Well, I got my DT finished and have rode it a couple of times. (I'm iced in at the present) I noticed that my chain makes quite a lot of noise even though the derailleur is aligned perfectly. (took it to my bike shop and they helped me set up the derailleur and brakes) So, I put it up in my stand and looked very closely and realized that the XT shadow has a guide that the chain rubs against when it goes from the first cog to the second. It's like the guide doesn't allow the chain to travel a straight path from one to the next. The XT has and adjustment that lets me move the second cog closer to the sprocket but I don't think it'll change the rubbing on the guide. I'm thinking the guide will wear my chain out very quickly. I guess my question has to be... Is this normal or can it be adjusted out better so the chain doesn't rub the guide?

When you say the chain rubs when it travels from one cog to the next, do you mean the pulleys on the derailleur? You will get a lot more help if you provide pictures illustrating what you a talking about. What did the bike shop mechanic have to say about the issue?

If you look close you can see a tab of sorts half way between the bottom wheel and top wheel of the derailleur arm. The chain rubs against that.

I am going out on a limb here since I can't really understand your description. If by first and second cogs you actually mean the jockey wheels on the deraileur then it sounds like the chain is not routed properly over the jockey wheels. If you really mean cogs (on the cluster) then it sounds like this must be only when shifting between the first and second cogs.

Can you take a picture to clarify?

It looks to me as if the chain is on the wrong side of the tab. I am not familiar with that particular derailleur, but have seen that happen on other models.

i concur, the chain is routed incorrectly.

Ok now I got it right. Had to take a link out to make the length right.

I've never set up a Shadow RD, but it looks like the chain goes above that tab. From the photo it looks like there are three points of chain contact, the pulleys and that tab.(?)

Brad

Well, that was an easy fix that led to a happy conclusion.

Good choice on the derailluer. I actually just got mine today and hopefully will get to install it in a few weeks when the frame gets in.

I saw the first picture and was thinking, wait a second I know what RD that is, because of course as soon as UPS dropped off QBP at work I was playing with it.

Enjoy the new bike!

I hope to enjoy it as soon as I can. I knew as soon as I finished it the weather would go to crap and it did. We can all expect lots of rain in my area now that I have a new bike. (I should have got the farmers to buy me the parts a long time ago)