I have an XT (non-clutch) on my 2x10 FS and it is OK.

I have a Zee on my 1x10 HT and it is brilliant. I'm debating just going 1x10 on my FS just so I can have another Zee mech.

The Zee mech is basically a shortcage SLX. It isn't that heavy and it isn't strong like a Saint. But it is great for 1x10.

I have a Zee on my Mega and it's great - but the short cage limits the chain capacity so is 1x10 only.

Setting it up for the big sprocket and accommodates chain growth means there is slack on the 11t so I could do with dropping a link. However, if I do this I'd need to make sure I don't use more than 2/3 travel in 36t or it would be over tight. Not that likely but better safe than sorry. Temped to go for a SLX+ to handle this combo of capacity and chain growth. If your frame has less chain growth you'd be OK.

XT gets proper jockey wheels not the bushing things in Zee and SLX.

I've got an SLX, a couple of XTs and a Saint now, they're all really bloomin good. I was looking at Zee but then everyone I know that's bought one has had it explode without too much abuse (and Shimano seem to be warrantying them, surprisingly, which kinda suggests there's an issue there). Mind you it could just be that people have excessive expectations of them.

Thanks all. What is the actual difference between "proper" jockey wheels and ones with bushings? Marginally less resistance?

I was looking at Zee but then everyone I know that's bought one has had it explode without too much abuse (and Shimano seem to be warrantying them, surprisingly, which kinda suggests there's an issue there).

I think there must have been a fault with an early manufacturing run - when my first one imploded I was literally just riding along.

As far as I can tell, the benefit of 'proper' jockey wheels is that the bearings seize if you leave them wet and unused for too long (like after breaking your ankle in the snow) and then when you come to replace them they cost almost as much as a whole mech!

XT gets proper jockey wheels not the bushing things in Zee and SLX.

Which in mine (early adopter from Germany) had all sorts of issues with the bearings pushing through the jockey wheel causing it to run off centre and chain to fall off and jam between jockey and cage (hard to explain without pics but Madison offered to warranty it)
I swopped them for cheapish alloy ones from eBay and all fine since
If I have to replace it would go SLX shadow+, med cage (2x10) don't see point of paying extra for XT when SLX is so good

Duane, you still living local to me?

I have a Zee on my Mega ... Setting it up for the big sprocket and accommodates chain growth means there is slack on the 11t so I could do with dropping a link.

I had the exact same issue setting up a Zee mech + 11-36 cassette on my Mega but got it tensioned nicely in all gears by setting the B-tension screw so that the upper jockey wheel runs a little further away from the 36t than it's supposed to. No issues, love it.

The alternative is to drop a link like you say, but if I did that then bottoming out the travel while in the 36t (and possibly the 34t) would definitely break something so I'm taking no chances.

XT -money to burn
Zee*-if you have the patience to wait for one
SLX-for mere mortals...

*pronounced ZED in the United Kingdom, the BIRTHPLACE of the English language

Duane... - Member

Thanks all. What is the actual difference between "proper" jockey wheels and ones with bushings? Marginally less resistance?

Lifespan basically, I've always found the bushings wear out long before the teeth do. I've stuck an SLX on the bike that gets ridden least but I wouldn't have one on the main bikes personally.

blimey there's a whole load of different types now isn't there! i've been running the same XTR 9 speed for the last 15 years or so.

Might have to look at a new one though soon and i can tell it's going to be a minefield! ebay for an old one for me i think

Cheers all. Think I'll go for an SLX. Never had jockey wheel bushing wear out/seize.

Iain, I am, but only for another week and a bit, then my placement finishes and I head back to N. Wales.

a PSA for you then mate; Merlin just got the medium cage SLX clutch mechs back in stock today, 42 quid post paid. they're the cheapest i can find for them...

Thanks, is that cheaper than the German shops too?

bike-discount.de currently shows £44.16 plus postage, so yeah it would appear so!

Sorry, quick hijack.......those slx medium cage on merlin, im going 1 x 10 and from reading posts on here gathered 1 x 10 is best with a short cage? Or does it not really matter with clutch mech?