Shimano Deore XT - Rear Derailleur Rapid Rise: The new for 2008 Shimano Shadow Rear Derailleur places priority on a low profile design and less body movement for riders that are at home on extreme technical trails...
Submitted by
MTNdeu22
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN US
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2011
Strengths: Smooth shifting, light, easily tuned.
Weaknesses: $$$, reverse shifting
Bottom Line:
Overall this product works very well. Took a couple of rides to get used to the reverse shifting but not a big deal. It always shifts smooth and requires a little tuning here and there but if you can turn a wrench no biggie. NOt work over 50 bucks or so, if you can't score one cheap used just go XT.
Bike Setup: Rocky Mountain Trailhead, XCR LO forks, Time ATAC pedals, its a work in progress.
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Submitted by
jeff farrell
a Cross Country Rider
from tucson,az,usa
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2011
Strengths: Extra smooth. Rapid rise is the only way to go for me now. Shifts perfectly climbing hard or unexpected
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
I found this derailleur for a steal at a used bike co-op. However, I would pay full-price after installing it on my bike. Next build, I'm going with a xtr goupset. I'm totally convinced. The rapid rise should be the standard for trail riding. Love it.
Bike Setup: Gary Fisher Montare EX small frame 29. Rigid. Thudbuster seat post. Race Face Cranks. Rhythm Comp wheelset. Egg Beaters. Avid juicy 3.5.
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Submitted by
Fixed
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2011
Strengths: Shifts quickly when climbing
Weaknesses: It's normal.
Bottom Line:
There is really only one feature about this RD that is different, the Rapid Rise feature. It allows you to very quickly, and certainly, shift to larger cogs (lower gearing) while climbing. Just punch the thumb trigger as quickly as you need, and downshifts (to easier gears) are lightening fast. I notice the benefit most when transitioning quickly from a less steep section to a steeper section, or hit some terrain that is more difficult and start slowing rapidly. Never stuck missing a downshift or stuck in a taller gear than needed.
Other than that, it's just like every other rear derailleur. It will function only as well as it is set up. The difference is that a set up that is off (primarily cable tension) will affect only up shifts (smaller cogs), not down shifts, in my experience.
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord,NC USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008
Strengths: Easy to set up. Seems like it will last forever.
Weaknesses: Can be pricey.
Bottom Line:
I bought this XTR rapid rise used for about $40. I coupled it with some old Scram grip shifters. It stays in adjustment and has never ghost shifted on me. I do my own work.With it I'm confident to stand on the pedals and down shift as needed. As with any nine speed the adjustments to keep it in tune are small. You have to be adaptable to shifting backward.I think XTR is overrated and too expensive. When I replace this unit it will be XT or another used XTR.
Similar Products Used: LX,XT and other lower grade Shimano
Bike Setup: 2004 Superlight,Marzocchi MX Comp fork, mechanical Avid disc,various wheel and tire combinations
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Submitted by
Brett Fisher
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2008
Strengths: Light.
Weaknesses: Using with rapid fire finger shifter sucked being backwards. Did not want to get the 32t gear. Slow shifting to larger tooth cogs. Felt like I could never get enough tension in it.
Bottom Line:
Never liked it and at the time I got the bike there were no XTR 'normal' spring type derailleurs. Maybe it worked better with their brake/shifter combo. I just changed to a new normal XTR shadow and it rocks!
Weaknesses: None after the first 2 rides. Once you've got used to rapid rise, you're hooked
Bottom Line:
Rapid rise is the way forward if you _ever_ hit an unexpected uphill. That must be anyone who's not doing 100% DH. Try it and you'll be converted. (I've given it 4 Chilis for value because now you can get rapid rise in XT). Apart from that, it's as precise and smooth as you'd expect from XTR.
Submitted by
Tim Avery
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007
Strengths: Few
Weaknesses: Very hard to keep adjusted
Bottom Line:
Probably works good on gravel paths and sidewalks
The Rapid Rise derailleur is way too hard to keep in tune and out on the trail the last thing you want is 10 miles in to have your chain bouncing up and down the cluster. End game: don't buy this derailleur.
