Noob Question about Rear Derailler Swapping
 

Hey Guys, I have a road bike that is a 7 speed freewheel in the back, and I had a question, let say I want to upgrade the rear derailler to something in the higher end Shimano, instead of the 2200 on the bike right now, I want to put Tiagra and above.

I was wondering if I would run in any problems? I assume that high end rear deraillers like tiagra and above only take 8+ speed cassettes. This is where the noob in me starts, I dont know the specifics of this. Are there Rear Deraillers of Tiagra that work on 7 speeds or are they universal?? Sorry I am a big time noob at this stuff, but I am reading a bike mechanic book as we speak.

Please help.

Any road derailleur will work.

But why replace it? I'd guess you're having shifting problems?

Performance, Hello!! And durability, the Derailler I have now is made of plastic.

Even if the rear derailleur says 8 speed on it you can still use it on a 7 speed freewheel. You will just have to set the low and high stop settings on the derailleur so that it is limited to 7 speeds.

Performance? What performance? You think a new RD will somehow make you faster? :D

Don't worry about plastic. The RD is one of the least stressed components on a bike. If it ever does fall apart, replace it then.

I agree if you are a noob upgradeing the shifter just for the sake of upgrading will not make a noticable difference. for short money better tires may make a difference but just save your money and then get higher level bike off Cl or from a local flipper.