Can you Mix SRAM and Shimano?

Gordon Gravatt has two very important questions about the SRAM gears. He wants to know the ratios it can cover and his big question is will the rear derailleur work with a set of Shimano shifters. We tell him what we think

Question: what is the ratio for Sram deraileurs and will they work with existing shimano shifters ?

Hi Gordon,
First the answer to your easy question, the ratios of the SRAM rear gears. The Rival will only take up to a 27 tooth sprocket, the Force will go to a 28 tooth and the new Red will also handle up to a 28 tooth, so unless you are carrying a load of touring kit, that should be enough.

As to your question on compatibility the SRAM rear derailleur will work with a Shimano cassette and chain, but I would not chance using the mech with Shimano shifters, it might work, but then again it might not as the pull could be different, as yet I don’t know any one brave enough to have tried it. It’s never a good idea to mix equipment, especially shifters and rear gear mechanisms.

SRAM Shifter

So either stick with all SRAM or all Shimano shifters and mechanisms.

Come back to Bike Cycling Reviews as we will review the new SRAM Red gear set soon.

SRAM Mech