Zirkel and SRAM XX Compatibility

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Zirkel and SRAM XX Compatibility

6 posts from 4 voices

Started 2 years ago by wyo_runner
Latest reply from wyo_runner

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wyo_runner
Member

I've heard some bikes just can't run a SRAM XX front derailleurs (talked to LBS mechanic), and wondered if that is the case with the Zirkel. My drivetrain is full SRAM XX. During the build the dealer could not get a full range of shifting in the lower chainring, without chain/cage contact on the lower gears. (The contact is at the bottom part of the cage, not on the sides). I'm wondering if anyone else had this problem, or if you think the front derailleur should be able to clear the chain. I noticed a high clamp has a different cage than the low clamp when looking at photos, but haven't looked into whether that would work. Bottom line, I can shift down into the lower chain ring, but anything below the top 4-5 gears results in the chain resting on the cage....i.e. I currently only have SRAM XV (15 gears), and really want the full 20.

Stats (all 2011):
18" Zirkel
SRAM XX front, low clamp
Chainring 42/28 Combo
Q - 166

Do I need to try a different front derailleur (XTR 2x10?), or should this be a non issue? I wrote to info@moots.com but have yet to receive a response. Thanks for any assistance.

Posted 2 years ago #
JonC
Administrator

wyo_runner,
The Zirkel was designed and built around a 3 x 9 drive system. At that time there were no 2 x 10 systems on the market, so you will get the rub on the cage as you go down the cassette. You would also get this rub if you ran 3 x 9 and stayed in the 22 inner ring and tried to run the chain way down on the cassette at the same time. Going with the high clamp will make no difference in the rub, as the bottom part of the cage is in the same spot.

So, you can run the 2 x 10 system, there are just some ring/cassette combinations that will rub.

I hope this helps you out.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jon@Moots

Posted 2 years ago #
wyo_runner
Member

Jon,

Thanks, that does answer most of my question. Should I assume that trying an XTR 2x10 front derailleur would be a waste too? This would classify as a very expensive mistake if there is no work around. If there is anything you or anyone else knows that would work, I'd like to try something to get more range out of the drivetrain, short of bottoming out the shock. At this point I'm tempted to grind down the outer (top) face of the cage a few millimeters to see if that will give me more wiggle room.

May I recommend putting a little * on the Zirkel specs webpage saying the bike is not fully compatible with 2x10? It might save someone else from this costly mistake. In the meantime I'll be sure to let SRAM know they need a front derailleur with a more vertical thrown line/angle.

Posted 2 years ago #
laeljon
Member

Rohloff on my Zirkel 38t chainring with 16t cog. Very happy with results....no problems...

Posted 2 years ago #
teamfubar
Member

wyo_runner,

Have you thought about trying a 3x10 front derailleur? It should have a bit longer cage, so you could adjust it down a bit more, then just set the limit screws to the 2 rings. Mabye your local shop would have one you could try out (before buying) which could help them out with future builds too.

Posted 2 years ago #
wyo_runner
Member

Thanks teamfubar, I'll give the 3x10 front derailleur a try and see. Might be a bit before I get to it, but I'll let everyone know how it works out...or if I find something else.

Posted 2 years ago #

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