Derailleurs Buying Guide

A derailleur is a device that helps move the chain from one gear to another on your bike. It consists of two parts: the cage, which holds the chain, and the pulleys, which guide the chain. The cage can be made of plastic, aluminum, carbon, or a combination of the 3, and the pulleys can be made of metal or nylon.

The most important thing to consider when buying a derailleur is compatibility. Make sure that the derailleur you choose is compatible with your bike's drivetrain. Most derailleurs are designed for use with specific types of drivetrains, so it's important to check compatibility before making your purchase.

Another important factor is how many speeds your cassette has. Each derailleur is designed for a certain number of speeds such as 8, 9, 10, 11, or even 12 speed, for mountain bikes. The cage size may limit the size of cassette you can use so be sure that your cassette and derailleur are compatible with your own research or consulting our team of experts.

Finally, take note of the weight and construction of the derailleur. Heavier derailleurs are usually more durable, but they can also add unnecessary weight to your bike. Some riders prefer lighter-weight derailleurs for racing or other high-performance applications.

When shopping for a new derailleur, it's important to keep these factors in mind. By doing your research and choosing carefully, you can be sure to find the perfect derailleur for your bike and your riding style.

Guide to our Brands

SRAM derailleurs are some of the most popular derailleurs on the market. They offer great performance and durability, making them a great choice for both road and mountain biking. However, they can be a bit expensive, so it's important to know what you're getting before you buy one. Here's a quick overview of SRAM derailleurs to help you make an informed decision.

SRAM offers two main types of derailleurs: rear-mounted and front-mounted. Rear-mounted derailleurs are more common on mountain bikes, as they offer better ground clearance and are less likely to get damaged in rough terrain. Front-mounted derailleurs are more common on road bikes, as they provide better shifting performance and are less likely to be damaged in a crash.

SRAM derailleurs are available in a variety of different materials, including aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. Aluminum is the most common material, as it's lightweight and durable. Steel is heavier but also more durable, making it a good choice for downhill mountain biking. Carbon fiber is the lightest option but is also the most expensive.

SRAM is mostly known for their mountain bike drivetrains, and their X01 Eagle Derailleur. This Derailleur is made of aluminum and carbon for incredibly light weight and has bearings for the jockey wheels to reduce friction and get better tolerances, allowing for better shifting.

SRAM derailleurs are compatible with a variety of different drivetrains, including Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM itself. They can also be used with single-speed and fixed-gear bikes.

Shimano is one of the most popular manufacturers of bicycle derailleurs. There are several different types of Shimano derailleurs, each designed for a specific purpose.

The most common type of Shimano derailleur is the mountain bike derailleur. Mountain bike derailleurs are designed to be durable and can withstand the rough terrain that is often associated with mountain biking. Our most popular Shimano MTB derailleur is the shimano deore 12 speed derailleur because of its shifting performance at such as low price point. It is also an easy entry into 12 speed drivetrains at a very affordable cost. If you are looking for more out of your shifting, and don't mind spending some more of your hard earned cash, Shimano makes Deore XT, SLX, and XTR derailleurs. Each of them increasing in quality and performance starting with Deore, and ending with XTR. 

Another popular type of Shimano derailleur is the road bike derailleur. Road bike derailleurs are designed for use on paved roads and offer smoother shifting than mountain bike derailleurs. Shimano is the world leader in road drivetrains and their ultegra derailleurs are no different. Ultegra and dura-ace are seen internationally at races such as La Vuelta and the Tour De France because of their superior shifting and light weight. If you are looking for the ultimate road drivetrain, Ultegra and Dura-Ace are going to be in your crosshairs.

And of course, if you are in the market for a new derailleur, Shimano offers a wide variety of options to choose from. Whether you need a durable mountain bike derailleur or a smooth-shifting road bike derailleur, Shimano has a derailleur that will meet your needs.