Talking about shifters and front & rear deraileurs, price aside, what would you rather have on your cross bike - SRAM Rival or Shimano Dura-Ace 9-spd (7700) and why? Also, re: these components, are there any appreciable differences between Rival & Force? Weight-wise, Force only saves about 44g over Rival, but what about performance wise? Does Force shift much more effectively/efficiently/crisply than Rival? I'm sure some of you have experienced both and can compare & contrast (again, only talkin' shifters and deraileurs here). I'm sure some of you run Force shifters and deraileurs on your cross bikes (instead of Rival), but if you had to pay out of your own pocket, why did you go this route?

When comparing Rival to DA9, the nod goes to Rival for weight savings, considering it's about 92g less than DA9. Again though, does DA9 shift more effectively/efficiently/crisply than Rival? I had DA9 on my previous road bike and thought the shifters were pretty nice (definitely more 'positive' shifting than Ultegra9), but I have no experience w/Rival (or Force).

Bottom line - I'm currently running Ultegra 9 shifters and deraileurs on my cross bike but have purchased the same, used, DA9 equipment. I was planning on installing it at the end of the season, but now a friend has offered to sell his barely used SRAM Rival shifters and deraileurs for about the same price as I recently paid for the DA9, SO I'm considering going that route and selling the DA9 stuff. I know I'll like the RELIABILITY of the shifters better than the STI's, but I'm not sure about anything else, so I'm looking for some knowledgable help here. Experiences, thoughts, comments?

Yes, I know I'd be 'taking the 10-spd' plunge w/SRAM, but I'm already running DA10 on my road bike. Yes, I know many prefer 9-spd (over 10) for cross since there is more space between cogs, which can (maybe) be beneficial when the going gets tough (mud, snow, etc.) since there maybe less likelihood of clogging, etc.

Oh, and let's assume (for now) this would all be in the context of running 38/46 front and 12/25 or 27 in the rear (if it matters).

Thanks,

iF it were me...
If it were me in your position I would probably make the leap to rival. I have had short rides with Sram, Force I think and I thought it worked very nice, the next step down should be really good also. If your road bike is already 10speed (shimano I suppose) you could easily use the road wheels for the pits if needed. Also you could probably make a bit of your $ back by selling the 9sp dura ace stuff.
I usually race SS but my geared cross bike runs dura ace 9speed but it's my only geared bike and I have 3 wheelsets for it with 9speed cassettes for it-road,backup and cross. The 9speed works well enough for me and I don't find a reason to make the expensive switch to 10speed, but if I had a 10speed road bike I would be more likely to change over.
I haven't ridden both force and rival, but from what I hear they both perform pretty well with the main difference being a little bit of weight(mostly the shifters, and cranks)

I've ben running Rival on my cross bike for a year, and it's been a work horse. The Rival has an edge in durability, and Force has a slight edge in weight and the bling factor of carbon. I would argue that performance is the same, but I don't have a lot of time using Force to know for sure. My one and only complaint with Sram is the lack of trim or "half shift" in the front derailleur. There are rare occasions when the chain rubs, but it's probably user error anyway. I'd say Rival would be a solid upgrade for you.

I think Campy works just fine, Shimano, just fine, and Sram just fine. All the arguements between the groups are hair splitting. They all work. The nice thing about Shimano and Sram is they use the same spacing, where Campy is different. In the absolute worse conditions all will have trouble, but a case could be made for friction barcons in those conditions. I had heard some issues with Sram and sand when it first came out. Anyone have any followup on the sand pit problems with Sram?

Rival and Force are mechanically identical. They only differ in materials used. I got a killer deal on Force stuff, so that's what I run. I've worked on STI 9-speed, SRAM, and a few Campy setups. STI is easy to adjust when clean, but can get gunked up easily. I don't care for Campy. The SRAM can be a bit finicky to initially adjust but then works very crisply.

I like my Force, and it has performed well for me in Portland's slop. It feels plastic-ey and not nearly as solid as DA. I also prefer the grabability of Shimano's hoods over the little stubs on the SRAM. I went for weight savings and bling, but the next bike gets Shimano.
It is splitting hairs, and it's all a matter of personal preference.

My advice isn't great as I have only ridden a bike with Force once...

But I would go with DA simply due to the fact that it's 9spd. Not because I think 9 speed is so magically more durable than 10, but all the Shimano mountain stuff is 9 speed. I really like the option of running a mountain rear derailleur to get a wide range cassette on there. Not that this is always somehting I want, but it's a nice option to have. Let's be honest here; they are all top notch components, and unless you really need to shave a few grams they're all pretty light. DA gives you the most flexibility in your setup.

Given that your road set-up is Shimano, you might best stick with it. Learning to shift Sram takes a bit of mileage--the switch back and forth is possible, but you'll probably find yourself dropping to a harder gear at times when you forget to make the full "double tap" into the easier gear. So what you really want is Sram on both...

Yes, I know I'd be 'taking the 10-spd' plunge w/SRAM, but I'm already running DA10 on my road bike.

I'd say just get some ultegra 10 speed shifters and chain and be done with it. Your derailleurs will work, you won't have to learn a new type of shifter movement and you can use your road wheels and cassettes. Plus the shimano shifter shape is better (ATMO) for grippin' in the mud. 10 speed spacing is tried and true in bad conditions at this point, so I'd say that's not really a concern.

Those 9-speed shifters are the least durable of the shimano shift lever offerings.I'd choose 8speed over them.

The SRAM stuff is fine, but if you already have Shimano 10 on your road bike you might as well stick with that.

I have used Sram this fall and it is ok, but I agree that they are harder to hang on to in the mud, i.e, Portland yesterday and today. You have to rotate them much higher up on the drops (a la Todd Wells recent photos out there). I also feel you get more leverage w/ Shimano when you are going up to a larger cog. The little shift lever of the Sram is harder to get leverage when it's bumpy and muddy and you have to twist your hand on the hood to get your chain to move up. No worries on the down shifts. Piece of cake, just like Shimano. Only upshifts does it bother me. (up=larger cog. maybe that's improper use of the term. whatever.)

I also am only running a single ring. If I had to use that Sram lever to get my chain up on the big ring, I would not be happy.

I'm going back to Shimano next year.

As far as durability goes, I have had NO issues whatsoever w/ the Sram. I actually bought it thinking it was cool that I could take it apart and overhaul it. It is a pain to get the new cables routed through the shift lever when changing them out. Major pain for me as well as my local shop. Each time, I've had to remove the bar tape adn housing just so I can fiddle around in there. It takes a very severe turn w/ a lot of initial friction.

My Rival stuff has been great for 2 cross seasons. I am only using the rear shifter though. Run a single ring up front but still have the Sram shifter during brake duties

Really what it comes down to is this: what type of conditions do you ride in?

Everybody talks about how it takes more to hang on in the mud...CO has only had 3 "bad" weather races this year...over 25 races on the calendar....and that has never been an issue for me.

I washed out in a muddy corner last weekend and drove mud into shifters and they worked great for the rest of the race. Hosed them out and they are still working great after this weekends races. Durability is not an issue.

It is always best to go with what you have and then replace when it breaks...plus getting shimano parts when travelling to races is going to be easier than some others...

Good luck