[40mtns]

SRAM made several 9.0 rear derailleurs (discounting color differences).

Does anyone know the differences between the following 9.0 rear derailleurs?
(i.e. year made/released, functionality, durability)

I own the second one and like it alot. I'm looking to build another bike, but I see the first one for sale more frequently. THANKS for your insights!

 

[Hayduke1972]

Circa 1998 or 1999

The first one looks to be a 1998 or 1999 model as I had a '98 that looked identical to it. I used it for 8 speed, which was still the norm in 1998. Not sure whether or not it could run a 9 speed cassette. Mine lasted a long time (over four years and thousands of miles), but I also heard horror stories of the old 9.0 derailuers breaking at the B-pivot mount (where it mounts to the frame) fresh out of the box.

 

[artnshel]

I have the second one and haven't had a single problem with it.

 

[CraigH]

Some 9.0 derailleurs had the composite knuckles and broke easily, and some had aluminum knuckles and lasted fine. If you look at them, it is easy to tell them apart.

I was talking to another local rider about the same thing in this thread:
http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=Gear;action=display;num=1108104489