Classic & Vintage - Suntour Spirt vs. ARX derailleur - Raleigh Rapide

I have an early 80s Raleigh Rapide 10 speed road bike that I am overhauling. It has a Spirt front derailleur that appears in good shape. I acquired a brand new (old stock obviously) Suntour ARX front derailleur.

Anyone know which one is better? I assume it would work find with my bike but I don't really know much about them. (which is why I'm here) The Spirit is definately heavier than the ARX which really isn't a concern on this bike.

I'd appreciate your info and advice. Thanks

ARX is slightly better and a couple of years newer. Roger

My limited experience tells me the ARx is better quality, kind of high mid level, where as the Spirt is more high entry level. Having said that, I have found all Suntour derailleurs to be sturdy and reliable, even the low end.

Yep, same here. Most anything I've found made by Suntour were pretty decent performing parts. The only exception I would say is VGT and VGT luxe. I seem to have a hard time finding expemples that have healthy pins in the parallelogram. Some had as much as 1/2" of play at the lower jockey wheel. That's neither here nor there though. I probably had a run of bad luck. If you can find Cyclone M-II, go for it. They are very nice, lightweight, and function beautifully. They're also pretty affordable still. Arx would be better(maybe only lighter) than Spirt. ARX definitely has a little more in the looks department, though.,,,,BD

I have ARX components on my Lotus Classique. You will like them.

+1 Dump the stem shifters and use some clamp on DT shifters.

Arx, all the way. I had two '83 Rapide's, one in blue, one in black. The blue one went single speed, the black was cleaned and given to a needy fella.

If you can, get the Arx RD and find a cheap pair of clamp-on DT shifters. The bike will ride fine. It's a well-made frame, just heavy. The stem will look cleaner, too, without the stem shifters.

Ok.. thanks everyone for the info.