SRAM Upgrade 2012 X9 Trigger Shifters
SRAM"s new ball bearing equipped X9 shifter (SRAM)
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Yesterday SRAM announced their X9 shifters, both 9- and 10-speed, will come equipped with XX and X0’s ball bearing pivot design, which is used in the main cable-pull lever.
The new X9 models will be available in January 2012, and the design change pertains to both front and rear shifters in all of X9’s current colors and speeds—2x10, 3x10 and 3x9.
The ball bearings replace the bushing previously used, which SRAM says, results in better lever feel, higher precise shifting, and better overall performance. The previous bushing design will be discontinued in all X9 shifters.
Bearings replace bushings in the 2012 X9 shifters
We’ve reviewed previous versions of SRAM’s X9 trigger shifters and come away with favorable opinions of them. In fact, a few BikeRadar staffers use the older model X9 triggers on their personal bikes for both cross-country and downhill.
We’ve found durability of the bushing equipped version to be good, therefore, we’re looking to the positive effect the bearing will have on the feel and action of the shift lever. “The average person [rider] couldn"t tell the difference in feeling between the three,” said Tyler Morland, SRAM’s MTB PR manager. “The new one just gains the crisp, positive shift that everyone knows from the XO and XX families, minus the finite adjustments. With this being said, X9 takes a step towards XO and mounts the podium for lack of a better term.”
Despite the upgrade SRAM will keep the price of the shifters the same, asking US$125 for the 10-speed set.