Originally Posted by
mlask
Ron, is there 11-speed derailleur which will give a good clearance with such tires? I would love to have 11-46 but 11 speed cassette (better spacing between gears for me).
Yes, there are two such 11-speed Shimano RD, namely the following parts:
- XT RD-M8000-GS
- SLX RD-M7000-GS
One little known Shimano quirk is that 10-speed MTB RD work with 11-speed shifters and cogsets. The cog pitch difference is within tolerances, so you could also try the Deore M6000-GS RD, the least expensive of the troika at about $40, with 11-speed.
Shimano XT RD-M8000-GS
The XT and SLX RD are the 11-speed counterparts to the Deore M6000-GS RD on the
Storm. Rated nominally to 46T, in practice they'll span a 51T cog just like the Deore RD here can span at least a 50T cog.
Gains in closer cog spacing with 11-speed come with losses in additional weight due to the additional cog or in shorter durability of the cogset due to the use of aluminium rather than steel cogs to save weight, as well as higher cost of the cogset and 11-speed chain. This is why I studiously stick with 10-speed, the value sweet spot IMO. There's no free lunch.