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New product5 speed rear derailleur
- €4.99
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New productRear derailleur Shimano Tourney RD-TX30
- €10.91
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New product -36%Rear derailleur Shimano Tiagra 10s
- €34.55
- €53.99
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New product -30%Pulley set Shimano Deore 105 SLX 10s
- €7.34
- €10.49
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New product7 speed rear derailleur Shimano RD MR40
- €12.99
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New product -20%Rear derailleur Shimano XT RD-M8050 DI2 GS 11s
- €311.99
- €389.99
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New product -42%Rear derailleur shimano deore rd-m6100-sgs 12s
- €42.33
- €72.99
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New productRear derailleur S Ride RD-M200 6 to 8s
- €16.99
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New product -55%Pulley set Shimano Ultegra RD-6800 / 6870 11s
- €10.12
- €22.49
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New product -55%Rear derailleur Sunrace M41 7s long cage
- €9.00
- €19.99
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New product -40%Rear derailleur Sram X5 10s long cage
- €40.17
- €66.95
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New product UsedMTB rear derailleur Sram NX1 11s
- €29.44
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Shimano Tourney rear derailleur RD-TY300
- €5.49
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New productRear derailleur Shimano XT RD-T760
- €39.99
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New product UsedRear derailleur Shimano Altus
- €11.99
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UsedRear derailleur Shimano 600 8s
- €29.99
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New productSR Suntour Duro rear derailleur
- €14.99
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New productMicroshift derailleur 7 to 8s
- €10.99
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New productSachs Huret Duopar - eco derailleur
- €44.99
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New productRear derailleur Shimano 600 ax
- €69.99
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UsedRear derailleur Shimano Metrea 11s
- €19.99
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UsedMTB rear derailleur Sram XX1 11s
- €88.99
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UsedVintage bicycle derailleur Suntour ARX
- €29.99
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UsedRear derailleur Campagnolo Record 12s
- €94.99
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New product -40%Sram GX rear derailleur 11s
- €84.00
- €140.00
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New product -40%Chain tensioner Shimano Alfine CT-S500
- €16.19
- €26.99
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New product -31%Rear derailleur Sram Force 10s
- €79.34
- €114.99
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New product -70%Sram X0 rear derailleur hanger protection North Shore Billet
- €12.00
- €39.99
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New product -20%Demi cage external Shimano XTR M980 SGS
- €15.96
- €19.95
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New product -70%Deore rear derailleur hanger protection North Shore Billet
- €12.00
- €39.99
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UsedSram GX rear derailleur used
- €22.99
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New productRear derailleur Shimano RX100 RD A550
- €47.99
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New product -50%Tenshion & guide pulley set BBB for Campagnolo and Shimano 11s
- €10.25
- €20.49
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New product -25%Tenshion & guide pulley set Campagnolo 11s
- €16.87
- €22.49
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New productDerailleur Sunrace M2T
- €7.49
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UsedRear derailleur shimano slx 11s
- €29.99
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New product -55%Sram Red rear derailleur 2 x 10s
- €157.50
- €350.00
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New product -50%Rear derailleur Shimano Deore LX RD-T 670 10s silver
- €39.50
- €78.99
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UsedShimano Nexave 9s rear derailleur
- €14.99
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Rear derailleur Simplex prestige
- €19.99
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Fixie chain tensioner XLC
- €14.99
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Sachs Huret Aris Rival touring derailleur
- €28.99
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Rear derailleur Shimano Sora 9s
- €24.99
Showing 1-43 of 43 item(s)
Rear derailleur: everything you need to know about this key component of a bike’s drivetrain
The rear derailleur is one of the most important parts of a bike’s drivetrain. Essential for smooth gear changes, it controls chain tension and guides it precisely across the cassette sprockets. Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or a bike mechanic enthusiast, understanding the role and features of a rear derailleur will help you optimize performance and maintain your bike more effectively.
What is a rear derailleur ?
Located at the back of the bike, the rear derailleur is an articulated mechanism connected to the shifters by a cable (or an electronic signal on modern groupsets). Its main function is to move the chain from one sprocket to another, allowing you to adapt your gear ratio depending on the terrain: climbing, descending, or riding on flat roads.
Main characteristics of a rear derailleur
A rear derailleur can be identified by several technical aspects:
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The cage: short, medium, or long, it determines the derailleur’s capacity to handle a wide range of chainring and cassette sizes.
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Compatibility: each derailleur is designed for a specific number of speeds (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13-speed groupsets).
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Mounting type: most attach to the derailleur hanger on the frame, but some special models mount differently.
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Tension spring: keeps the chain taut to prevent skipping and derailments.
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Material: steel, aluminum, or carbon depending on the range, affecting weight and stiffness.
Modern rear derailleur technologies
With the evolution of drivetrain systems, rear derailleurs now include advanced features:
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Clutch mechanism: reduces chain slap, particularly useful for MTB and gravel riding.
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Electronic shifting: such as Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS, or Campagnolo EPS, enabling precise, effortless gear changes.
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Wide-range compatibility: some derailleurs can handle cassettes with very large sprockets (up to 50 teeth or more), making steep climbs easier.
Choosing the right rear derailleur for your riding style
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Road bikes: focus on light weight and precision, with a cage suited to your cassette.
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MTB: opt for a durable derailleur with a clutch system to avoid chain drops.
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Gravel or touring bikes: prioritize versatility and the ability to manage wide gear ranges.
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E-bikes: make sure the derailleur is designed to handle the extra torque and power of the motor.
Maintenance and adjustment of the rear derailleur
A properly tuned rear derailleur ensures smooth shifting and extends the life of your drivetrain. Key points to check regularly:
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Cable tension and correct adjustment of limit screws.
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Alignment of the derailleur hanger.
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Cleanliness and lubrication of the chain.
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Wear of the derailleur pulleys.
In summary
The rear derailleur is a central element of the bike drivetrain, combining mechanical precision with modern innovation. When chosen wisely and properly maintained, it guarantees smooth shifting, improves pedaling efficiency, and increases the durability of your components.