The bicycle derailleur is a component that often goes overlooked by cyclists and is often not given the attention it deserves. However, a bike’s derailleur is one of the most important components on the bike, affecting the bike’s performance in a major way. While it may not be the most exciting component to talk about, it’s something you should definitely put some serious thought into before buying a bike.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the important things to know when shopping for a rear bike derailleur.
Read on to learn more.
Our Editor’s Best Rear Bike Derailleurs Reviews
- [IMPORTANT] It's Direct Mount Rear Derailleur for Mountain Bike, not Hanger mount
- Optimal Performance: Long cage design accommodates up to 34T cassette - Total Capacity 43T, pulley/Teeth 13/13T.
- Built to Last: High-Quality Aluminum Alloy Construction with Hollow Weight-Reduction Design. Nylon wear-resistant aluminum alloy guide wheel for silent, smooth, and non-wearing chain.
- Smooth and Effortless Shifting: SIS Index Technology and Double Servo-Panta Mechanism(Enables the rear derailleur to move in an optimum path)for Stress-Free Riding
- Precise and Reliable: Compatible with 6 and 7-speed SIS INDEX transmission systems. Optimized guide pulley ensures precise shifting for accurate SIS performance. Suitable for Mountain, Road, and Touring Bikes.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: Direct Mounting Design for Fast and Convenient Setup.It can be adjusted slightly in multiple places to ensure accurate speed change performance.
- Shimano TX35 6 / 7-speed rear derailleur (bracket attachment)
- SIS rear index shifting
- SGS cage can handle wide range gearing and 34 tooth sprockets
- 13 tooth pulleys offer long service life and less noise
- MODEL: RD-M310 Altus Rear Derailleur for Compatible with 7/8 Speed / D-ATT Black.
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: Wide link design ensures durability and precise shifting. Large guide wheel design reduces noise and wear.
- PARM: Max Rear Sprocket: 34T, Total Capacity: 43T, Derailleur Action: Top Normal (Traditional), Cage Length: Long.
- DIRCT MOUNT: Altus rear derailleurs for are direct mount, suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bikes and so on.
- FEATURES: Advanced light-action design Teflon-coated bushings Direct-attach rear derailleurs.
- MODEL: RD-TZ31-A bike rear derailleur, Compatible with GS 6 / 7 speed SIS Index Shifting drivetrains.
- STABILITY: Durable aluminum alloy and plastic alloy material, Providing excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable.
- PARM: Total capacity 34T, Largest sprocket 28T, Smallest sprocket 14T, Front chain wheel tooth difference 20T.
- NOTE: The bike rear derailleur is direct mount, not hub bolt mount. Please check the mount type of the original part before ordering, if bike frame with hook, as picture shows, you can use it.
- COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bicycles and so on.
- Premium-grade Professional Rear Derailleur: The RD-M3020-SGS 8 Speed rear derailleur is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring reliable stability for a long-lasting and stable riding experience
- SGS Long Cage Design: Engineered with precision, the SGS long cage design provides enhanced stability in chain tension, significantly reducing the risk of chain skipping. Equipped with a dual servo mechanism, it ensures faster and smoother shifting, enhancing the overall riding experience
- Versatile Compatibility Across Multiple Bike Models: RD-M3020 8 speed derailleur is compatible with 7/8-speed systems, it suits various types of bicycles including mountain bikes, road bikes, and folding bikes, catering to diverse riding scenarios
- Tailored for Cycling Enthusiasts: Designed for leisure riders who demand exceptional bike performance and technical mountain biking enthusiasts, offering them a dependable rear derailleur solution
- Easy Installation for Instant Riding Enjoyment: Featuring straightforward direct installation, it simplifies the process and eliminates unnecessary steps. Prior to purchase, ensure correct installation to elevate your bike's performance effortlessly
- MODEL: RD-TZ31A Direct Mount Rear Derailleur,Suitable for 6/7speed.
- STABILITY: Durable aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable ridin
- PRECISE ADJUSTMENT: High-hardness aluminum alloy body adjustment, adjustment is more precise. It can be adjusted slightly in multiple places to ensure accurate speed change performance.
- MUE GUIDE WHEEL: PA nylon wear-resistant aluminum alloy guide wheel, silent, smooth and no abrading for chain.
- INSTALLATION:Fast and convenient installation and easy maintenance.(Note:The bike rear derailleur is direct mount,not hanger mount .Please check the mount type of the original part before ordering.)
