My XT rear shadow mech is knackered after rebending it several times – that last as I got a big stick stuck in the back wheel and it wrenched it backwards. I often have a long cage (just gone with a medium this time)which I often catch on a rock etc when doing gnarly, full on descents 🙂 LOL.

Anyway – Anyone else downgrading to save money – gone for the new SLX shadow for £34 rather than a £55 XT shadow replacement?

Yeah, I buy nearly new used SRAM X7s off the classifides for £20-ish
They work just as well as an X9
🙂

EDIT –

I think it's more important to have better shifters than an expensive mech. The shifter controls the mech, it's out of the way and less prone to be damaged, and it's the bit you touch as well… 🙂

im in need of a new b spring only place i can find one for my xtr mech is 20 like you say i can get an slx brand new for 34 which makes sense as i prob need jockey wheels too ;-(

slx ftw £30

Yeah my Carbon XTR got destroyed £170rrp replaced it with a SLX.
I can't tell the difference apart from less blingy! and more weight in my pocket due to not spending all my money!

Just sold my old sl. bent XTR mech sorry 😥

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain-bike-rear-derailleurs/shimano-slx-shadow-rear-mech.html

Saw that ROFL – but wanted the medium cage this time 🙂 but thanks!

I downgraded from XTR to XT after my mech got sh@gged on my first ride.

got mine off ribble for £34 as CRC not in stock and more expensive new elsewhere.

I've got Deore, LX, XT and XTR on my various bikes and haven't really noticed a significant difference in shift quality from the mechs.

kramer i replied on my thread re the spring i need i think yours will fit if its not borked 😉

I downgraded from XTR to XT after my mech got sh@gged on my first ride.

been there already – I had an XTR initially then went to XT now gone to SLX 😉

30 at merlin for slx long cage

30 at merlin for slx long cage

Yeh tis a bargin for the Long cage defo.

kramer just spotted your reply ;-( thanks anyway mate