so was running fully legit xt 1x11 setup, shifter/mech/chain/cassette but i have totalled the mech.
can i in theory install an old 10 speed one ive got knocking about?
no
from what ive read on the subject, the shifter movement wont match up, you will have 9 movements instead of 10, across the same cassette width.
hence the movement from one cog to the next will be offcentre,
happy to be proven wrong.
? I think the poster above has the wrong end of the [s]stick[/s] bike !?
IF you are asking about Shimano then the cable 'pull ratios' (shifter cable pull [i]combined[/i] with rear mech geometry) are very similar such that an 11 speed rear mech will work on a 10 speed system.
BUT, you're not asking that. My suggestion would be to try it and see what happens - don't cut the cable and you won't lose anything and report your findings.
The only thing is, if your 11 speed system used a wide ratio cassette - v likely - with a 40 or 42T sprocket then a 10 speed rear mech won't handle it very well if at all. Sometimes an extended B tension screw will enable it but if it's like my 1 x 10 with a 42T then I needed both a RAD cage AND a goat link ! (I was using an existing mech but if doing it new would have just put an 11s mech on !)
If it's SRAM I've no idea or experience.
As a permanent fix? Not advisable.
As a temporary fix*, set the hi and lo screws and you will mainly be okay
Legal Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any issues you may have...
*I had mech issues in Morzine this year and did just this as someone had a spare 10 speed. It got me through the rest of the week
I run a 9 spd mech on my 10 spd commuter no problem. But I seem to recall the ratios changed on Shimano between 10 and 11 so you might struggle to index it... but then I might be wrong. Let us know how you get on.
10 speed zee mech on mine with 11 speed shifter and cassette, has worked fine for a good few races and half a year of riding.
thnx for replies... interesting, my spare 10sp is a Zee!!
ok will give it a go and report back!
[url= http://blog.artscyclery.com/science-behind-the-magic/science-behind-the-magic-drivetrain-compatibility/ ]Compatibility[/url]
Mine shifts fine, all the way up to the 46t cog on the sunrace cassette. I do have a OneUp rad cage fitted to mine.