- MODEL: RD-TY21B; Bike rear derailleur is compatible with 6/7 speed most kinds of bikes.
- PERFORMANCE: Durable aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable riding.
- WIDE APPLICATION: This bicycle transmission is Suitable for MTB, mountain bikes, commuter bike, cruiser bike, folding bike etc.
- NOTE: The bike rear derailleur is direct mount, not hanger mount .Please check the mount type of the original part before purchasing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will provide you with professional services.
- Material: aluminum
- Capacity: 41t
- Cassette Range: [2 x 11/10] 42t, [1 x 10] 46t
- Gearing: [long] 2 x 11, 2 x 10, 1 x 10
- Compatibility: HG-X11 11-speed, HG-X 10-speed
- Shimano Tourney Rear derailleur compatible with all Shimano 6 and 7 speed shifters. Advanced light action design
- SGS cage can handle wide range gearing. Direct fit (screws into hole in frame).
- SIS Rear index shifting. 13 tooth pulleys offer long service life and less noise.
Best Rear Bike Derailleurs Buying Guide
Before choosing the best rear bike derailleurs you should consider following options:
1. Rear Derailleur Capacity: You’ll want to make sure you choose a derailleur that has enough capacity to support the chainrings and cassette you intend to use.
The numerical value on a derailleur is expressed as a number. The first number is the percentage of the total chainring capacity the derailleur is designed to support.
So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28 is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity.
A derailleur with a capacity of 28 will support chainrings up to 32-tooth in the smallest chainring and 17-tooth in the largest chainring.
You’ll also see a second number on some derailleurs expressed as a ratio. So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28-tooth is sometimes expressed as 1:2.
What this means is the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
The second number represents the chainring capacity the derailleur is intended to support divided by the total chainring capacity. So, in this example, the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
2. Rear Derailleur Capacity: You’ll want to make sure you choose a derailleur that has enough capacity to support the chainrings and cassette you intend to use.
The numerical value on a derailleur is expressed as a number. The first number is the percentage of the total chainring capacity the derailleur is designed to support.
So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28 is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity.
A derailleur with a capacity of 28 will support chainrings up to 32-tooth in the smallest chainring and 17-tooth in the largest chainring.
You’ll also see a second number on some derailleurs expressed as a ratio. So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28-tooth is sometimes expressed as 1:2.
What this means is the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
The second number represents the chainring capacity the derailleur is intended to support divided by the total chainring capacity. So, in this example, the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
3. Body Material: Most derailleurs are made from aluminum or steel, but there are some made from carbon.
The advantage of a derailleur made from carbon is that it weighs less than steel or aluminum. The disadvantage is that they are more expensive.
4. Cage Material: Most derailleurs are designed with either a steel or titanium cage. The advantage of a steel cage is that they offer a more durable and rigid feel. The disadvantage is that they weigh more than titanium cages.
The advantage of a titanium cage is that they are lighter. The disadvantage is that they don’t feel as rigid.
What else you should know about rear bike derailleurs
1. What are the best rear bike derailleurs?
Some of the best rear bike derailleurs are made by Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. These companies make derailleurs that are designed to work with their own respective drivetrains, so it is important to make sure that the derailleur you choose is compatible with the components on your bike. Shimano and SRAM derailleurs are generally considered to be the best performing, while Campagnolo derailleurs are known for their durability and ease of maintenance.
2. How do I choose a rear bike derailleur?
The size of your rear derailleur will be dictated by the number of cogs (speeds) on your rear cassette. You will need a derailleur that is compatible with the number of cogs on your rear cassette. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the derailleur is compatible with the number of gears (speeds) on your shifters.
3. What are the features of a good rear bike derailleur?
The features of a good rear bike derailleur are that it is lightweight, has low friction, and is durable.
4. How do I install a rear bike derailleur?
1. Unscrew and remove the rear wheel of your bike.
2. Unscrew the derailleur hanger from the frame of the bike.
3. Place the new derailleur hanger onto the frame and screw it in tightly.
4. Attach the derailleur to the hanger.
5. Screw the rear wheel back onto the bike.
5. How do I adjust a rear bike derailleur?
To adjust a rear bike derailleur, you will need to turn the adjusting barrel clockwise to tighten the cable, or counterclockwise to loosen the cable.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best rear bike derailleurs. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best rear bike derailleurs will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.