Tandem Cycling - Anyone using rapid-rise rear derailleurs?

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DrPete
11-15-05, 07:45 PM
In the course of some random surfing, I noticed that the latest generation of Shimano's mountain bike components uses the "rapid rise" or "low-normal" rear derailleur, which as I understands it reverses the action of the derailleur in response to a cable pull, i.e. pulling the cable produces an upshift rather than a downshift.

Has anyone experimented with this system on a road tandem? We, like many, use an 11-32 cassette that needs a mountain derailleur for the right cage length. Will my only choice be to learn how to shift backwards if I ever need to replace my rear derailleur? Any plans for Shimano's road shifters to adopt the rapid rise system?

DrPete

stapfam
11-16-05, 12:37 AM
I currently use an XTR rapid rise rear derailler, and it has taken a bit of getting used to, as my solo is still normal. I do find it crisper on on changing down and would say that it is better.
tandemonium
11-17-05, 07:04 AM
I've been using Rapid rise on two of my mountain bikes for many years and very much prefer it. Perhaps it is coincidence that these are my best shifting bikes. I never looked for a rr road option as we tend to stick to trails on the tandem. It only take the first few shifts to adapt back to the shifting direction of a non-rapid rise equipped machine.