10-speed XTR M980 Shadow vs XT Shadow Plus

[Skylark]

What are peoples experiences with the 10-speed XTR M980 Shadow vs XT Shadow Plus RD with clutch?

 

I'm really happy with the XTR RD but I'm a bit worried about breaking it becuase I go a bit bos sometimes and its got that carbon cage, its still mint so I want to sell it and change now before something painful happens. I'm wanting to drop down to the XT Shadow Plus with its clutch being a bonus, what shifting performance difference will I see?

 

Have seen oe's mentioning the clutch dérailleurs are noticeably harder to shift up, ie to the big cassette cogs and that combined with now not using the quicker shifting XTR RD I might see quite a negative change in shifting?

[koukie]

I'm using the sram type 2, will never use any derailleur without the clutch again, I will go with the XT with the clutch.

[Flowta]

I would go with the Shadow PLUS

[pierremerv]

I just went from XT to XT shadow plus and wish I had done it sooner. Slightly harder on the up shift but still very crisp. Well worth it for the more technical terrain

[Alouette3]

Go with the clutch... you won't regret it. Shifting is a bit more stiff but not that hard that it will impair your shifting

[Mike Bike]

the clutch is the best thing since sliced bread...no chain slap or suck...

[Skylark]

And long cage on a 2x10 39/26 chainrings 11-36 cass

[Skylark]

Ok got the Xt shadow plus long cage, couldn't chose a medium cage and it's on my bike now, shifts a fraction slower than the XTR but really not much. Impressed with it thus far no chain noise or slap, crisp shifting , would imagine the clutch may help shifting as it keeps everything in the optimal position and helps stiffen things up a bit. The clutch tension can be adjusted, anyone tried that?

I definitely reckon I need it less tight than stock, it does also make it noticeably harder to shift especially as you go further up the cassette to the bigger cogs.

It kind of does help with control as you cant mistakenly push through more than one click unless you really push it.

 

Edited June 12, 2013 by Skylark

[Skylark]

I adjusted the clutch , stock is way to stiff.

Easy to check if you have adjusted it properly - do some endo's and slam the back down or lift back of the bike when stationery and drop it to see if chain slap is developing.

Really easy to adjust and once it's to less clutch the up shifts are only just slightly firmer than a RD without clutch , actually think I prefer the added firmness especially as it gradually increases towards the biggers cassette cogs.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Skylark