Change Derailleur on CX Bike - Project Sports
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Change Derailleur on CX Bike

5 min read

Asked by: Jason Harkless

Is replacing a derailleur easy?

The actual replacement of the derailleur is simple. Typically, you’ll spend more time indexing the shifting and setting the limit screws properly, which is actually a derailleur adjustment. First, you’ll need to determine which parts you actually need to replace: derailleur, cables and/or derailleur hanger.

Can you replace a rear derailleur?


Quote from video: If it's worn out. So to replace the derailleur it's pretty simple so first one take your chain. Off. So it's easy to get to the derailleur and the railer comes off really easily.

Can I upgrade my derailleur?

The number of gears supported changes



The higher the grade of Shimano rear derailleur, the more gears it can handle. For both road bikes and MTBs, 12-speed is the maximum number of gears supported. Of course, upgrading between 11-speed derailleurs will not change the number of gears supported.

Are derailleurs interchangeable?

Shimano derailleur compatibility



Most 8- and 9-speed Shimano mountain bike and road kit is inter-compatible because they both use the same cable pull ratio. This means that you can use an 8 -or 9-speed mountain bike derailleur with road shifters or vice versa.

How do I know if my rear derailleur is worn out?

All derailleurs wear out at some point. Check for wear by pulling laterally on the lower cage. Compare this movement in the linkage of a new derailleur. Sloppy pivot and linkages will produce inconsistent shifting, and the only solution is a new derailleur.

How long do rear derailleurs last?

Good quality rear derailleur can last between 3 to 5 years, when unbranded or low-quality ones can last for 2 years, no matter what the durability of the rear derailleur the jockey wheel will wear after time and it can be replaced very cheaply with new ones, on the other hand, front derailleur can last almost

Can you fit any derailleur on a bike?

No, bike derailleurs are not universal. A derailleur that works with one bike may not work with another bike based on factors such as the cage length. Check the difference between the smallest and largest cogs and also the chainring size to determine the derailleur compatibility.

How do I replace the derailleur on my bike?

Quote from video: Put the mech to the smallest sprocket using your sti's. Pull the cable crimp off the end of the inner cable using some pliers then undo the cable crimper bolt by unscrewing it anti-clockwise.

Can you replace a derailleur without breaking chain?

If the derailleur is riveted closed, you won’t be able to take it off the bike without breaking the chain or destroying the derailleur. If you’re going to replace it, then you’ll need to break the chain anyway to put the new derailleur on. So if that’s the case, then just buy a chain tool and new derailleur.

When should I replace my bike derailleur?

Derailleurs will last almost indefinitely. The jockey wheels will wear out in time (tens of thousands of km) but the rest of the mechanism shouldn’t see significant wear. It could be that the spring will break at some point due to material fatigue, but that is also a relatively easy to replace part on most derailleurs.

Can you use a 12 speed derailleur on 11 speed cassette?

So you can’t use a 12 speed derailleur on an 11 speed setup or vice versa but you can you an xtr 12/11 speed shifter on an 11 speed drivetrain.

Can I use a MTB derailleur on a road bike?

For example, if the bike has a 10-speed cassette and road shifters, it will be compatible with an MTB derailleur that has the rear shift ratio of a 10-speed road derailleur.

How do you know when you need a new derailleur?

If there’s play, get a new one. Also, drip some Tri-Flow or something into all the pivots. If it’s really dirty and sticky, it’ll have a harder time with the shift you describe. If with clean, lubricated pivots the derailleur still won’t move well, you probably need a new one.

How many miles should a cassette last?

Cassette lifespan can range between 4000 to 10000 miles, and this is affected by the cassette itself and maintenance frequency.

Why are rear derailleurs noisy?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

What causes derailleur hanger to break?

Some common reasons for it breaking are: Hitting an obstacle (e.g. tree branch) Going into the spokes (badly set low limit screw or the derailleur was wobbling enough for some reason to get caught in the spokes) Chain too short.

Do derailleur springs wear out?

That said, derailleur springs will lose tension overtime, and pivots will get sloppier. Shifters can wear out too (if you ride enough), and most cannot be serviced back to health. But before you go sinking money into these more expensive components, best try a new cable/housing or get a second opinion.

How good is Shimano?

As one of the ‘big three’ drivetrain component manufacturers (the other two being SRAM and Campagnolo), Shimano groupsets and parts are always well-made, usually well-regarded and often well-priced. If you’re looking for the latest news and reviews of Shimano products, this is where you need to look.

What does SGS mean derailleur?

Short cage

Shimano MTB rear derailleurs last letters will be GS or SGS, which stand for “Short cage” or SGS for long cage. A XTR rear derailleur will be RD-M970-GS (for short cage) or RD-M970-SGS (for long cage)

Do all derailleurs fit all bikes?

No, bike derailleurs are not universal. A derailleur that works with one bike may not work with another bike based on factors such as the cage length. Check the difference between the smallest and largest cogs and also the chainring size to determine the derailleur compatibility.

What is the difference between GS and SGS rear derailleur?

GS is the medium length cage and SGS is the long cage on the rear derailleur, if you ride a hardtail (and you don’t cross chain) then a GS will do, An SGS is better suited to a full suss as the chain growth needs to be taken up by the RD