Quick Q. Shadow or traditional 9spd rear mech?

[I like Skol]

Hi everybody.

Finally began the upgrades I talked about HERE quite a while ago and ordering bits today.

I currently have 9spd SLX shadow rear mech M662 that I have never really been happy with. I know this will do for my 9spd 11-34 cassette but I want XT.

Should I get trad mech M771 or shadow M772

I am leaning towards the trad type but looking at the 2 side by side on my bikes the shadow is damn slim (although does look slightly awkward/twisted IMO) and if they do perform the same you can't argue with te fact that the shadow version is much less likely to snag on trail side objects.

Your opinions/advice appreciated as always, Skol

 

[I like Skol]

Just want to add my feelings for not liking the shadow option.

I feel they are not as crisp and slick as the traditional type and also suspect they are not as durable (or are affected more by the same amount of wear due to the odd geometry).

 

[dan_bo]

I fink the trad mechs look better. And more durable.

Although you just know XT won't die 'till you chin it good and proper.

 

[VamP]

Can't compare the two, but my Shadow 9 speed is really slick - easily comparable to road Ultegra, and I haven't noticed any unusual wear. Not sure that helped, actually.

Lighter too

 

[Crackle]

Interesting , I'm just looking at rear mechs and was going for a shadow. I thought they were meant to be narrower so as not to catch as easily.

 

[I like Skol]

Interesting , I'm just looking at rear mechs and was going for a shadow. I thought they were meant to be narrower so as not to catch as easily.

You have raised a point that has made me think actually. WHY are there 2 options? If shadow is lighter, slimmer and performs the same or better, then why would a groupset not just contain the shadow version and leave the traditional type to the lower end groups to further increase the upgrade desirability of the higher end stuff as Shimano always do?

And why hasn't shadow been introduced to road groupsets with claims of weight and aero advantages?

There must be a downside they aren't telling us about!?!? **Insert conspiracy theory here**

 

[Crackle]

You have raised a point that has made me think actually. WHY are there 2 options? If shadow is lighter, slimmer and performs the same or better, then why would a groupset not just contain the shadow version and leave the traditional type to the lower end groups to further increase the upgrade desirability of the higher end stuff as Shimano always do?

And why hasn't shadow been introduced to road groupsets with claims of weight and aero advantages?

There must be a downside they aren't telling us about!?!? **Insert conspiracy theory here**

I think there is. I read some bumf about people not knowing much about bikes but they can all, apparently, identify if it's got a good dérailleur. So even crappy mtn bikes carry a Shadow rear, even if the rest is crap. There's probably something in that.

 

[I like Skol]

I think there is. I read some bumf about people not knowing much about bikes but they can all, apparently, identify if it's got a good dérailleur. So even crappy mtn bikes carry a Shadow rear, even if the rest is crap. There's probably something in that.

OK, so why are they still offering Trad and Shadow options? Is this like the full-suss BSO syndrome where people buy full suss 'coz it must be good' while those in the know go hardtail? Does Shadow pull in the punters while connoisseurs know the old style are best?

 

[I like Skol]

Damn it! This is torture. Every time I make up my mind and go to order it I start to waiver and wonder if I am making the right choice.

The old fashioned mech is XT and bombproof right? Personal experience has shown the design to be as good as it gets, in fact, the lower spec Deore rear mech on my hybrid has done 7.5k of commuting in all weathers with just a single clean and jockey wheel re-lube and still shifts as good as the day it was made.

On the other hand, the Shadow is lighter, slimmer, has better cable routing, is cheaper, is supposed to be less prone to slapping against the chainstay when the going gets rough (and I do like to jump off things and hurtle down rocky mountainsides at ludicrous speeds) and is XT so barring accidental damage it should last a lifetime? The choice should be a no-brainer.

The problem is that ever since I tried the Shadow variety (SLX M662) I have been plagued by poor shifting. I can't definitely say this is due to the mech but all the likely suspects have been eliminated (new shifters, new cables, hanger alignment etc). The only possible cause for the poor shifting might be that Shadow mechs appear to have a minimum cassette size of 11-32 and I have been running 11-28 but surely once you are down from the 32 to the other gears that doesn't matter anyway and I am swapping to 11-34 in the new set-up.

Final consideration, the old style mech just looks 'right' and has a black jockey wheel cage which I prefer (I never knew I was such a image conscious tart!)

Somebody PLEASE give me the definitive 'get this one because.....' statement so I can stop dithering.

 

[lukesdad]

The shadow has one less spring but one extra pivot point,the cage spring is supposedly stronger. I run both on different bikes the traditional one for umpteen years scratches and scrapes all over it and still works fine. The shadow for about 3 years no scratches and scrapes still works fine. Could be just me but the shadow doesn't feel as crisp now as it did, having said that if some one swapped them over and din't tell would I know the difference? Hmm probably not. So in conclusion the traditional is probably more robust in the long term ,the shadow is probably slicker in the short term. I think i'd go for traditional next time.

Probably....

 

[I like Skol]

Thanks LD. Trad M771 ordered.

I fully intend to be using this bike/mech for a further 10-15 years so longevity wins the argument. I hate having to continually tinker to get a good shift.

 

[byegad]

Right choice, it's the KISS principle for me whenever I can.

 

[I like Skol]

Woohoo

Bits have started to arrive already. My first order placed yesterday at CRC and just been delivered.

(I've been ordering in small lumps and getting £10 off each £75 order. It works multiple times apparently)

 

[I like Skol]

it's the KISS principle

What is the KISS principle?

 

[byegad]

Keep It Simple Stupid.

Not me insulting you, but the name of the principle.