Replacement for Shimano RD-M700, Deer Head (with "Super Plate System")
 

Hi Guys

I have a 1980's Miyata 1000 ... it has the Shimano Deerhead groupset with the Shimano RD-M700, Deore XT (with "Super Plate System") rear derailier

I think I need to replace the jockey wheels as the one on top has terrible squeeking .... If I add bike oil or even WD40, the noise goes away, but after a day or two it returns

Can I get replacement Jockey wheels? )I've searched the internet and can't seem to find a replacement set ...

I've also read that these derailiers are not so robust. .... Can you suggest a suitable replacement?

My wheelset is modern (HED Belgium Plus rims, with a Royce rear hub and 6 speed freewheel (14-28) .... Front hub is Son 28

I have bar end shifters (friction)

I'm planning on riding long tours on this bike and need something that will be trouble free

Try cleaning the wheels, and lubing them with grease, preferably the kind with moly content.

If the teeth on the jockey wheels are still in decent shape then just disassemble, clean, add a little grease to the bushing surfaces, and reassemble.

Well it has lasted 30 some years.

Looks like the lower pulley is a standard shimano item but the upper guide pully not so much.

https://si.shimano.com/pdfs/ev/EV-RD-M700-SP-0615B.pdf

Squeaking might be lubrication or it might be excessive wear (part 24, and the inner sleeve of part 22 in the diagram above). As stated above, if the teeth are ok, disassemble, clean, and inspect the upper wheel and bushings. If worn, and you want to keep this style, they are available on ebay. If wear is not bad, lube and reassemble.

To all: is there a go-to good rear derailleur for use with friction shifting for use in a replacement in such situations?

Thanks Guys .... I will go to my LBS and see if he can dismantle and service ... the problem is with the top wheel

For durability, reliability, serviceability, and period-correctness (ish): SunTour VGT Luxe. Bombproof enough that it was used on a lot of early mountain bikes.

You are correct- if that upper pulley fails on the SPS derailleur there's no replacing it. They were tough to source back then. There are a couple complete derailleurs on Ebay right now- $75 to $100 is the asking price.