I’m currently out in Andorra and have only managed to source a medium cage 9spd XT mech to replace the long cage which took a fair old knock on the rocks. Before I start trying to fit it am I flogging a dead horse? I want to keep a triple chanset and not drop to a double.

It’ll be fine. I’ve been running a medium mech with a triple for ages with no probs

I’ve run a short no problem but make sure I don’t do big to big.

Did it for years, no problems, just like Rob2 avoid big ring and three biggest sprockets (my dad taught me this when I was learning to ride anyway, he’d sit behind me and shout at me if I had my feet on the pedals wrong or was sitting in a ‘stupid’ gear).

Again, ridden a medium cage for 2 years. Only big-big is not viable.