Mmmmm I need a new rear mech ,should I go for a shadow type or stick to the earlier type and why ?
Bike Forum
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Shadow rear mech or not ?
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Posted 1 year ago #
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The one you have in the spares box or can get cheaply.
Posted 1 year ago # -
CRC have both in stock so either are just a click away.
Posted 1 year ago # -
shadow are a faff.
wouldnt get one again and mine cracked on the main body. Wheel not as easy to get in and out on my frame.
A solution to a problem that doesnt exist
Posted 1 year ago # -
I still use an ancient XTR 9-sp. Shadow my scrotum
Posted 1 year ago # -
the mechanics at work don't seem to like the new shadow mechs. they say they are flimsier, break more easily and are a pain to set up.
i think they are a solution to problem that doesn't occur all to often with a standard mech.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Not.
HTH
Posted 1 year ago # -
The only time the Shadows are a pain to set up is when the nubbin that sits against the dropout is incorrectly positioned; otherwise they're no different to the traditional design. I did initially miss the barrel adjuster on the derailleur when doing set-ups in the stand, but it's only a small change in habit to have to use the shifter adjuster.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Key factor to setting up a shadow is B-tension setting, makes far more difference than on a normal mech. That said, I still chose a normal type for mine as they seem to be a tad stronger, and it's usually the cage not the body that gets caught on things anyway.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Knottie - I am sure the other guys on this thread know what they are talking about but I got one when I bust my last mech because it was on offer.
It fitted
It works
It hasn't brokeWhat is the difference? None as far as I can see but the Shadow was cheaper when I bought it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Barge pole etc, Knottie.
I've seen too many snap instead of the mech hanger.Posted 1 year ago # -
If only my legs could pedal my single speed up big hills ! I would be buying a mech thats for sure. I think I'll be getting a none shadow.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I like Shadow. It does away with enough of the last loop of cable outer to make a difference in long term set up - less sensitive to the ingress of sh!te. That and stronger spring than the standard mech keeps 'em working better for longer.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I believe the top pivot wears quicker because it is narrower. I always use the standard sort on my bikes.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Having just snapped the bottom carbon derailleur cage of my XTR M971 shadow on todays ride I would say not. Lightest of glances on a wooden step down.
Now what glue for carbon ?
Posted 1 year ago # -
shredder , which plate ? the outer ?
Posted 1 year ago # -
knottie yes the outer looks like this now
The mech still works as its left a sort of thin backing but I wonder if the rigidity is now compromised. Considering epxoy/aralditing it back on ?
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've got both variants of M770 (XT) rear mechs on my bikes, and I can honestly say I prefer the shadow. Mainly because it has a stronger spring on it which stops the chain slapping about. No noticeable difference in terms of shifting quality. Plus the shadow is a lot easier to get all the crud out of than a std mech.
Posted 1 year ago # -
shredder, how exactly is shadow part relevant to the damage you incurred?
If I was you I'd be moaning about CF, not the rear mech layout!
Bit of glue and that'll be fine!Posted 1 year ago # -
slap some glue on it and well your'e at it clean them jockey wheels.
Posted 1 year ago # -
bigyinn because in mind if id stuck with std XTR mech and not lusted after the one I have it may have survived the scrape. So im blaming the fact it's a shadow.
Thanks rob will get them cleaned up and then bodge[s] glue it
Posted 1 year ago # -
It fitted
It works
It hasn't broke
is my experience of XT Shadow Mech.People complain about lack of barrel adjuster, but after initial setup, you'll only adjust the thing by 1/8 or 1/4 turn anyway. So long as you do it right in the 1st place. No need for barrel adjusters at both ends.
I'll choose Shadow Mech next time too.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I have both and they are equally simple to set up. I just can't see any down-side to the Shadow version.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I did initially miss the barrel adjuster on the derailleur when doing set-ups in the stand, but it's only a small change in habit to have to use the shifter adjuster.
Though that's not an exclusive feature of shadow mechs - my M970 standard type doesn't have one either, and is none the worse for it IMHO - why do you need one when you have an adjuster at the shifter?Posted 1 year ago # -
Though that's not an exclusive feature of shadow mechs - my M970 standard type doesn't have one either, and is none the worse for it IMHO - why do you need one when you have an adjuster at the shifter?
You don't. You seem to have misunderstood the point I was making, so I'll put it a different way:
After years of tuning derailleurs - with the bike in a stand, as is the normal place in a workshop - by making adjustments of the derailleur barrel, I had to adjust my technique to use the shifter barrel, as I would do if making adjustments when riding (when it's a bit tricky, and a bit pointless, to reach back and use the derailleur barrel*).
It's not a complaint or a criticism, it's just an observation of a minor point.
*sarcasm
Posted 1 year ago # -
Has anyone had the tension 'let go' (for want of a better description), in their shadow mech?
By that, I mean the spring tension that pulls the jockey cage back & therefore tensions the chain.
I had it happen to me on mid ride a couple of months ago, fitted my spare that I carry & once home stripped the offending mech down & repaired it. It's something that's never happened to me when using a 'standard' mech.
Posted 1 year ago # -
You carry a spare rear mech?
Posted 1 year ago # -
You carry a spare rear mech?
Yep. Did a ride couple of years ago, was halfway round a 30 miler on my f/s & ripped my mech off, so had to bodge a singlespeed which wasn't that successful, did more 'scootering' & freewheeling than owt....sack that!! Carried a spare ever since! Converted my hardtail to s/s & thought I may as well find a use for the 'redundant' mech.
Posted 1 year ago # -
You seem to have misunderstood the point I was making
Sorry - I got your point, but felt the need to be picky and point out it wasn't specifically a shadow issue, and then to elaborate far more than neccesary!Posted 1 year ago # -
Nothing wrong with standard XT mech. I have had shadow and just don't get it. They look and feel like they cost less to make, which I always think is a bad thing. I will keep buying second hand mint XT mechs from bike tarts who upgrade to carbon fiber XTR and shadow rear mechs, to save a few grams of weight. Please keep buying shadows it means more used standard XT ones on ebay!
Posted 1 year ago #
Topic Closed
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