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Wiblraham
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Strengths: Great looks, strong design. Makes my Cannodale Scapel run like it should.........
Weaknesses: None as of yet
Bottom Line:
Well what can I say. After destroying 2 XTR older models on the trails I was lucky enough to get the new 2007 XTR rapid rise. I'll tell you what, the bike has never been dialed in this good in a long time. Just hope this continues.....
Submitted by
hcampian
a Cross Country Rider
from Romania
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2007
Strengths: impressive shifting, gorgeous looks
Weaknesses: too beautiful to pack it with mud
Bottom Line:
this review is for the 2007 model. It's so beautiful and it shifts like nothing I've tried before. It shifts perfectly even when running 20mph over rock garden. The SGS (rapid rise feature) is very usefull if you are serious about climbing. Much better then the SRAMs, possibilly because of the rapid rise. I've tried X0 and, even if it's a gorgeous derailleur, I prefer the XTR, it seems smoother. I use the XTR with SRAM Attack triggers (best ever shifter system).
Similar Products Used: SRAM X9, SX5, Shimano Alivio, XT
Bike Setup: B1 Rockbumble
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, Ct
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007
Strengths: very light, clean shifting, easy to set up, shifts under a lot of power, looks cool
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
i was a bit hesitant getting the rapid rise at first, but im glad i did. this baby shifts very smoothly, even under load. i like the glossy pewter color too. sealed bearings in the pulleys make me feel better also. set up is quite easy and there is no barrel adjuster to worry about. i just hooked mine up, did the basic gear adjustments, and rode away. its seems to compensate automatically for cable stretch b/c i have not had to adjust it since i bought it [about 2 1/2 months ago] and i ride frequently.
4 chilis for value b/c i think even for the great performance, its a bit pricey
5 chilis overall b/c it is THE BEST derailleur ever
Bike Setup: 2007 Specialized Epic, Rock Shox Reba team, LX dual control levers with hydro discs, '07 LX cranks, race face diablous BB cups, XTR rear mech, easton monkeylite carbon riser, mavic x223 wheelset w/ IRC mibro treads
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, Ct
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007
Strengths: very light, clean shifting, easy to set up, shifts under a lot of power, looks cool
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
i was a bit hesitant getting the rapid rise at first, but im glad i did. this baby shifts very smoothly, even under load. i like the glossy pewter color too. sealed bearings in the pulleys make me feel better also. set up is quite easy and there is no barrel adjuster to worry about. i just hooked mine up, did the basic gear adjustments, and rode away. its seems to compensate automatically for cable stretch b/c i have not had to adjust it since i bought it [about 2 1/2 months ago] and i ride frequently.
4 chilis for value b/c i think even for the great performance, its a bit pricey
5 chilis overall b/c it is THE BEST derailleur ever
Similar Products Used: campy record and super record (campy record, 1978 died in 1996) (campy super record, 1987 to present, still going strong, but getting a little slopy.
Strengths: Great efficiency, low weight, very tuneable, i love rapid rise.
Weaknesses: other non rapid rise people cant use it.
Bottom Line:
This thing rocks, once i got it adjusted properly and the stops set correctly it was no problem. i love this thing, being able to bear loads and ad loads while going uphill. buy this thing if you count grams, dont if you dont have enough money.
Strengths: Great efficiency, low weight, very tuneable, i love rapid rise.
Weaknesses: other non rapid rise people cant use it.
Bottom Line:
This thing rocks, once i got it adjusted properly and the stops set correctly it was no problem. i love this thing, being able to bear loads and ad loads while going uphill. buy this thing if you count grams, dont if you dont have enough money.
Ok...i need some help here...I am no pro and dont claim to be, but am trying to avoid a trip to the LBS.
I need to adjust my rear derailleur but tend to do more harm than good e Read More »
