Wheels4

I got some SRAM 9.0 SL 8 spd grip shifters for my old flat bar road bike(close to a hybrid, i guess). And... I'm thinking I need a rear derailleur that is compatible with the 1:1 ratio.... or can I just use any 8 sp rear derailleur? After some searches, here is my question:

How do I know if i need a long cage or short cage? I'm looking at my current rear derailleur and it doesn't really look long or short. Is there a medium length? and if there is.... would it hurt to go with a size different, like from medium to long or medium to short?


I've done mainenance, but the one thing I've kind of stayed away from is the rear derailleur.
(obvious, i know)

thanks for any help,

Rich

Steev

How many and what size chainrings do you have. Derailleur capacity is determined by how much chain needs to be taken up when shifting from the largest cog combination to the smallest. Generally, if you have a triple you probably need a long cage.
You will need to go with a SRAM X series derailleur to get the 1:1 pull ratio.

Wheels4

I have a triple.... so, I'll be looking for a long cage. thanks Steev.