[revmonkey]

i don't know if this is in the right forum...

but i want to purchase a Deore, and they only have them in long cage... does the cage size really matter? i'm running a 05 hardrock sport disc, stock cassette, chain, cranks..

http://www.bikesmart.com/index.cfm?menu=browse&cid=DR&ssid=PAOHIDBMCEDDJDMK&ap=49.99&StartRow=1

 

[Ultra Magnus]

It's got to do with chan wrap capacity. A long cage deraileur has a higher chan wrap capacity, so if you go from small-small geraing to big-big gearing, the deraileur can take up all that chan length change. To determine your chain wrap- take your bigget front gear (probably a 44) minus your smallest (probably a 22) so 44-22=22, then do the same for the rear, worst case could be 34-11=23 - take the 22 from the front and add it to the 23 from the rear = 45 tooth capacity required. Long cage will work.

Short and med cage is for guys how aren't afraid of accidentally going into the big-big combo and breakinga chain or deraileur, or for guys running roadie cassets, 2x9, and 1x9 drivetrains (XC Weight weenies, dirt jump guys, and DH/FR rigs).

 

[Got_Issues?]

Just get a long cage, you cant go wrong. Short only works for some, long works for all.