Bicycle Mechanics - Rear Derailleur compatability question

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bakerjw
03-31-09, 07:17 AM
When I started riding last summer I picked up Schwinn Circuit 24 speed. Eventually I will pick up a better bike, but this frame is good enough for now and I really can't justify the expense of a new bike at the moment. I know that can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear, but there are some improvements that I'd like to make. Primarily, the rear derailleur is a Shimano RD2200 and has been getting a little sloppy. I keep it adjusted and it shifts decently but I would like to pick up a different derailleur and swap it out with something a little better.

I have a triple in the front so I know that I need a long cage.
I also know that the width of chains for 9 and 10 sprocket cassettes are narrower than what I have with the 8 sprocket that is currently on my bike but I don't know if that will present any problems.

Any recommendations or suggestions?

rhenning
03-31-09, 07:26 AM
I would ride what what you have until it breaks if it was my bike. On the other hand you have money burning a hole in your pocket replace it with a long cage 105 or Ultegra. Roger
HillRider
03-31-09, 07:33 AM
I know a "9-speed" Ultegra rear derailleur works fine with a 7/8-speed chain as I had that combination on one bike for quite a while so a 9-speed 105 should work as well. I don't know if the 10-speed road derailleurs will work or if the cage and pulleys are narrower enough to give problems.

One option is a MTB rear derailleur as these are all 9-speed, almost all long cage, and a Deore LX or XT are good components at reasonable cost.

Panthers007
03-31-09, 11:11 AM
If you'd like a Shimano Ultegra, but $80 - $100 is too steep:

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=68265&page=SHIMANO+ULTEGRA+RD-6500+REAR+DERAILLEUR

No joke - these are brand new and shift flawlessly. I bought 3. So far.
mcgreivey
03-31-09, 05:00 PM
How about a Nashbar-brand rear derailleur? $37 or something. I have no experience with it, personally, but it looks like a bargain, at that price.

Anyone tried one?
ls01
03-31-09, 05:34 PM
If you'd like a Shimano Ultegra, but $80 - $100 is too steep:

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=68265&page=SHIMANO+ULTEGRA+RD-6500+REAR+DERAILLEUR

No joke - these are brand new and shift flawlessly. I bought 3. So far.

holy shnikies!! that a screeming deal. theres you answer right there.
davidad
03-31-09, 07:07 PM
The rear der. won't make that much difference. If the cables are in good shape you would have better luck changing out the shifters.
Al1943
03-31-09, 07:44 PM
The rear der. won't make that much difference. If the cables are in good shape you would have better luck changing out the shifters.

+1
A lot of shifting problems get blamed on the derailleurs when the problem is more often the shifters or the cables and cable housings. I think derailleurs are usually the most dependable and longest lasting part of the drivetrain.