Silly Long Cage vs. Short Cage Q.
03-25-19, 12:14 PM
#26
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One thing not mentioned thus far is chain tension. A derailleur is levers & springs afterall.
A both short & long cage deraillers of the same make very likely have the same springs. The one with the shorter lever (cage) will have more leverage, so will hold the chain under higher tension. The one with the longer cage will have less leverage and will hold the chain with less tension. With high capacity derailleurs (read 47 tooth capacity XT/XTR and the like) this absence *can* be a source of concern in rough terrain. ("But the shifting is so effortless!") That's why the innovation of a clutch is sometimes used.
OP: The others are right. There is little wrong with having more capacity than needed, but too little can have catastrophic effects. Bent & broken bike parts & acellerated wear. The risk of chain slap on the chain stay or inconsistant gear hopping on rough terrain when you don't ride on rough terrain is hardly worth the trouble when you don't ride in those conditions. Save your money, your set up is ideal.
A both short & long cage deraillers of the same make very likely have the same springs. The one with the shorter lever (cage) will have more leverage, so will hold the chain under higher tension. The one with the longer cage will have less leverage and will hold the chain with less tension. With high capacity derailleurs (read 47 tooth capacity XT/XTR and the like) this absence *can* be a source of concern in rough terrain. ("But the shifting is so effortless!") That's why the innovation of a clutch is sometimes used.
OP: The others are right. There is little wrong with having more capacity than needed, but too little can have catastrophic effects. Bent & broken bike parts & acellerated wear. The risk of chain slap on the chain stay or inconsistant gear hopping on rough terrain when you don't ride on rough terrain is hardly worth the trouble when you don't ride in those conditions. Save your money, your set up is ideal.
