Which is better SS or GS?

For your particular gearing range (50/34 compact double and 12-25 cassette), an SS will work. GS is for wider gearing ranges that will result in more chain slack when the drivetrain is crosschained small-small, like on triples or if you are running a very large cassette on a double.

What is the difference between SS and GS?

The difference between SS and GS is technically as follows. To make it easy to remember, SS (short cage) is compatible with cross ratio road sprockets, while GS (medium cage) is compatible with wide ratio sprockets. Cross ratios, wide ratios, the world of gear ratios is a deep one.

What does SS mean on rear derailleur?

Shimano categorizes its rear derailleurs into three tiers depending on the cage length, and they're denoted by the suffix on the model number. “-SS” refers to the short-cage versions, with a maximum chain capacity of 33T or less. These are usually the domain of road bikes.

Do I need a short or medium cage derailleur?

It's generally best to go for as short a derailleur cage as you can get away with, as long as you can avoid the chain contorting on the extremes of the cassette, such as using the largest on both sprocket and chainring. Smaller cages tend to have snappier gear changes, they're lighter, and also less exposed to damage.

How do I choose a derailleur?

When buying a new rear derailleur be sure to match it with your drivetrain 'speed'. 10-speed drivetrains use narrower chains than 9-speed so you'll need a mech to match. Most rear mechs are made of a polymer and alloy mix but you'll find carbon fibre in top-end models to shave even more weight.

Will 9-speed derailleur work with 8 speed cassette?

Condensed answer: 8 and 9-speed derailleurs have the same rear shift ratio but only when both models are made either by Shimano or SRAM. In consequence, a 9-speed derailleur can work just fine with an 8-speed cassette produced by the same brand.

Can I change derailleur cage length?

Its not just the tooth capacity, the maximum sprocket size the derailleur is rated for can also change with the cage size in the same product line (i.e. they're not just changing the cage), with the maximum sprocket size going up with cage length.

Are all derailleurs the same?

A derailleur for your mountain bike should match the specifications on the original derailleur. That is, while it doesn't need to be the same model of derailleur, it does need to be the same brand, in almost every case. It also needs to match the number of gears, or have more intended.

What does Shimano SGS mean?

Shimano MTB rear derailleurs last letters will be GS or SGS, which stand for "Short cage" or SGS for long cage. A XTR rear derailleur will be RD-M970-GS (for short cage) or RD-M970-SGS (for long cage)

Can you change the cage on a rear derailleur?

Yes, it is possible to convert your Ultegra SS rear derailleur to a GS rear derailleur. We have done this switch in my shop to get a wider gear range on a new Dura-Ace Di2-equipped bicycle, by switching parts between Ultegra and Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleurs.

Can you make a short cage derailleur into a long cage?

Yes, if the derailleurs are the same model, and you can get all the parts, (which isn't usually a straightforward process) youcan convert from short cage to long cage. That's assuming that the rest of the derailleur is constructed the same way, which is not guaranteed.

What is a derailleur cage?

The derailleur cage is a swinging link, with two pulleys. As the chain moves between different size sprockets (front and rear), the amount of chain required changes. The derailleur cage picks up this slack.

What is the difference between long cage and medium cage derailleur?

If you are in-between the capacity ranges of the two, which is often the case with mountain bikes, then note the following: long cage derailleurs will accommodate a wider gear range and deliver a better chain line, while medium cage derailleurs are less likely to be hit by rocks on the trail.

How do I know if I have a long cage or short cage?

In addition, the difference between the long, medium, and short derailleurs is the length of the cage. The cage is those 2 idler wheels on the rear derailleur. In a short derailleur, the idler wheels are closer to together while a long derailleur they are further apart.

Can I use a 10 speed shifter with a 8 speed cassette?

A 10 speed chain should work on an 8-speed drivetrain. if you want 10 speeds, you will need a 10 speed-specific chain, cassette, derailleur and shifter (and a new cable while you're at it).

Can I change my 8 speed to a 9 speed?

Since the 8-speed sprocket and the 9-speed sprocket are the exact same size, it is possible to convert to 9-speed without changing the wheel. Simply remove the current 8-speed cassette sprocket and replace it with a 9-speed cassette sprocket to convert to 9-speed.

Are SRAM and Shimano 9 speed cassettes interchangeable?

In some cases, it is possible to run a cassette from a different brand than the rest of your drivetrain. SRAM and Shimano cassettes, on either road or mountain bike, are interchangeable with each other as the spacing is the same between the sprockets.

Is SRAM compatible with Shimano?

SRAM's cassettes and chains are compatible with all of Shimano's groupsets, and vice versa. Likewise, Shimano and SRAM buyers have the freedom to mix different levels of chains and cassettes so long as they are designed for the same kind of transmission.

Can I use a 7 speed derailleur on an 8 speed cassette?

8 speed shifter and cassette, 7 speed derailleur? You'll be fine. There's no "probably" about it. 6-, 7- and 8-speed gear is all cross-compatible in terms of chain width.

Do you need a front derailleur?

Are Front Derailleurs Necessary? These days front derailleurs are essentially not necessary, on mountain bikes at least. Now even high-end road bikes are starting to lose their front derailleurs. With a larger rear cassette, it's possible to get the same number of gears without the need for a front derailleur.

How do you change a SRAM derailleur cage?

How to Replace a SRAM Eagle Derailleur Cage

1. Remove the SRAM Eagle derailleur from your bike. ...
2. Unscrew the SRAM Eagle derailleur cage from the clutch assembly. ...
3. Get your new inner cage plate and remove the keeper bolt.
4. Screw the new cage plate back into the clutch assembly. ...
5. Reset the Eagle derailleur cage clutch spring.