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 Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
Here is a newbie question

I am thinking about upgrading my deraileur. There are apparently a long cage and a short cage configueration. Why the difference? Are they for different setups or is it a performance preference issue?
I currently have 8 speed in the back. Does it matter which one I use?

Thanks.
Posted by JW a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek Fuel 80 from El Monte on 06/17/05


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  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
    Theoretically, there should be quicker shifting with a shorter cage, as well as the fact that you have less capability to run a longer chain, hence, limiting the "range" of gearing that you have. For example, if you are running a 44 tooth front ring, and a 34 in back, (being the largest cog, front and back), then you would want to have a long cage derailleur, to allow for the off chance that you run that combo.

    If you're not sure, then run the long cage. It gives you the most flexibility. Personally, I have never noticed the difference when switching from long cage to short cage, relative to the quickness in shifting.


    Posted by BrahMa riding a 4 Year old Prototype 6 Pack on 06/17/05


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    •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
      Thanks.
      I currently have a Shimano Deore and as I mentioned, I have 8 speed in the back. Would you recommend the XT line, or would you go with the SRAM products?
      Posted by JW a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider on 06/20/05

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      •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
        I'm no expert on SRAM products, but I believe that they have a different throw to them, so if you have Shimano shifters, the SRAM derailleur would not be compatible. To be safe, I'd simply go with XT. Relatively cheap, reliable, and bombproof.

        Posted by BrahMa riding a 4 Year old Prototype 6 Pack on 06/20/05

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        •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
          Thanks for the advice.
          Posted by JW a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider on 06/20/05

          Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)

  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
    Try here for a little more information.

    http://www.stanford.edu/~dru/triplecheat.html

    Sheldon Brown's website explains the difference as well.


    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears.html


    Good luck!
    Posted by MC a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Fisher Montare from Altadena on 06/20/05


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  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage
    Short Cage, definitely.
    Posted by JasonLee a 28 year old Weekend Warrior from Chatsworth on 03/03/06

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  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
    At this very moment the spam assault is going on.
    Posted by Coke Eyes on 03/06/06

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  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
    Short Cage, Short Cage, Short Cage!!!
    Posted by JasonLee a 28 year old Weekend Warrior from Chatsworth on 03/07/06

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  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
    SHORT CAGE!!
    Posted by JasonLee a 28 year old Weekend Warrior from Chatsworth on 03/07/06

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  •  Re: SPAM
    'cause one can isn't enough!
    Posted by Macrider a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VP Free, Turner RFX, XCE & Evil D.O.C. from LA on 03/07/06

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  •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
    Stupid fawking Spammers. Them and pop-up-ad-writers should have a 19" CRT punched down on their melons. Listen, we don't need no fawking Viagra or penis-hardening pills you stupid a-holes. This is a mountain bike website (or it used to be the last time I checked). You're not advertising to a bunch of flabby, cheeto's eating typical consumer here. In fact we do so much riding that we have trouble keeping it down, much less getting it up. Our cardio ability means we can pound in the long run, far farther than you little weasely spam-writers. So GTFOH (in case you don't know, means Get-the-fawk-outta-here!).
    Posted by STP a 45 year old Racer riding a K2 Razorpiggie from P'Dale on 03/07/06

    Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)

    •  Re: Rear Deraileur - Long Cage? Short Cage?
      Some zoloft for you ?
      Posted by Coke Eyes a Die-hard Enthusiast on 03/11/06

      Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)

  •  Re: discount spam
    might be old?
    Posted by Macrider a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VP Free, Turner RFX, XCE & Evil D.O.C. from LA on 03/07/06

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