Originally Posted by
Bonzo Banana
I understand there may be specific advantages to the Neos design with regard folding bikes but I'd take a higher quality Shimano or Sram unit any day especially the Tiagra shown above.
I definitely prefer the Shimano Tiagra.
The Nexus is a "Rapid Rise" derailleur and pretty low profile which makes some sense on a 20" bike. I had a dual drive Mu P24 once and the derailleur component was so long it really scared me that I'd whack it just riding somewhere. (I never did and it did have an incredibly wide range of gears I must admit, especially with the Dual Drive).
There are variations in the Tiagras. I expect the "short cage" versions are better for folding bikes. I noted also that the new high end Visc D18 Disc came with a Sora derailleur set rather than Tiagra. Prior season Viscs always had Tiagra. I think Shimano is saying Tiagra is 10 speed only (Sora 9 speed) and this may be related to the shifter and displays as much as anything.
I do always notice a long Derailleur on a 20" wheel. Interesting that the Tiagra was adapted even to the 16" Dahon Eezz D3, 3 Speed Model. Cool little bike. Smallest set of cogs you have ever seen but they work well.
I sure wish we had Decathalon in the US.