Jockey wheel replacement
 

The bottom jockey wheel on my Shimano 6500 rear derailleur (9 speed) is cracked (Shimano Part 53Z 9811 Tension Pulley Unit) and I am having difficulty in getting a replacement.

It has been suggested that I should buy a set of TACX replacement jockey wheels which would be actually be an upgrade whilst working out cheaper - sounds too good to be true. I am reluctant to move away from Shimano parts having no previous experience of TACX.

What do you reckon?http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/frown.gif

NB there is lateral float on the upper pulley to make shimano's index shifting work.

Tacx is good stuff , I got a set in NL, on tour, when my Sun Tour sealed bearing
pulley's plastic cracked,

there are 11 and 10 tooth pulleys, so count teeth ...

The lower pulley is a ultra non-critical part. I don't mean you can do without it, but it's a simple pulley for the chain to run over and provide tension. Any pulley of the right width and bolt hole to fit will be fine. If you look around you'll find various options, and the Tacx is certainly fine.

BTW- the upper pulley is a bit different, having a calculated amount of float, so if you buy a non Shimano replacement, be sure it's a true analog with float as required.