What is the deal with this. Since I first started riding bikes 40 years ago I've heard of the catastrophic failures of Prestige derailleurs. Yet I regularly buy and ride bikes with the Prestige derailleurs. I think its a terrific derailleur. Just the fact that so many have survived 40 plus years is saying something. But its part of cycling lore and really I believe is complete myth. I actually think its sad so many get tossed. The first part to be replaced when a bike gets rebuilt.

I recently sold a bike that had the Prestige set on it. I had it tuned and operating great. The buyer mentioned that the derailleurs would be the first parts he would replace. I told him the Simplex derailleurs are great and I actually prefer them. He laughed thinking I was joking, then really thought I was weird when I continued the praise of the Prestige derailleur.

I recently purchased a Raleigh Grand Sport with a long cage version of the Prestige. It really works great. It shifts remarkably well.

So in my perspective I think the entire cycling community has bought into an old cycling myth and it perpetuates to this day.