Can SB's alternate cable routing trick be used on new Shimano Shadow RDs?
 

The trick in question; I specifically want to use 10s shifters on a relatively inexpensive 9s 11-32 cassette.

The design and cable routing of the new "Shadow" (2008 XT series) is considerably different from previous Shimano RDs. My local shops are mysteriously fresh out of old-style, top-normal MTB RDs, but are loaded with these Shadows . I'm not too keen to experiment and find out the hard way that it won't work, so I thought I'd ask and see if anyone else has tried or wants to try to convince me that it'll all be okay :)

Deore XT brand new, cost me $55. I wonder how much money you spending on your der. 10 speed shifters work with it, it's bottom-normal..


As far as casette goes. It will cost me about $100 for 10 speed SRAM casette and chain, or about $40 for casette plus the chain. 10 speed shfters? $150ish.

Good thing about 10 speed shifters is that they up and down shift twice (and once as well). This makes for a pretty good combination. The 9 speed shifters usually upshift once and down shifts up to 3 times. (3 clicks). That means downshifting only 1 gear at at time when used with bottom-normal rear der. Other than that 10 speed shifters are a better value, say if your 9 speed broke and you have to replace it. Same money, only now you can upgrade to 10 speed later down the road.


God, I hope they don't come up with an 11 speed. I know I'd want it.

Thanks, I am aware of the process.

For reasons I don't feel I need to justify, I don't want a low-normal RD, and I'm truly interested in getting my actual question answered.

I can't tell you whether or not it will work with this specific derailleur.
But if you want to go that way, there is another solution if the "alternate routing" doesn't work: Shiftmate model 2.

Sorry that I can't be more specific.

Thanks Michel.

Most likely if I can't get an authoritative answer on it, I will just mail order and wait for an old-style top normal RD. But these seem to be like Shimano 9-speed road components these days for some reason...

::bump::

Sheldon? Anyone? :)

I think it's too new for any experience base. I just heard about it the other day from my mechanic friend. If it was me, I'd find the old style on the web and stay with that.

Al