I'm replacing my rear derailleur (Shimano XT stock on an '08 bike). My bike is set up as 1x9 with a 34T chain ring and an 11-32 rear cassette. I currently have a long-cage DR and wonder whether there's any good reason to go with a short cage or medium cage. I would also appreciate a "bang for your buck" recommendation -- I'm looking for something durable with decent performance, and don't give a rat's ass about weight. The shifter will be replaced soon too, so please let me know whether it makes sense to do it all the same time.*

*Have you sensed yet that I don't know what the hell I'm doing?

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A bicycle is a splendid thing.
~Ernest Hemingway

If you're running 1x9 you can use a medium-cage, or maybe even a short-cage derailleur.
I really like the Shimano XT Shadow+ derailleurs. They are very smooth, and the clutch eliminates the need for a chain guide to control chain slap.
I just upgraded from SRAM X9 a few months ago and it was a great improvement.

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Go that way REALLY fast. If something gets in your way, turn.

Recently switched over to Shimano Zee short cage, I have yet to remove the chain guide. Derailleur only comes in 10 speed, so upgraded my cassette and shifter. I'd say best back for your buck if you looking to upgrade!

What did the whole shebang run you?

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A bicycle is a splendid thing.
~Ernest Hemingway

I like the clutch on the Shadow+ mechs, except when it breaks. I've had an XT mech for 6 months, and the cam unit (Shimano part Y5Y198120) that activates the clutch broke. It's an internal part, so it was just normal wear that broke it. Seems like some other people have had similar problems.

I second the Zee.
Been running it for
6 or 8 months now.
Never dropped a chain
and it shifts great.
I'm running 2x10.





Clyde

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I never would have thought that Harley would end up being my inspiration. (well..maybe a little).

avidtest


"it makes mountain biking fun again"

Ozzer

I'm running 3x9 and have an XT shadow in the rear (no clutch, from a 2010 bike) and prefer SRAM X7 or X9 of the same vintage. Can't comment on newer models. Both shimano and sram der's, mentioned above, shift great from high to low but I think SRAM out-performs shimano in the other direction. No matter what I've done (eg. der adjustments, cable tension, barrel adjustments, new cable/different lengths of cable), the shadow has a lag b/w making the shift to actually shifting from low to high. I've gotten used to it and no longer have a bike with SRAM so I don't notice it as much but every now and then when I really want to accelerate that pause is annoying.

Curious as to what others have experienced with regard to the difference b/w the current crop of the two S's. As to the OPs question on long/med/short cage der: you should be able to 'downsize' and reduce chain slap/suck/drop.

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It is not enough to fight for the West; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it's still here. -Edward Abbey

i'm running a 2x9 with a SRAM x9. I've never dropped a chain and I run no guides. but every thing is all worn out now. so its time for an upgrade.

I'm going with a 2x10 with xt shadow clutch thing and new shifters, already have a xt front.

depending on how I like it I might drop the little ring and go a race face narrow wide 36 to make a 1x10.

the cassette I'm thinking a 11-36.

now its about finding the funds

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I looked up my receipt... Looks like it was around $250 for shifter, cassette, and derailleur. Of course I offset that cost with the sale of my old parts! I went through Universal Cycles since it was free shipping and tax, plus VIP code.

For 1x9 with a 34T up front, I would stick with a med cage. Zee or X9 Type2 would work. I haven't used Shimano in a while, but I love my SRAM stuff.

+1 on the XT shadow plus. Picked mine up on chainlove.com for $65 + shipping. It's been really reliable and super quiet! I still see 'em on there once in a while if your not in a total rush.

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I want my Mtb!!!!

there is a formula for the number of gears you're using and the reach of the cage. i would think a 1x9 would be short. the longer the cage, the more play/slap, the shorter gives better shifting. or so i understand.

Total Capacity = (BigRing - SmallRing) + (BigCog - Small Cog)
example for triple chainring:
= (44T - 22T) + (34T - 11T)
= (22T) + (23T)
= 45T

Manufacturer stated derailleur capacities are as follows: Shimano long = 45T; medium = 33T SRAM long = 43T; medium = 37T; short = 30T


liked both shimo (xt) and sram (x9). maybe sram a bit better, tighter, less play/slap, but no complaints with either. not that i would know anyway. except the shimo had gear indicators. i grazed a tree and ate it glancing back at the rear cog w/ sram. not familiar with the new stuff tho. shimo may have addressed their play issue with their new line.

it's all good and a magnitude better than my old schwinn varsity.

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Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy. ~Milan Kundera

Use the shortest cage derailleur you can for your application. Shorter derailleur = more clearance, less chain slap, and less chance of the chain coming off over rough terrain. A short cage will work fine with your setup. I was running a short cage x9 with 11-36 in the back and a 34 up front and never had an issue. On this bike I am running a 11-34 and 32 up front also with a short cage. My derailleur of choice would be X9.

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Ride it until they CDFW it.

24v, your avatar is more mesmerizing than a lava lamp

thank you

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Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy. ~Milan Kundera

One more vote here for the Zee. I got that one because the clutch mechanism is metal, not plastic like the XT - seems a lot of people have had problems with the clutch failing on that model. I've had it on for 3-4mos, pretty happy so far - good shifting and quiet ride. Prices are pretty good and you can buy just the rear shifter rather than a set. Bluesky has been having a decent sale lately, you can probably get the whole setup for around $200 all in. Good prices on brakes right now too.