MTB rear derailleurs

MTB rear derailleurs

111 products

How to choose your mountain bike rear derailleur

Exposed to impacts and mud, the rear derailleur is a part that needs replacing regularly. Shimano (Deore, SLX, XT, XTR) and SRAM (GX, X01, XX) cover both mechanical and wireless options.

How do you check compatibility?

  • Number of speeds : it must exactly match the shifter (10, 11 or 12).
  • Brand : SRAM and Shimano use different cable pull ratios and are not interchangeable.
  • Maximum sprocket : the derailleur must accommodate the largest sprocket on your cassette (50, 51 or 52 teeth).
  • Mounting : conventional derailleur hanger, or direct mounting on the UDH standard UDH for SRAM Transmission.

Which cage for my riding style?

  • Medium cage (GS) : cross-country and trail, the most common.
  • Long cage (SGS) : large cassettes such as 10-51.
  • Short cage : downhill, where chain retention takes priority over range.

Mechanical or electronic?

  • Mechanical : reliable, affordable, adjustable without special tools.
  • Electronic (AXS, Di2) : consistent shifting under load, self-adjustment, cable-free, but more expensive and requires charging.
  • In both cases, a clutch (clutch) is essential for mountain biking to limit chain slap and noise.

To find out more: How to choose your mountain bike rear derailleur

See also: Mountain bike cassettes · MTB chains and quick links