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Replacing rear derailleur?
I'm not really happy with the performance of the shifting (not accurate and a bit slow) on my bike and I am wondering where to start. I imagine the components on it are not crash hot and I was thinking of replacing my rear derailleur with something a bit better. The current derailleur is a shimano deore that came standard on my GT avalanche 2.0. My shifters are alivio but not sure its worth replacing those just yet. I have an 8 speed shimano cassette so l want to make sure that if I replace the derailleur it will suit my current setup. I can't really figure out the exact models of my components but I think its safe to say they are pretty cheap and I have been advised that a decent rear derailleur could help my cause.
I'm looking for some opinions on if I should bother or not. I am looking to get better performance without replacing my whole setup as I am looking to get myself a new bike later in the year.
I have looked at the following online which are reasonably priced:
Shimano ultegra RD-6500-GS
Shimano LX RD-M580
Shimano 105 RD-5501
But can't find reviews of them on mtbr.com
Someone also recommended a sram x7 as a good option but not sure if that will work with my current setup.
So as you can probably tell after reading this thread Im clueless about long cage short cage etc and need a bit of guidance.
Any help will be much appreciated.
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Hmmm... the trouble with not wanting to replace the cassette, etc. means you're stuck with 8 speed gear which means it's gonna be pretty low end. I'd be sceptical of any advantage a new part would bring.
How long since the cables were installed? What's the routing like? If your cables are old they may well be full of gunk and causing problems. If they are bent around the frame too tightly this could also cause issue.
If you have the budget I'd recommend binning the whole drive train and going 9 speed but this will be costly - even picking parts up on sale. Best ride the existing one into the ground first but try and get it running best you can while that happens!
i think in this situation you may be best visiting a bike shop
There's just too many ways to go wrong here buying online
The ultegra and 105 are road bike der's
That model LX is quite old I believe
SRAM X7 rear won't work with Shimano shifters
And your bike is a 24 speed (rear cassette has 8 cogs not 9)
Not 100% sure, but think this would limit your der. choice
And if you replaced der and cassette, then the shifters wouldn't be compatible (8 speed)
if you did want a new der I would suggest an SLX or even a new deore
Both are very well made now - but not sure if they work on your set up
And ummm - yeah like Rob said (posted at the same time)
I have replaced and cleaned the cables a few times and it makes the shifting a bit better for a while until they get dirty again. Sounds like Im a bit stuck for options maybe I need to talk to the local bike shop. Where would I start if I wanted to try figure out whats going to be compatible with my shifters?
I just feel a bit guilty asking the LBS for advice and then not buying from them, at the end of the day buying online is so much cheaper and I can't justify big money for a bike that I want to replace.
Try running full length shifter housing (i.e. the protective sheath runs from the shifter to the derailleur)
This setup prevents muck getting in really well. i occasionally put a drop of chain lube into the housing.
This is a much cheaper upgrade than getting new deraillers, cassette and shifters.
Torpedo7 sells the alligator cables, which i have used on my bike and i'm really happy with them. They are $35.99, see http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/ALBHCNNCS/title/ALLIGATOR-Bullet-Proof-Cable-Kit-(Shifter)
To run the cables, you can either drill out the current cable stops, or go the ghetto method and use cable ties.
if you go this route, make sure when you install them that you use a proper cable cutter to cut them to the correct length.
PS i might have some old Deore/LX equipment, incl cassette, derailleurs and shifters. Happy to get ride of it cheap. It is used, but is still probably better than what you've got now.
PM me if you're interested
Have you also replaced the cable outer? If not that's likely to be the problem.
I'm assuming the cable tension is adjusted correctly.
Another likely cause is a hanger that's not aligned properly, so maybe your best bet is to take it to a bike shop and let them replace the outer, inner if required, set up the hanger and adjust the gears. They do this so often and quickly it shouldn't cost a great deal.
Also ask if the derailleur is worn and sloppy causing the poor shifting.
Good luck John.
You are going in the wrong direction by buying just a new RD. What you need is new shifters. It's the shifters that tell both derailleurs what to do. Shifters come with cables. By buying a new RD only the shifting won't miracously improve. To keep it cheap buy entry level 8 speed Shimano stuff, it'll work perfectly fine, yet it would be best to take this oppurtunity to move into the world of 9 speed.
There are all sorts of reasons for poor shifting so get the advice at a shop, and buy the stuff there. You'll find that entry level stuff is hardly any cheaper online.
My son has Alivio shifters on his bike and they're not great. I think that's your issue right there. The RD only does what the shfter tells it.
On my first mtb I had the entry level Sram SX4 shifters, and i used ot get quite bad tendonitis on my left thumb from shifting the FD. It was a lot of effort to use the system, and it was difficult to keep adjusted properly. When I got a free upgrade to SX5 shifters due to a warranty issue, ahhh, so much better even with the same RD. Much less fiddling to keep it adjusted properly too, for some reason.
The bike which replaced it had SX7 on it and they were better again. Once you're at a minimum level with the RD (which in my view is Shimano Deore or SRAM SX5 if you're a regular on the trail) then most of your shifting improvemetns will come from the shifters.
I've since put a complete Shimano XT dual-control system on my current commuter (better again) from fleaBay for under $150 - that's hydraulic brakes included. The matching RD was bought new for an extra $130 or so. You could go the fleaBay path too but you need to know your equipment to avoid buying mismatched componentry. Better to get the advice from your local bike shop if this is all a bit new. In contrast to the
You may be able to find a Deore 8-speed shifter setup for not a lot of $$ at your LBS that will be significantly better than what you're now doing battle with.
I'll point out that I use XTR shifters (rapidfire plus) and an XT RD and a SLX FD. This combo works a treat. I've never understood why the industry misleads the public by fitting a bling RD yet lower spec FD and shifters, when it should be the other way around. The FD is well protected where it sits and one would have to have a jolly good stack to destroy the shifters yet the RD is out in the breeze.
Buy the best shifters you can afford, then spend on the FD and the rest on the RD. Then, look after it all.
Because one tends to use the RD more...
Having the most expensive part (RD) where it is exposed the most just guarantees them revenue
Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the replies. Sounds like a trip to the LBS is in order so that they can figure out where the issue is. Im tempted to go buy a new trance x2 on sale before my weekend away
hehe
LOL snwbrd, a new trance X2 will definitely solve all of your above mentioned problems
I have applied for approval, hoping the finance director will get back to me before the weekend. I guess some flowers may help her with the approval process.
The other option is to buy it and weather the storm
haha that's what my mate said
Apparently "buy the fkn bike, I don't care!" may not necessarily be taken literally.