Originally Posted by
chephy
Wow. I have an Altus derailleur a 15+ year-old bike which I've ridden through Toronto winters and put through all manner of abuse, and it's held up very well. Maybe lower-end Shimano derailleurs of the past are stronger than their modern counterparts.
Not likely. You probably just take better care of your equipment than he did. If you read the OP you'll see they had sand in the pivot points. Even XTR will wear out with crud in it.
My son's old Trek has Altus and it's still going strong at 7 years. I do all his maintenance. I'm amazed at how good the newer Shimano bottom end stuff holds up. Chephy, I think your experience is the norm. Shimano makes a very good derailleur.
Tim