Re: [RBW] Derailers that handle 36T cogs: shadow vs. non-shadow

[James Warren]

I've been breaking the rules. I have a 12-36 9 speed cassette on 4 bikes, and I know that none of them have Shadow derailleurs. I thought that some had Shimano products (newer XT or LX) that were specifically designated as for 36T, but I could be wrong on that. Either way, I know that two of the bikes use older XT's that are certainly not designated for 36T. Maybe only for 32!

On the Hunqapillar (the one with the oldest XT derailleur), I know I'm pushing it. When I put the bike in lowest gear and pedal backwards, there is some cog-bouncing. But when I pedal the bike in the lowest gear, it works fine. I've climbed a lot of stuff in that gear this past year, and so far so good. Knock on wood.

-Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Bronson
Sent: Oct 27, 2013 6:15 PM
To: "rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com"
Subject: [RBW] Derailers that handle 36T cogs: shadow vs. non-shadow

On the Rivendell site they list several derailers for sale that can accommodate the new(er) cassettes with the 36 tooth low gear.  The top of the line Deore XT is a Shadow derailer and is rated by Shimano for up to 36T.  The other three, two Shimano Deores and a Microshift, are non-Shadow, have published specs that state they only accommodate up to 34T.

Is this just one of these marketing designations that Grant talks about?  Is there any actual technical reason why the non-shadow derailers wouldn't work with a 36T cassette sprocket?  

Is it one of these situations to where Shimano is trying to save ham-fisted operators from themselves and all it really takes to make them operate properly is the good sense to not cross-chain?

I am inclined to trust Grant and staff at Rivendell on this.  However, I am curious to see who else out there is running one of the 36T cassettes with a non-shadow derailer, Rivendell or otherwise.

I can offer one non-Rivendell datapoint for the Shadow derailer not working.  I bought a "Shimano Deore M592 SGS Shadow Long Cage 9-speed Rear Derailleur Black" for my 1993 Burley tandem that I recently acquired, for the sole purpose of supporting the Shimano HG61 12-36T cassette (that Rivendell sells...)  When installed, I discovered that there was interference between the derailer and the chain in several cogs on the casette.  The pictures that are online don't really adequately show how high the derailer will orient when installed on a bike like mine.  So, buyer beware.

I'm thinking of installing the M592 on my Rivendell just to see if it has the same problems that the tandem does with it.  I guess it all depends on the design of the derailer hanger.

--
Keep the metal side up and the rubber side down!

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