which SRAM derailleur for my new ETSX?

wilcox510 said:

Just bought an ETSX, and I'm planning to put SRAM x9 shifters and rear derailleur on. Do I need the long cage or the medium cage or what?

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I would (and do) go with long cage on both my bikes. Triple chain ring systems usually require long cage. Medium or short cage with today's 11-34 rear cassette and a 22-32-44 front rings isn't wise unless you are very disciplined and never go anywhere near the big-big or small-small front-rear combo. Its all about the maximum chain wrap capacity of the derailleur. A medium or short cage derailleur just does not have enough chain wrap to allow for both situations so you have to compromise and either make the chain short enough to not go slack in the small-small combo but then it isn't long enough to handle big-big and you risk destroying your derailleur, or leave it long enough for the big-big and expect that you will drop the chain when you to near the small-small combo.

Karl

ETSX chain question in relation to medium cage

Kwarwick,
As to how you describe the chain length in relation to the medium or short cage, using the original chain that came with the bike. Switching to the granny gear and the #1(largest) gear on the rear may cause chain to jump off the granny gear
Would it make a difference if the chain gets shorter for using the medium cage?

That sounds like more of problem with your derailleur setup (ie. not perfectly centered).

I recommend long cage too and then I put my chain in the biggest rings front and back and make it the chain as short as possible that will still work. That way you have minimal slop in the regular gears.

I have the medium cage XO, I do not have problems so far with chain jumps (so far). The LBS mechanic who I know really did a good job did change my chain from the SRAM that came with it to Shimano chain. The chain does look snugged tight.
The thought of using the medium cage was due to the fact that I ride a more technical trail and less chance for the medium cage to hit rocks, roots thus busting it. That will be worse. Or do medium and short cage really have that advantage?