[marsh rider]

I recently switched over to SRAM shifters and rear derailleur and have been very pleased with them. One advantage of the rear derailleur I hear mentioned ofter is that the cable housing runs directly back into the derailleur, which avoids the big ugly bend found in Shimano derailleurs.
But then I got to thinking, is this really an advantage? Instead of the cable rubbing against the housing as it makes the final bend for Shimano, the cable rubs against this piece of hard plastic to make the same bend for SRAM. And instead of being in a protected, clean cable housing, this plastic cable guide is exposed to all the nasties of the trail, increasing the friction. It seems to me like the ultimate set up would be the older Shimano XTR Rapid Rise RD-951 or any Shimano derailleur with the rollamajig.
Thoughts?

 

[leoh]

this plastic cable guide is exposed to all the nasties of the trail, increasing the friction.

I don't think mud or dirt will increase friction in that exposed part.
Friction exists when there are 2 parts in contact, and moving at different speed, and this is not the case. This tiny plastic part works like a lever, and moves with the cable. There is no movement between the cable and the plastic thingy, they move together.

 

[marsh rider]

Huh, well waddya know? It does move with the cable. I should have looked at it a little closer before posting this question

 

[EGF168]

The newer Shimano Shadow RD’s have their own version of direct cable routing into the derailleur so it doesn’t matter.

 

[IAmtnbikr]

 

[marsh rider]

I wasn't aware Shimano had a derailleur like this. It looks like a good design.

 

[Karupshun]

I wasn't aware Shimano had a derailleur like this. It looks like a good design.

I have been running a new Shimano XT (Non shadow) medium cage on the GF's DH bike for a bit, and it's been great. I'm probably going to run the new Saint gear next year too.

Shimano has really stiffened up their return springs and are giving Sram a real run now