What is the difference between the shimano deore derailleurs and shifters and the SRAM?

Will SRAM X-7 shifters work with a Shimano XTR derailleur?

• I heard SRAM derailleurs snap in half all the time, but will an XTR work with SRAM X7 derailleur? Thanks

• Answer:

  I'll answer your question, but first I'd like to address the Sram derailleur issue. I've run a Sram X.0 rear derailleur for the last 6 years with no issues at all. I even had it pulled into my spokes, completely thrashing 8 spokes and almost bending my hanger off and the derailleur was still serviceable (I can't say it was fine, as it was kinda tore up as well.) But, to answer your question, no, you cannot run X.7 shifters with XTR or any other Shimano derailleur or vice versa. Why? Sram uses a 1:1 actuation ratio, or for every 1mm the rear derailleur moves, the shifter pulls 1mm of cable. Shimano uses a 2:1 ratio. Sram does make shifter that work with Shimano though, called the "Attack Trigger" shifters.