Rear derailleurs are one of the most important parts of any bike, and having the best one can make a huge difference to your ride. Choosing the right rear derailleur can be a daunting task as there are so many models and brands on the market. The derailleur has a huge impact on your bike shifting performance, so its important to make the right choice for your needs. This article will discuss the key features to consider when selecting the best rear derailleur for your bike, as well as some of the top-rated models available.
Best Rear Derailleurs
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Shimano Acera
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Shimano RD-M591
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
SRAM X4
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Shimano Deore XT RD-M772
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
SRAM Force 22
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
SRAM X01 Eagle
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
SRAM GX
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Campagnolo Record 11
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Campagnolo Veloce
|
7. 2
|
1. Shimano Acera
Shimano Acera is an excellent entry level mountain bike drivetrain. It offers an excellent range of gears at a reasonable price, making it ideal for beginners looking to get into mountain biking. The shifting is smooth and precise, and the derailleurs are reliable and durable. The components are rugged and can handle some pretty hard punishment. Overall, I think Shimano Acera is a great drivetrain to get started with mountain biking, and I would highly recommend it.
- 3×7-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain to ensure smooth shifting
- Advanced braking system with Tektro V-brakes
- Lightweight double-wall alloy rims with stainless-steel spokes
- Ergonomic saddle and handlebar design for improved comfort
- Comes with a kickstand for easy parking
2. Shimano RD-M591
The Shimano RD-M591 is an excellent rear derailleur for the price. It’s lightweight and smooth shifting capabilities make it a great choice for any cyclist. The build quality is excellent, and it’s easy to install and adjust. The range of gears it offers makes it a great choice for any terrain and level of rider. Overall, it’s an excellent value for the money.
- 9-speed rear derailleur
- Wide link design for increased strength and reliability
- Low profile design for improved ground clearance
- Compatible with Shimano 9-speed mountain drivetrains
- Advanced light action for smooth, effortless shifting
- Sealed bearing pulleys for reduced friction and increased durability
- Aluminum and steel construction for maximum strength and corrosion resistance
3. SRAM X4
I recently purchased the SRAM X4 and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of materials and performance. The shifters are incredibly smooth, and the shifting is incredibly precise. The construction of the bike also feels incredibly solid, and the design of the frame feels sturdy. The brakes also feel powerful, and the grip is great. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with my purchase. Highly recommend!
- Compatible with 8, 9, 10 and 11 speed drivetrains
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Direct Mount Technology for easy installation
- Tightly sealed system keeps dirt and grime out
- Frictionless Shift technology for smooth, precise shifts
- Power Glide II cassette technology for maximum speed
4. Shimano Deore XT RD-M772
I recently purchased a Shimano Deore XT RD-M772 and I’m really impressed with the quality and performance of this derailleur. The shifting is smooth and precise, and the action is very crisp. The derailleur is also lightweight, which makes it ideal for trail riding. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and durable derailleur. Overall, I’m very happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend it to everyone.
- 9-speed rear derailleur for mountain bikes
- Shadow technology for a low-profile design
- Wide compatibility with most mountain bike components
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Smooth and precise shifting
- High-efficiency pulleys for reliable power transmission
5. Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow
The Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow is an excellent choice for someone looking for a reliable and durable rear derailleur. The Shadow technology provides excellent shifting performance, which is smooth and precise. The construction of the derailleur is robust and solid, which provides great durability and makes it suitable for riding in all types of terrain and conditions. The cage design also helps to reduce chain slap and noise for a more enjoyable ride. The low profile design also helps to reduce the chance of the derailleur getting caught on other objects, which is especially beneficial when riding off-road. Overall, the Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable rear derailleur.
- HG-X 10-speed Direct Mount Shadow Rear Derailleur
- Wide link design increases rigidity and service life
- Compatible with 10-speed HG-X MTB chains
- Shadow RD+ chain stabilization technology eliminates chain slap and reduces chain drop
- Direct Mount compatible with any frame with a Shadow RD-compatible hanger
- Direct Mount system provides a simple, clean, lightweight and rigid assembly
- Sealed bearing pulleys for smooth shifting performance
6. SRAM Force 22
I recently upgraded to the SRAM Force 22 and am very impressed! The build quality is excellent and the shifting is smooth and precise – no more missed shifts or grinding gears. I love the crisp feeling of the shift lever, and the range of gear ratios is perfect for the type of riding I do. I was a bit worried about the weight of the components, but it’s not too bad and I’m confident they will hold up well over time. Overall, I’m very satisfied with my purchase and would highly recommend the SRAM Force 22 to anyone looking for a reliable and high-performance groupset.
