Clutch on GRX derailleur
11-03-21, 05:42 PM
#1
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Clutch on GRX derailleur
Hello,
I have a 2021 Jamis Renegade. I just noticed that there is this clutch lever on the derailleur to turn on/off the clutch.
I see that I should turn the clutch off to remove the rear wheel.
Is there any reasons to ever ride with the clutch off?
Thanks for any insight.
I have a 2021 Jamis Renegade. I just noticed that there is this clutch lever on the derailleur to turn on/off the clutch.
I see that I should turn the clutch off to remove the rear wheel.
Is there any reasons to ever ride with the clutch off?
Thanks for any insight.
11-03-21, 05:50 PM
#2
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Except for when I need to remove the rear wheel, I never turn mine off.
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11-03-21, 06:50 PM
#4
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Shifting feels heavier/harder with the clutch on. If this difference is noticable and negative for you, then maybe turning g the clutch off is good for some riding for you.
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/01/do-c...rain-friction/
It isnt less efficient to keep the clutch on.
For me, I bet I benefit from the clutch on 5% of my riding.
If I do a 60/40 ride with gravel majority, I don't need the clutch for any of thr paved riding and any time I am pedaling on the gravel. Basically, it's beneficial on gravel downhill segments where I coast.
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/01/do-c...rain-friction/
It isnt less efficient to keep the clutch on.
For me, I bet I benefit from the clutch on 5% of my riding.
If I do a 60/40 ride with gravel majority, I don't need the clutch for any of thr paved riding and any time I am pedaling on the gravel. Basically, it's beneficial on gravel downhill segments where I coast.
11-03-21, 08:30 PM
#5
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I keep the clutch off unless I will be riding on really rough roads. I just know I would forget it was on when I needed to remove the wheel. The clutch does it job when riding on the rough stuff.
11-03-21, 10:10 PM
#6
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The real question that may help you answer the question for yourself is, do you understand what the clutch does?
I never turn the clutch off on any of my bikes, as I don't see it being that much of a problem when its on.
I never turn the clutch off on any of my bikes, as I don't see it being that much of a problem when its on.
11-04-21, 12:10 AM
#7
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Same....sometimes I forget to re-engage it when I put thew wheel back on, and then my chain reminds me when I get to the ruff stuff. No reason to ever ride with it disengaged, unless you only ride "smooth" asphalt/tarmac.
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11-04-21, 06:01 AM
#8
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My first clutch derailleur was a Shimano XT 1x11 on my hardtail mountain bike. During the first two years of its use, I kept getting debris (mostly twigs, branches and leaves) jammed in the derailleur which resulted in the derailleur getting torn off. I had never ripped off a rear derailleur in my previous three decades of mountain biking. Now, I possess no technical knowledge to back this up, but I was convinced that with the clutch "on," it prevented the derailleur from springing back and spitting out the debris, or at least giving me the opportunity to stop and remove it. I also could feel more friction when pedaling with the clutch on. I now leave the clutch "off" all the time on the mountain bike.
I have two gravel bikes with GRX rear derailleurs. I have not noticed the added friction with the clutch on, like I did with the mountain bike group. I do a lot of bushwhacking with my gravel bikes, which sometimes involves trails with deep leaves, twigs and branches. So, I leave the clutch "off," just in case my theory about endangering the rear derailleur is correct. I really don't notice any difference in performance with either setting.
I understand the need for the clutch with full suspension bikes where the effective chain stay length is constantly changing, but is it really necessary on a bike without suspension? I ride a lot of rough stuff with my gravel bikes, but I never really notice any chain slap. (Probably because I'm an old fat guy and don't go fast enough!)
Maybe someone with actual bike knowledge can comment on my half-assed theory.
I have two gravel bikes with GRX rear derailleurs. I have not noticed the added friction with the clutch on, like I did with the mountain bike group. I do a lot of bushwhacking with my gravel bikes, which sometimes involves trails with deep leaves, twigs and branches. So, I leave the clutch "off," just in case my theory about endangering the rear derailleur is correct. I really don't notice any difference in performance with either setting.
I understand the need for the clutch with full suspension bikes where the effective chain stay length is constantly changing, but is it really necessary on a bike without suspension? I ride a lot of rough stuff with my gravel bikes, but I never really notice any chain slap. (Probably because I'm an old fat guy and don't go fast enough!)
Maybe someone with actual bike knowledge can comment on my half-assed theory.
11-04-21, 10:31 AM
#9
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Dont forget that the clutch is adjustable by removing the plastic cover.
11-04-21, 10:42 AM
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I usually road ride to trails and prefer the clutch off since shifting is a bit smoother. When I arrive to the trails I turn it on.
11-04-21, 12:27 PM
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In terms of shifting performance, feel, noise level, etc I notice a little difference when the bike is in the stand. It's noisier and the shifting is a little heavier with the clutch "on" vs "off". When I'm out riding I can't tell any difference. I leave it "on" all the time (unless I forget).
I understand the need for the clutch with full suspension bikes where the effective chain stay length is constantly changing, but is it really necessary on a bike without suspension? I ride a lot of rough stuff with my gravel bikes, but I never really notice any chain slap. (Probably because I'm an old fat guy and don't go fast enough!)
A clutched RD also helps prevent chain drops. This is more important on a 1x setup, especially without a chain catcher. If you're running 2x with a FD, it's less of an issue.
I understand the need for the clutch with full suspension bikes where the effective chain stay length is constantly changing, but is it really necessary on a bike without suspension? I ride a lot of rough stuff with my gravel bikes, but I never really notice any chain slap. (Probably because I'm an old fat guy and don't go fast enough!)
11-04-21, 02:44 PM
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11-04-21, 03:08 PM
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If I forget to turn on the clutch on my fat bike the chain slap on the chainstay is astonishing, and the chain will eventually jump off the chainring in the front.
11-05-21, 08:45 PM
#14
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I turn the clutch off when I'm on the road, but keep it on when on gravel of any sort
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