Changing a derailleur may be necessary when it shows signs of wear or malfunction, which can affect the performance of your bike. Here are some tips and recommendations to determine when it is time to change your derailleur:
1. Difficult or irregular gear changes :
If you are having trouble shifting from one gear to the next or if the gear changes are not smooth and consistent, this may indicate a problem with your derailleur.
2. Unusual noises :
Squeaks, crackles, or other unusual noises when changing gears could be a sign of a worn or poorly adjusted derailleur.
3. Excessive play or side play :
If you notice excessive play in the derailleur or excessive side-to-side movement when pushing sideways on the bottom of the derailleur, this may indicate worn pivots or internal components.
4. Visible wear :
Visually inspect your derailleur for any obvious signs of wear, such as worn pulley teeth, weakened springs, loose screws, or structural damage.
5. Difficulty adjusting correctly :
If you are having trouble getting your derailleur adjusted correctly despite several attempts, this may indicate that the derailleur itself is defective and needs to be replaced.
6. Accidents or physical damage :
If your bike has been in an accident or physically damaged, it is important to check the derailleur for any potential damage. Even small impacts can affect derailleur performance.
7. Evolution of your practice :
If you're growing in your cycling experience and need higher performance or specific features, you might consider upgrading your derailleur to meet your new needs.
8. High mileage :
Derailleurs are components that wear out over time and use. If you've been putting a lot of mileage on your bike, it's possible that your derailleur is simply worn out and it's time to replace it.
By following these tips and regularly monitoring the condition of your derailleur, you will be able to detect signs of malfunction or wear and take the necessary steps to keep your bike in good working order.