Originally Posted by
datepalm3@earth
Thanks for everyone's help so far. In response to some of the questions:
- Gearing is 24/36/46 up front, 12-28 in back.
- I'm looking to replace my derailleur as, quite frankly, it's not sounding very healthy. Lots of strange noises (not just when shifting), and it's literally 15 years old...so maybe it's just time.
If I'm understanding things correctly, it sounds like any 7, 8, or 9-speed derailleur will work fine. My original concern was that I didn't know if the cogs on a 9-speed were spaced differently than a 7-speed.
I know two of you recommended the RD-510 Deore, and it's certainly a great deal at Nashbar right now. That said, the reviews on MTBR weren't very positive for this model. Who knows. The SRAM x.7 got good reviews, or actually...maybe a good choice since I'm not doing any off-road would be a 9-speed Shimano 105??
Thanks again for all your help.
Yes, 7, 8 and 9-speed is spaced differently, BUT the rear derailleur does not care. The indents are set in the shifter; the RD just goes where the shifter sets it for each gear.
You can't use the SRAM x.7 with your current shifters because SRAM went to an alternative cable pull (1:1 vs 2:1) ratio for most of its MTB rear derailleurs (I believe anything with a number in its model name) and is only compatible with SRAM shifters.