New rear mech/derailleur

XT Joined : 30 Oct 2006 Posts : 190

Guys I just had a miserable walk back to the car after my SRAM X7 rear mech sheared affraid

for no apparent reason (well except maybe a bash awhile back).

Anyway..... its the original component and just about the only thing I haven't replaced yet.

I am thinking about a replacement in the £30 to £40 ish bracket. Two questions.....

1. Under the 'Derailleurs - MTB Rear' section of Chainreaction they have long/short/medium cages. Which is best? I am guessing a short cage would be better to avoid bashing it on rocks but I am sure it's not as simple as that.

2. Shimano Hone Rear Mech M600 looks like a contender. Is there any compatibility/mounting issues? I am running XT kit eveywhere else except the shifters.

Cheers.

XT Joined : 27 Oct 2006 Posts : 194 Bike : Scott FX

Graig,
I'm sure I read some where that SRAM & Shimano use a different ratio (1:1 & 2:1) so you can't use SRAM shifters and Shimano derailleur. Check it out!

Subject: Re: New rear mech/derailleur Sun Nov 05, 2006 3:23 pm

I think the long short etc cage size relates to the maximum sie ratios you want to use.

Think short & medium is used for double chainsets or triples with smaller cassettes and long cage are for triples with large (mtb) cassettes.

XT Joined : 30 Oct 2006 Posts : 190

Cheers guys.

Quite right my SRAM X7 shifters aren't compatible with Shimano except for the front mech. There are only 2 SRAM mechs compatible with Shimano but none of the X range. The other thing is the Shimano Hone Rear Mech M600 does 'simply' fit onto the rear axle IF you have the full Hone rear hub assembly.

Still haven't found a definative answer to the cage size although it definately seems related to cassette/chain ring ratio.

I am keeping my shifters as I have been very happy with their performance. Just deciding on silver or matt black 2007 SRAM X7 long cage rear mech then !

Subject: Re: New rear mech/derailleur Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:27 pm

Tin Tin is right SRAM shifters pull more cable than shimano ones so you have to get an SRAM rear mech

Subject: Re: New rear mech/derailleur Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:27 pm

Hi Craig,

Jase is right - the long / short cage relates to the cassette range and number of chainrings. It dictates the amount of slack your derailer can take up. Unless you have a road cassette (and / or only one or two chain rings) on your mountain bike, go for the long cage.

A short one will probably work for most gear ranges, but you might find yourself doing a panic big-big shift one day, and tearing off your rear mech.

Long is the way to go!

Hope this helps,
Tom Smile

P.s Standard disclaimer applies - I'm not a mechanic, and reserve the right to talk out of my....

XT Joined : 30 Oct 2006 Posts : 190

Cheers guys Very Happy