Use old XT derailleurs
04-09-21, 06:26 AM
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Use old XT derailleurs
Hello all,
New to this forum but glad I found it. I just bought myself a new bike to use when I ride around with my kids. It's a GT aggressor Pro and it has some components on it that i would say are bottom of the line quality. I believe the rear derailleur is shift 21. I'm a little older now at 42 and although I do have a downhill bike that I've possessed for quite a long time, the days of hurdling myself off of things are looking gone. I bought it back in 2006. It's a brody Diablo and it has full XT gear set on it. I know that derailers have changed in some respects quite a lot over the years with new technologies. However basic derailleur technology seems to have stayed the same. I'll never use the Diablo to rip around town, as It's a full suspension bike and the rear shock doesn't dampen in a way that's conducive to road riding. And the bike weighs a ton lol. Would I be better served to put the XT derailers and shifters on my GT bike? I've kept the bike in really good condition over the years and they still work perfectly and shift great every time. Just not sure if the new derailleur is just as good with in terms of reliability. Especially given that the XT set is now 15 years old.
Thanks for any feedback
New to this forum but glad I found it. I just bought myself a new bike to use when I ride around with my kids. It's a GT aggressor Pro and it has some components on it that i would say are bottom of the line quality. I believe the rear derailleur is shift 21. I'm a little older now at 42 and although I do have a downhill bike that I've possessed for quite a long time, the days of hurdling myself off of things are looking gone. I bought it back in 2006. It's a brody Diablo and it has full XT gear set on it. I know that derailers have changed in some respects quite a lot over the years with new technologies. However basic derailleur technology seems to have stayed the same. I'll never use the Diablo to rip around town, as It's a full suspension bike and the rear shock doesn't dampen in a way that's conducive to road riding. And the bike weighs a ton lol. Would I be better served to put the XT derailers and shifters on my GT bike? I've kept the bike in really good condition over the years and they still work perfectly and shift great every time. Just not sure if the new derailleur is just as good with in terms of reliability. Especially given that the XT set is now 15 years old.
Thanks for any feedback
04-09-21, 06:49 AM
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Welcome! Robbing parts from one bike to use on another is a find old tradition but make sure you don't leave one bike incomplete and therefore inop. That can cascade into making your entire life fall apart.
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04-09-21, 07:03 AM
#3
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What do you mean by derailleur reliability? Does the bike not shift? drops a chain? skips? These can be handled by normal maintenance and taking up cable stretch in the drivetrain components.
Keep the old bike as is. Go 1x and clutch on the GT, at a minimum Deore or SLX/XT/XTR based on your budget. Or Microshift Advent or Box Prime 9 can be had. Add a narrow wide chainring suitable for your crankset.
Keep the old bike as is. Go 1x and clutch on the GT, at a minimum Deore or SLX/XT/XTR based on your budget. Or Microshift Advent or Box Prime 9 can be had. Add a narrow wide chainring suitable for your crankset.
04-09-21, 07:38 AM
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Sure you can. In 2006 Shimano was still using 9 speed systems. The cable pull is the same as your Shimano 7 speed; SRAM always used a different pull/derailleur actuation. Old XT is infinitely better than any Tourney or ???
The other half of this that one day you may upgrade your Brody, if you feel it is worth it, from a 9 speed to a 1x11 and those XT derailleurs will get tossed in a parts bin.
John
Edit added: And at 42, what are the chances you will ever ride a downhill bike with 26in wheels? Or anyone else?
The other half of this that one day you may upgrade your Brody, if you feel it is worth it, from a 9 speed to a 1x11 and those XT derailleurs will get tossed in a parts bin.
John
Edit added: And at 42, what are the chances you will ever ride a downhill bike with 26in wheels? Or anyone else?
Last edited by 70sSanO; 04-09-21 at 07:52 AM.
04-09-21, 09:59 AM
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Clark W. Griswold
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Old XT is excellent and bomb proof. I highly recommend it and really wish I could find a stockpile of these. I would be so happy, they work just fine for 9 speed or below and could probably friction shift 10 speeds pretty easily and while not the prettiest derailleur they are supremely functional and I think look pretty swell considering.
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