black lx depending on the colour scheme..tried suntour..can take it or leave it...never tried campag

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Can't agree with you at all on the black LX...

...seeing as how I'm using it on my latest build

I think it all depends on what you are trying to achieve; My next bike is going to be predominantly red and black, so LX was the obvious choice.

I don't hold with the 'lesser' group sets 'not working' either because, quite frankly, one seasons XT was another's DX was another's LX which became STX as developement progressed...

...as I have seen others admit on here before; so that' b*ll*cks too!

The 'only' benefit of product development was a slight reduction in weight, which is better pursued in wheel, tyre and tube choice IMO ( and saddle/pedals of course... ).

 

[tintin40]

we all know the stuff we like to use, i think we have as a forum quite similar choices. we seem to aim for xt/xtr

Not on my bikes. XC Pro/Suntour/SRAM.

Shimano only if no other option on offer