I’m trying to help a friend to replace his old rear mech (Shimano RD-M761 SGS), which he uses with a 9 speed CS-M770 cassette. He’s thinking about a new model. Any suggestions? Our web searching has found no results!

A new one must have/be the following:

A 9 speed (obviously!)

A simple cable pull / top sprung design (ie, cable clamps to underside).

MUST have a barrel adjuster on the mech.

MUST be a Shimano, but better than a basic Deore.

Long cage (a ‘SGS’).

Can be up to 5 years old (model).

Silver colour preferred, he says.

Suggestions?

Greenbikerider.

PS: It’s the combination of a quality top sprung mech WITH a barrel adjuster, that seems to be the rarity here…!

Any 5 – 9 speed mech will work.

Why do you need a barrel adjuster? Does his shifter not have one?

Beyond that, Deore works fine, spend more if you want, I see little benefit bar weight, look around.

Correct, his shifters have no adjusters. I understand he has inferior brand shifters but he says they work fine.

Any other suggestions?

He also says he would buy another used M761 but he can’t find any in good condition.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ritchey-cable-tension-barrel-adjusters/rp-prod39475
AND
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-xt-m771-9-speed-rear-mech/rp-prod20698
(adjuster plugs straight into the mech)

Oh my!! I’ve been cycling for over 30 years, and I never realised mech barrel adjusters could be bought seperately!! DOH!
Thanks Rorschach, and yes the M771 XT is nice.

GBR.