Originally Posted by
richnh
I rode a little at my bike shop this weekend. The highest end components I tried were SLX RD on a 2014 Trek DS 8.5. I tried to exercise both derailleurs as much as possible and I didn't notice much difference at all between that and my 20 year old components. In fact, they were quite a bit louder too. Maybe not lubricated yet.
I understand my ability to really put them thru their paces is limited on a test ride. But I didn't see the seamless shifting or value to drop over $1K. And believe me, I was looking for every excuse to get a new bike.
I liked the front suspension but, after all my research, was surprised at the lack of difference in shifting between a new SLX and my old 300LX.
If you don't notice a difference, then don't spend the dough. It'll be a combo of all the components together. A single RD change won't make any changes perceptible. If you have a buddy with nice components ride it and then ride the one with the lower grade stuff. FD and RD are dumb. They react to the shifters. If you have better shifters and mechs, then the shifting will be smoother. Also, you can't discount the cassette and chainset. Better stuff will be ramped more aggressively and will allow for smoother shifts. Like I said before, all of it combined together make the difference. But a single part here and there won't amount to a whole hill of beans.
If I were you, I'd ride a bike that I like in your price range and then change parts as you ride more and the parts wear out. As long as you're out on your bike, just enjoy the ride
