What Benefit From Upgraded Derailleur ?
Discussion
Been looking at new MTBs recently.
Have noticed that there's a trend for manufacturers to spec a higher spec derailleur than the rest of the groupset. I'm seeing a lot of bikes with SLX or XT rear mechs and Deore components everywhere else. I suspect that this is purely marketing - the first part of a bike many people look at is the rear mech and so specing a better component here gives the impression of a bike with better overall components than is actually the case.
That said, is there any benefit apart from saving a bit of weight of a higher spec rear mech ?- surely at the end of the day it's just a cage with 2 pulley wheels and a spring ? Will an XT mech actually give a better or smoother shift than a Deore one will ?
Have noticed that there's a trend for manufacturers to spec a higher spec derailleur than the rest of the groupset. I'm seeing a lot of bikes with SLX or XT rear mechs and Deore components everywhere else. I suspect that this is purely marketing - the first part of a bike many people look at is the rear mech and so specing a better component here gives the impression of a bike with better overall components than is actually the case.
That said, is there any benefit apart from saving a bit of weight of a higher spec rear mech ?- surely at the end of the day it's just a cage with 2 pulley wheels and a spring ? Will an XT mech actually give a better or smoother shift than a Deore one will ?
You've already sussed it.
ALL the manufacturers do this.
Specialized are bad for it.
XTR rear mech on the back to make people go 'ooh'.
But they then fit spectacularly cheapo rear hubs and headsets. because these arent things you can't 'see' as easily.
As for the benefits in upgrading - they ARE better, but follow the law of diminishing returns.
Lower weight, smoother.stronger pivots, stronger springs.
However - if your wanting to improve your shifting performance - shifters make MUCH more of a difference than the derrailleurs.
As both an keen amatuer mountainbiker, a previous salesman, and a serial bike builder for both myself and customers - The only XTR component that I can hand-on-hear say is actually worth it, is a set of multi-release 9spd XTR shifters. Very good.
ALL the manufacturers do this.
Specialized are bad for it.
XTR rear mech on the back to make people go 'ooh'.
But they then fit spectacularly cheapo rear hubs and headsets. because these arent things you can't 'see' as easily.
As for the benefits in upgrading - they ARE better, but follow the law of diminishing returns.
Lower weight, smoother.stronger pivots, stronger springs.
However - if your wanting to improve your shifting performance - shifters make MUCH more of a difference than the derrailleurs.
As both an keen amatuer mountainbiker, a previous salesman, and a serial bike builder for both myself and customers - The only XTR component that I can hand-on-hear say is actually worth it, is a set of multi-release 9spd XTR shifters. Very good.
Edited by snotrag on Friday 12th March 11:15
I really don't see the value in the price hike between XT and XTR, and have run XT rears for as long as I can remember. Not overly cheap, but if you smash an XTR rear mech or mangle it you're going to want to cry.
Depends on your riding I guess, as even the lower end kit is very functional these days.
I wonder how many people go for an XT/XTR rear mech just for the bike shop/cake stop "wow" factor of people who look at a rear mech and assume it is running the full groupo.
Depends on your riding I guess, as even the lower end kit is very functional these days.
I wonder how many people go for an XT/XTR rear mech just for the bike shop/cake stop "wow" factor of people who look at a rear mech and assume it is running the full groupo.
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