SRAM T-type derailleur with XT crank

[samson99]

Hello all,

I am in a position to purchase a X0 T-type (the new one) AXS rear derailleur and shifter for a good price.

Currently I have Shimano XT 12 speed on my bike.

Now my questions: 

1. Could i use my XT crank and change just the chainring or do i need a whole need crank?

2. Could i use my current XT cassette? I know if I cannot, i would need to get a new freehub. If i can use the XT cassette, do i use a SRAM chain or a Shimano one?

Sorry for the seemingly silly questions. Just want to make sure what my total outlay will be (potentially).

[Prince Albert Cycles]

5 minutes ago, samson99 said:

Hello all,

I am in a position to purchase a X0 T-type (the new one) AXS rear derailleur and shifter for a good price.

Currently I have Shimano XT 12 speed on my bike.

Now my questions: 

1. Could i use my XT crank and change just the chainring or do i need a whole need crank?

2. Could i use my current XT cassette? I know if I cannot, i would need to get a new freehub. If i can use the XT cassette, do i use a SRAM chain or a Shimano one?

Sorry for the seemingly silly questions. Just want to make sure what my total outlay will be (potentially).

Keep your Shimano XT 12 speed

[Me rida my bicycle]

I'm running a xt cassette and chain with the last XX1 derailleur, works perfectly . 

Bigger question does your frame work with that derailleur? 

If you like fancy things I could see the point, I've just seen to many average Joe's  just having issues with electronic shifting, I've even past Niño while he had issues with it 🤣

I like to go ride when the mood strikes not when the battery is charged 😁

 

[Ruben101]

2 hours ago, samson99 said:

Hello all,

I am in a position to purchase a X0 T-type (the new one) AXS rear derailleur and shifter for a good price.

Currently I have Shimano XT 12 speed on my bike.

Now my questions: 

1. Could i use my XT crank and change just the chainring or do i need a whole need crank?

2. Could i use my current XT cassette? I know if I cannot, i would need to get a new freehub. If i can use the XT cassette, do i use a SRAM chain or a Shimano one?

Sorry for the seemingly silly questions. Just want to make sure what my total outlay will be (potentially).

To answer your questions

1. Yes, you can still use the shimano crank, but you will need to go with an aftermarket chainring like csixx, wolftooth or absolute black in order for the sram t type chain to work. Shimano 12 spd chainrings only work with shimano 12spd hg chains. 

2. If you are running the t type derailleur, you will need to fit the sram t type cassette with the xd freehub body

 

I am with @Prince Albert Cycles. Keep the XT. 

Edited April 17 by Ruben101

[samson99]

Thanks all. It seems my bike is not UDH compatible. 🤣so all my questions are useless. But thank you for all the answers. Sticking with shimano for now. 

[PappaWatTrap]

I have the XT setup and it really is set and forget accept for the odd cable replacement, but that’s just normal wear and tear. Stick with it, if it ain’t broken don’t fix it. 

[DieselnDust]

On 4/17/2025 at 4:25 PM, samson99 said:

Hello all,

I am in a position to purchase a X0 T-type (the new one) AXS rear derailleur and shifter for a good price.

Currently I have Shimano XT 12 speed on my bike.

Now my questions: 

1. Could i use my XT crank and change just the chainring or do i need a whole need crank?

2. Could i use my current XT cassette? I know if I cannot, i would need to get a new freehub. If i can use the XT cassette, do i use a SRAM chain or a Shimano one?

Sorry for the seemingly silly questions. Just want to make sure what my total outlay will be (potentially).

1. Yes but you will fit a Csixx, Lyne components or Wolftooth aftermarket chain ring as these are compatible with both the new Shimano and SRAM Flat top chains.

2. Yes you can but you will have to change the derailleurs pulley wheels also to aftermarket or the old SRAM Eagle pulley wheels. Then you can use the Shimano chain with the X01 T-Type derailleur and your Shimano XT 12 speed cassette.

If you opt to change the cassette you will have to change the freehub and you will have to use a SRAM Flat top chain because the rollers on these chains are slightly larger. You can use the old Eagle chains on the new T-Type cassettes but you cannot use the Flat top chaisn on the older Eagle 12s cassettes due to the roller size issue.

 

Hope this makes your decisions a little easier

Edited April 19 by DieselnDust