How do i choose the right derailleur for my bicycle??

Question

I just started to get into bikeing and I do most of my rideing in town but will hit the trail once in a while and now its time to upgrade the shifters and derailleurs and not really sure which ones to buy. I dont want the cheap ones but not the best either. Thank you

Answer 1

Buy as much as you can afford - have it professionally installed!

Talk with your Local Bike Shop(LBS) and they can advise you.

For me it's Shimano LX or better, and X.7 or better for Sram

Answer 2

Use shimano LX this the most durable of all derrailure models and has quality if you don't like it it's up to you

Answer 3

I would only ask how you know yours need replacing if you are just getting into it?  It's unlikely you already worn yours out unless you put a ton of miles in them or broke them somehow....shifters and dérailleurs are pretty durable.

There is nothing wrong with a good upgrade, if it is warranted by your riding style, broken parts, or just have money to burn.

I would avoid an upgrade if your dérailleur is simply out of adjustment.  Look up drivetrain on www.sheldonbrown.com and read up on it.  You may need to simply adjust the cable tension?

If you still think you need to upgrade, here is a quick rundown for Shimano:

Alivio/acera - recreational, hybrid, kids

Deore-quality entry level, good shift quality, inexpensive

LX-entry level competition, better shifting -excellent durability-good value.  Many of the properties of the more expensive XT line, but heavier, and perhaps a weaker shifting spring.

XT-race quality, excellent shifting, good durability, more $

XTR-high performance, excellent shifting, lightweight, much $, requires more frequent adjusting to maintain excellent shifting

LX products are essentially the same designs as 3-4 year old XTR stuff, but heavier and more durable.  I have a set of 08 LX dual control levers that work just as well as my 5 year old XTR dual controls....they are just a bit heavier

SRAM essentially has a peer for each Shimano product, so if you look at their lineup from cheapest to most expensive you could make a direct correlation to the competition.

The only thing to be wary of with upgrading is that you have to keep the shifters matched to the number of rear cogs (7, 8, or 9 speed).  The rear dérailleur,  also needs to be the same mfg as the shifters