Bicycle Mechanics - Jockey Wheels

How do you check wheather the jockey wheels are worn ? and how long do they normally last?

I have seen some still apparently funtioning OK with the teeth all but completely worn away. If you think yours are worn, replace them. It's pretty cheap and easy to do. Remember that even new the teeth are pretty short.

I just went to Suprgo to replace a broken jockey wheel for an old bike I've just got. They wanted $15 for it. This little piece of plastic? They had a whole brand new Ultegra Derailleur for $35. I think the pricing is outrageous.

I've always just checke to see if the teeth are still clearly defined and aren't worn down to bad. As for pricing, I haven't had to replace a ton of them. It's up to you whether or not you want to get a whole new der. or not. I've never found Supergo to be the cheapest place around, so you might be able to find them cheaper elsewhere. I would also think that if you feel as though one pulley is worn, the other probably is as well. Might as well replace them both at the same time.

-Moab

I have rarely replaced a jockey wheel, and I normally can scrounge something from my parts bin. Loosescrews.com may be able to help, and I was very pleased with their handling of my latest order for SRAM chains, ball bearings, brake pads, and other "perishables."

In the 1970s, I had two bikes with derailleurs that had toothless jockey wheels. They worked as well as any other derailleurs of that era.

IOW, I don't think I would worry about teeth or lack thereof. I would worry about how freely the jockey wheels rotate, however.

Regards,