My rear derailleur (shimano 105 9 speed) on one of my bikes just refuses to adjust to shift decently. I’ve crashed it a couple of times and I’m thinking I just need to buy a new one. Here’s my question. I’m looking around and I see you can get the rear derailleurs with long cage or short cage. What’s the difference and how do I know which one I want??
Thanks for any tips the wrenches can offer.
My rear derailleur (shimano 105 9 speed) on one of my bikes just refuses to adjust to shift decently. I’ve crashed it a couple of times and I’m thinking I just need to buy a new one. Here’s my question. I’m looking around and I see you can get the rear derailleurs with long cage or short cage. What’s the difference and how do I know which one I want??
Thanks for any tips the wrenches can offer.
Replace it with what was there unless you plan to get a cassette with a larger big cog.
That said, the hanger alignment needs to be checked anyway if you’ve crashed “a couple of times” because if it’s bent, a new RD won’t work any better than the one that’s on there.
So check that and see if it fixes the problem before buying a new RD.
Longer cage has greater range to keep tension on the chain across bigger differentials in gearing, like touring or MTB. If you have a double ring up front and a standard range cassette in back like most TT/Tri bikes, then a short cage is your answer.
Good point on checking the hanger. Any good tips on how I can tell if it’s properly aligned?
Good point on checking the hanger. Any good tips on how I can tell if it’s properly aligned?
Buy the alignment tool for about $40 or take it to a shop that has one. There is no way to eyeball it and get it right.