SRAM has already got its factories doing double shifts just to crank out enough of its new 2007 components in time for launch at the tail end of the year. Our box of 2007 X-9 arrived in the office and, essentially, it's a non-carbon version of the top of the line 2006 SRAM X-0 system.
The machined away rear mech and shifters are ringers for the 06 X-0 models, all that's missing are the shards of carbon which made X-0 the pimping 'must have' gears in 06, replaced on the 07 X-9 by a cheaper but smart looking dark grey plastic composite. There's absolutely no difference in performance between the 06 X-0, which we've been running on several bikes for some time, and the new 07 X-9. Even the switch from carbon to composite has made next to no weight difference.
Great news for anyone who liked the multiple adjustment options of the X-0 trigger shifters. You can play about with the shifter ergonomics of the new X-9 in the same way, and we still rate the shift action of these units as the best in the industry.
