Is a cheapo derailleur fine if I'm friction shifting?
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Is a cheapo derailleur fine if I'm friction shifting?
I've been thinking of fitting an 8 speed cluster out back on my Crosscheck for times when I want just a few gears. I'd be using an old friction thumb shifter I've got.
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Thanks. DanO
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Thanks. DanO
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Yes and no. The cheap derailleur will work fine with your friction shifters, BUT it will also wear out more quickly, shift more sloppily, and need more frequent adjustment. If you're willing to live with the negatives, (and they decline in intensity with frequent cleaning and maintenance), then yes, a cheap derailleur is fine.
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The other thing here is that most modern Shimano products work very well. I would doubt that you'd be able to notice much of a difference between the Alivio and the LX even with indexed shifting, let alone without.
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Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
I've been thinking of fitting an 8 speed cluster out back on my Crosscheck for times when I want just a few gears. I'd be using an old friction thumb shifter I've got.
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Thanks. DanO
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Thanks. DanO
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Hey thanks for the quick response folks. I figured that it would shift adequately for me. See I'm a single speeder looking for a few more gears mainly so I don't spin out quite so soon on some long down-hill sections of my new commute - as opposed to a pro mountaincross rider who needs the lightning fast, accurate shifting of a Sram XO. And I hear FarHorizon when it comes to keeping it clean, lubed and adjusted.
DanO
DanO
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Originally Posted by operator
A $20 Shimano tourney RD will shift just fine. Indexed or not.
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Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
I've been thinking of fitting an 8 speed cluster out back on my Crosscheck for times when I want just a few gears. I'd be using an old friction thumb shifter I've got.
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Thanks. DanO
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Thanks. DanO
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I have an Alivio indexed on my Sedona, and it has never needed anything but a click or two on the adjuster in about 3 years...
Based on my experience, low bling factor, but very functional and durable.
Based on my experience, low bling factor, but very functional and durable.
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Originally Posted by Moose
Blah, there isn't an uglier bicycle component on the market than the tourney rear derailer. Style still counts to most of us.
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In a couple of the posts, there's an assumption that the Alivio would be less durable than the LX. I seriously doubt that. Again, the main difference is weight, and from my experience there's no reason to think a slightly heavier component will be less durable. Sometimes to the contrary, depending on the component. Once you reach a certain level of functionality (and the Alivio reaches it), you're paying for a little weight savings and the psychological bling factor-
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I don't know where it falls in the product lineup, but I run an Acera RD on my road bike, with friction shifters, and it works just fine and is decently sleek
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I'll second the performance of the Alivio RD. Can't vouch for longetivity yet, but it works flawlessly mated to the 8-speed Alivio rapid-fire shifters and Sram cassette on my hybrid bike.
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Originally Posted by lebowitz
I don't know where it falls in the product lineup, but I run an Acera RD on my road bike, with friction shifters, and it works just fine and is decently sleek
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Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
So my question is: Would a Shimano Alivio derailleur work just as well as an LX as long as I'm not index shifting? Or would the LX be superior to the Alivio in other respects?
Conclusion: You can make any derreuiller work in almost any condition with friction shifters.
Last edited by caotropheus; 09-19-06 at 01:42 AM.