Hi all,
Not looked into Shimano mechs for a while (being a SRAM man), but the gf wants to upgrade from her long cage Deore rear mech.
She's changing to a dual ring setup (22/36 I think), so looking to get a medium cage I'm guessing (short cage will be too short I believe?)
Thinking of shying away from Shadow mechs, as I know they aren't the most durable - my gf won't be particuarly hard on her bike, but not worth the risk of bending/snapping the mech in a small tumble IMO.
So looking at the non-shadow XT mech, new(ish) shape;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20698
However, it is a little pricey, so just wondering if there's anything out there which is just as good, but cheaper? How does SLX compare to XT? Or the older silver XT?
Thanks, Duane.
slx is the new xt.... sort of.
both work fine, just like the deore.
SLX GS mech will be fine, just a bit heavier than the XT I would guess
Can't get the SLX without Shadow though can you :/
Duane...
I've only ever run Shimano so can't compare with SRAM but I have run various combinations of Shadow and non-shadow, in medium and long cage, SLX and XT.
Cage Length:
For 22-36 double, I'd recommend a medium cage. This is what I currently run for 22-36 on my FS and it works better than the long cage that I had previously.
Shadow?:
If anything, I've found Shadow to stay smoother shifting for longer than non-shadow, but that's hardly scientific or conclusive.
SLX/XT:
I can't feel any difference in use. Choose your price point/bling factor as you see fit.
Thanks for the info.
Shadow may indeed be smoother, but surely it's not much use if it's hanging off at 45* ? Mates have had XT and SLX Shadows and both seemed very spindly around the hanger bolt, and the SLX bent quite badly quite easily.
Duane: I'm a full-time guide in the Alps and haven't seen any issues with shadow mechs, neither on my own nor on clients' bikes. Don't think there's any problem there.
As above - the XT shadow on my HT is tucked well out of harm's way. Numerous comedy falls and it remains unscathed.
I imagine if you [i]did[/i] snag it on something though it would be toast.