How to choose derailleurs?

pog0 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 9:48 am

I plan to run an entire XT component setup, but I don't really understand how to choose derailleurs. Read a few things online, but no clue.

The front derailleur I am just getting whatever came stock - top swing, dual pull. Dont know what that means, but whatever.

The rear - Conventional or Low Normal Return Spring Standard or Low SHADOW Profile
Medium or Long Cage?

Thanks in advance.

-Kevin

EMFC · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 9:51 am

F derailers go single speed.

619m5 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 9:54 am

are you getting this? http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/Customkit ... BK-XTAMKit

619m5 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 9:55 am

EMFC wrote:

F derailers go single speed.

wirk242 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:23 am

pog0 wrote:

I plan to run an entire XT component setup, but I don't really understand how to choose derailleurs. Read a few things online, but no clue.

The front derailleur I am just getting whatever came stock - top swing, dual pull. Dont know what that means, but whatever.

The rear - Conventional or Low Normal Return Spring Standard or Low SHADOW Profile
Medium or Long Cage?

Thanks in advance.

-Kevin

I would do the Shadow XT, if your planing on running a to ring setup get a med if you are going to use three rings get a long.

pog0 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:28 am

Peter,

I am piecing together all my parts. It is a bit cheaper since I really don't have money to spend.

Wirk,

I have a Shimano XT M760 crank right now, and I plan to run a 11-34 XT cassette. I will look into Shadow XT long cage.

Thanks for the info guys.

jonathan_sykes81 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 12:28 pm

Well, your choosing Shimano. That's a big mistake, unless you like to constantly adjust your rear derailleur. Just go X9 and never have to worry about it.

Red Hot Sloth · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 5:01 pm

If I couldn't run SRAM, Shimano XT would be my choice.
Heck, I still run an XT FD, I use XT cassettes and XT cranks. But for the RD and shifters, its SRAM no second guessing shifts, works like buttah, very rarely needs adjusting, decently priced.
Shimano XT was all I used to run FD Shifters, RD...the entire groupo. I liked it better than XTR for the "can handle it" factor. I considered it the workhorse of all the groupos. But now with how much it costs compared to performance it doesn't make sense to me. I've run SRAM RD and Shifters since '04 (same components) and haven't looked back. Even got Boo on the SRAM bus this year.
But...there is nothing wrong with XT, it really boils down to once again, personal preference.
Oh..and to answer your question...
most people prefer High Normal RD's, the low normal thing shimano did confuses a lot of riders and it takes a little getting used when coming from a traditional set-up.
The shadow rd is a lower profile or "tucked in" version, this should be an obvious no brainer, I mean, if you have the choice...go lower profile if they cost the same or close.

jonathan_sykes81 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:57 pm

Let me clarify that my distaste for Shimano only extends to their shifters and rear derailleurs. I use and recommend their cranks, chains, front derailleurs(kinda hard to mess that one up really), and even in light of my recent incident, pedals. SRAM just works, simple as that. Install it, adjust it, ride it...then ride some more....then maybe change the cables and housing every once in a while and that's it.

Edited to include chains. Although I only use the XTR model.

luna · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:03 pm

jonathan_sykes81 wrote:

Let me clarify that my distaste for Shimano only extends to their shifters and rear derailleurs. I use and recommend their cranks, front derailleurs(kinda hard to mess that one up really), and even in light of my recent incident, pedals.

You forgot Shimano chains rock too.

Red Hot Sloth · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:06 pm

luna wrote:

jonathan_sykes81 wrote:

Let me clarify that my distaste for Shimano only extends to their shifters and rear derailleurs. I use and recommend their cranks, front derailleurs(kinda hard to mess that one up really), and even in light of my recent incident, pedals.

You forgot Shimano chains rock too.

+1

pog0 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 10:56 pm

Well does SRAM make a push/pull shifter like the Shimano shifters? Can I mix up brands? Shimano FD, SRAM RD, Shimano shifters?

619m5 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:05 am

The only thing you can't mix is the RD & shifters. Same brand only. Go with SRAM - x7/x9/xO. Like what RHS said, it shifts like butter.

pog0 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:53 am

I dont like the feel of the thumb only shifting. I love the thumb/index finger shifting a LOT better. I am more comfortable with it. Unless SRAM makes a thumb/index finger shifter... I will be going with XT.

jonathan_sykes81 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:58 am

pog0 wrote:

I dont like the feel of the thumb only shifting. I love the thumb/index finger shifting a LOT better. I am more comfortable with it. Unless SRAM makes a thumb/index finger shifter... I will be going with XT.

That's fine. It leaves more SRAM out there for the rest of us.

How to choose derailleurs?

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