CRG

Current I have a SRAM X-7 RD, short cage. I want to change it out for an XT or LX Shimano RD. I will also be switching shifters. Which Shimano RD would work for me? If it matters I have a 9-speed 11-34 cassette.

santiago

Oh yeah, forgot the OP's question. If you'll be swapping out the shifter to a compatible one you can go whatever you want. XT would be what I would aim for at a close-out price (pricepoint, whatever).

CRG

Thanks, do you know specifically which model I would need to get out of the XT group?

Pheard

Jensonusa has a great price on xt

Xt rd (49$)
Xt shifter/lever combo (89$)- this is the 05 model I believe

as your cassette is 9spd I believe either of these will be fine.(someone correct me if I'm wrong)

cyccommute 

You children behave! Don't make me come back there or somebody's going to get it!

The answer to your question is Razrcide, is yes the Shimano stuff will work. An nice XT (not rapidrise ) system will work just fine. Which shifter/derailer you get will depend on your current set up. If you already have levers, get the XT M750 pods. If you have intergrated shifter/levers get the M750 STI. If you want to try the Dual Control levers get the M760 STI. The M750 pods are a good value. The Dual Control stuff is very pricey.

Now behave or I'm going to turn this car around and we are going right back home!

CRG

That is exactly what I needed.

Thank You

cryptid01

Rapidrise will work just fine also.

FreeRidin'

Why would you want XT over X.7...I suggest you get a Sram X.9 RD, and just leave you shifter alone.
In other words...Shimano blows!!

mx_599

why do you want to switch? did your SRAM not work good?

cyccommute 

It works, I personally don't like it. I've learned how to shift normally and the Rapidrise was just too weird.

Pheard

Hey what is the difference between rapid rise and whatever the other version shimano makes. Are the m750 shifters rapid rise?

CRG

It works fine, I just want/like the Shimano Dual shifters better.

cyccommute 

It's not the shifter but the derailer. The Rapidrise is low normal which means that when tension is released on the cable the derailer travels inboard to the lowest gear. The cable acts to pull the chain to higher gears rather than to lower gears. It's kinda silly, actually, because the spring in the derailer can easily move the chain when going to a higher gear (a fairly low torque situation). But under high torque like pedalling up a very steep hill, you can exert much more pressure to get the bike to shift by tightening the cable. Rapidrise depends on the spring for the downshift.

Ever had a front derailer not downshift for you on a really steep hill? That's because you are trying to make the shift while depending on the return spring not the force of the cable. Suntour once made a front derailer that was high normal which shifted under high torque like a dream. If Shimano did that, I'd be all for it.

Pheard

Oh ok, I thought you were referring to the shifters. I personally really like the trigger shifters shimano makes. So basically rapidrise costs more because it allows better shifting under higher torque such as going uphill.

cyccommute 

Cost is about the same. The rest you have turned around backwards.

Pheard

My bad, I meant to ask about dual control, that is the shifters. I got mixed up. What is that?

cyccommute 

Dual Control shifts the same way that road bikes shift. The lever moves up and down to make the shift. Instead of pushing the levers with your thumbs, you press the lever down with your fingers or put your fingers under it and push it up. It's pretty slick but a little weird. They don't require too much force and would be ideal for people with weaker hands.