- 11-speed drivetrain
- Made of lightweight materials
- Ergonomic shifter design
- Compatible with other SRAM components
- Durable and reliable performance
- Compatible with traditional brake/shift lever combinations
7. SRAM X01 Eagle
I have been using the SRAM X01 Eagle for a few months now, and I’m very impressed with it. It has a smooth shifting action, and the gear range is great for any terrain. The construction is solid and strong, and the overall design of the componets make it look great. The Eagle also has a great chain retention system, which keeps it from slipping off the chainring. I haven’t had any issues with it so far, and I’m confident that it will last me a long time. Overall, I would highly recommend the SRAM X01 Eagle to anyone looking for a reliable and durable mountain bike component.
- 1. 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-50T cassette
- 2. X-Sync 2 chainring with a narrow-wide tooth profiling
- 3. X-Horizon rear derailleur with Type 3 roller bearing clutch
- 4. X-Actuation trigger shifter with improved ergonomics
- 5. Compatible with Eagle 1x and 2x cranksets
- 6. Compatible with SRAM drivetrain components
- 7. Durable construction for smooth and consistent shifting
8. SRAM GX
I recently purchased a SRAM GX drivetrain for my mountain bike and I couldn’t be happier with it. The shifting is incredibly smooth, even when I’m in the toughest gear. I’ve also noticed that the gear ratio is spot on and the chain seems to last longer than with other drivetrains. The installation was a breeze and I was able to get up and running in no time. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend the SRAM GX drivetrain to anyone looking for a reliable, smooth-shifting drivetrain that will last.
- 1×11-speed drivetrain
- GX rear derailleur with X-Actuation technology
- Shifter provides light and responsive shifting
- GX crankset with X-Sync technology
- Hard-working components for extreme durability
- Wide range of cassette and chainring options
- Compatible with both SRAM and Shimano components
- Compatible with both mountain and road bikes
9. Campagnolo Record 11
I recently upgraded my bike to the Campagnolo Record 11 and I’m absolutely loving it. The setup is incredibly smooth and precise, and shifting is fast and effortless. I especially appreciate the customizable options and the fact that the shifters are ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. The cassette range is excellent, allowing me to tackle any terrain and the brakes are incredibly responsive. Overall, this groupset has taken my cycling experience to the next level and I have no complaints. Highly recommended!
- Campagnolo Record 11 Group has 11 gears.
- Features Campagnolo’s Ultra-Shift technology for precise shifting and smooth performance.
- Designed with a precise, hard-wearing construction for maximum durability.
- Includes titanium derailleur pulleys for better efficiency.
- Ergopower Ultra-Shift levers are made of monocoque carbon.
- Rear derailleur has an integrated clutch for better chain retention.
- Front derailleur is compatible with both standard and compact cranksets.
- Comes with an integrated power unit for improved efficiency.
- Campagnolo Skeleton brakes provide extra stopping power.
- Comes with Campagnolo Pro-Fit pedals for improved power transfer.
10. Campagnolo Veloce
I’ve been using the Campagnolo Veloce for a few months now and I’m really impressed. It has a combination of high performance components, durability and affordability that make it a great option for cyclists of all levels. The shifting is smooth and precise and the gear range is excellent. The chainring and crankset are lightweight and stiff, giving you great power transfer. The brakes are powerful and responsive and the wheels are light and strong. Overall, the Campagnolo Veloce is an excellent option for anyone looking for a quality groupset that won’t break the bank.
- 10-speed drivetrain
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Ergonomic design for easy shifting
- Compatible with most brands of wheels
- High-quality components for long-lasting performance
- Robust spring-tensioned system for quick and precise shifting
- Dual-pivot brakes for increased stopping power
- Gripshift system for quick gear changes
- Replaceable chainrings for easy maintenance
- Compatible with both road and mountain bikes
