Caught a branch in my mech at the weekend resulting in a snapped chain and bent the mech a bit too. Those are fixable but I also noticed a missing tooth on one of the jockey wheels.
Do I need to replace like with like? (XTR) Or is there a more economic alternative?
You can use aftermarket jockey wheels, I'm happy with my Superstar ones
If you don't want to spend much you could get slx ones which use bushings instead of bearings. Not sure what, if any, difference between the xt and xtr.
Good budget friendly alternative https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nukeproof-jockey-wheels-for-shimano-sram/rp-prod208233
Not sure what, if any, difference between the xt and xtr.
Posher ones tend to last longer before you get enough play to prevent crisp gear changes. Very noticable on road, maybe not so much offroad unless you only ride when it's dry....
Try the MtZoom ones. The Superlights are pretty good and last ages, the Bulletproofs appear to be pretty much indestructible
https://mtzoom.com/collections/jockey-wheels
They're jockey wheels, i use the cheap 8 quid 13t ones off amazon, arrive in a day and last as long as you need, had a set on for a few months without issue (12sp XT), if they fail, then i spend another 8 quid, feels better than 40 quid MtZoom/Superstar/etc!
I've had great experiences with the longevity of Hope jockey wheels personally. I've had a pair on a mech that's been across multiple bikes and probably several thousand offroad miles and still spin really nicely.
Made in the UK too, if that matters to you (no judgement if not!).
I have bought various cheapo sets off eBay and they have all been fine apart from a set that resembled fancy anodised ones. They rumbled so loudly I was constantly convinced I was being overtaken by a steam roller.