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Most durable derailleur?

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
Yeah looking at nx and slx died by side the nx feels stronger.
As far as technique I defiy
Gemini2k05 said:
NX is garbage compared to SLX. If you want cheap 12 speed go with Deore. All derailleurs are similar impact resistance these days. But if you keep smashing it into the ground...you're gonna go through derailleurs. We've all been there. You'll get better eventually.
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Specifically what aspect of SLX do you think makes it better than NX?
I've got a bunch of 11 speed components and don't want 12 gears really.
 
#24 ·
SpinFactor said:
NX uses standard splined shimano freehub...guessing its 11 speed so the SLX would use same freehub while GX would require XD freehub.

The nice thing about SRAM is it tucks up higher than the Shimano so better clearance. Sounds like you just had some bad luck hitting stuff.

IMO the strength is the same pretty much across the board, in fact the lower end might be heavier/beefier and stronger, just not have all the little things that make them shift smoother and last longer.
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The CASSETTE needs to be compatible with your hub (HG, xD, or HG+). the RD doesn't care about the hub.
In theory for Shimano 12-speed a HG+ (microspline) hub and cassette works best. But the other cassettes (for HG, or xD) also are close enough to be OK.
 
#26 ·
SpinFactor said:
NX uses standard splined shimano freehub...guessing its 11 speed so the SLX would use same freehub while GX would require XD freehub.
Click to expand...
As stated, the type of freehub body has nothing to do with derailleur compatibility, only cassette compatibility - you can use NX or GX derailleur (or X01, XX1) with either HG or XD freehubs as long as the cassette is compatible
 
#28 ·
jbhaji said:
Yeah looking at nx and slx died by side the nx feels stronger.
As far as technique I defiy

Specifically what aspect of SLX do you think makes it better than NX?
I've got a bunch of 11 speed components and don't want 12 gears really.
Click to expand...
I had a NX 11 mech for 1,5 years and I found it very sturdy and strong.
It survived a few crashes and big sticks that got stuck in it.
The one weekness that Sram SX and NX derailleurs have is the mounting bolt which can get play over time, but can be fixed pretty cheap and easy.
Other than that, there is not much difference to the SLX which is also a good derailleur.

If you have already bad luck with hitting things I would recommend sticking with 11 speed and not going to 12 speed.
12 speed mechs have longer cages, so hitting things is easier.

Just choose what you like, or you think is best for you.
 
#30 ·
skyno said:
As stated, the type of freehub body has nothing to do with derailleur compatibility, only cassette compatibility - you can use NX or GX derailleur (or X01, XX1) with either HG or XD freehubs as long as the cassette is compatible
Click to expand...
Ya I get that, if your re-read OP said "GX not compatible with my hub" so what else could it have been?.

Yep yep, I am a fan of running XTR shifter with XT der, chain & cassette.

NX is just junk, especially on ebike.
 
#32 ·
In my first 4 years of mtbing, I destroyed 2 derailleurs. Not a single problem in my next 25 years.

One of those first ones got destroyed when I got a branch caught in it and thought I was man enough to just pedal through it and tear that little branch to splinters. Obviously got the losing end of that plan, as anyone would with any derailleur. The other time was the normal threading my way between two tall rocks and didn't give room on my right side.

Don't do those things and any derailleur should stay in pretty good shape.
 
#34 ·
If you have broken 2 derailleurs, one of Shimano and one of SRAM, I think you're going to break one regardless.
The SLX is basically an XT minus bearings (bushings instead) and is a tad more heavy.

XT or SLX won't be and different than an NX or GX, in my opinion. In terms of damage I mean.
The 10 speed Shimano Shadow derailleurs are tucked in a lot more than either my GX or NX 12 speed is. I don't know what the 11/12 speed Shimano models look like. So if the Shimano is still narrow like the 10 speed is, I supposed it would reduce risk of damage as being a bit more tucked in to the frame/triangle area.
I suppose a more robust derailleur may take the hit better and damage the cheaper hanger though. At what cost though. If something that is less likely to break costs a bunch, at what point is the expense worth the risk that it will become damaged. Again, you've already broken two.
I supposed if you are aggressive, and your riding style paired with the bad conditions is your normal, cheap derailleurs are best as they become disposable due to you breaking them anyway. Meaning perhaps you're a super aggressive rider and you seek out rock gardens on purpose. In which case, why waste money on expensive stuff that will break anyway.
If you are a rookie rider and damaging them due to conditions and not quite able to avoid some derailleur-breaking obstacles, I would still recommend the cheapest option until you are confident you're done damaging them.
 
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