New clutch on XT derailleur

[Memnon]

A chain malfunction resulted in me completely killing my new (~60km on it) XT derailleur so I had to get a new one

 

Now the new one has a feature called a clutch:

 

http://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-XT-M786-Rear-Derailleur

 

which is that little grey lever. Apparently it improves chain tension and reduces chain slap. Does anyone else know anything about this / ridden with this? What are the pros and cons (is it something else that will break all too easily)? When should one ride with it a.) on and b.) off?

[koukie]

Very nice feature, its not that new, been around for a while. It reduces chainslap/chatter and it helps to keep your chain in place, less chain drops.

[Memnon]

So should I just ride with it in the on position always? If not, then in what situation(s) should one turn it off?

[TopFuel]

So should I just ride with it in the on position always? If not, then in what situation(s) should one turn it off?

 

I have had mine for 2500km now, clutch on constantly. No problems. I dont see a reason to turn it off. The difference in shifting in so negligible IMHO, that it is better to keep it on constantly. Prevents chainslap, chaindrop and makes the bike much quieter

[Hardtailrider]

So should I just ride with it in the on position always? If not, then in what situation(s) should one turn it off?

 

Leave it in the "on" position. You only need to switch it to "off" when removing your rear wheel - it then allows the arm to swing freely, allowing the cassette to clear the chain without hassle

[Memnon]

Cool - thanks all!

[ChUkKy]

So should I just ride with it in the on position always? If not, then in what situation(s) should one turn it off?

 

Turn it off when you take your wheel off, otherwise leave it on.

 

The clutch mechanisms break in the SLX and XT models, they have identical internals. Only the XTR is built properly inside

 

Ive broken 1 clutch mech already on my XT and had it fixed under warranty.

[gummibear]

 

 

Leave it in the "on" position. You only need to switch it to "off" when removing your rear wheel - it then allows the arm to swing freely, allowing the cassette to clear the chain without hassle

 

That may explain why I have been battling to get my wheel in and out.

[Stumpmeister]

I took my XT shadow+ out on its first ride today, much more quit and I like the way the bike shift now. It is weird to ride the bike when it is so quit.

[Skylark]

Adjust the clutch strength though - stock is too hard, makes shifting a little bit more work than it should be and that amount is not needed, especially if you are only riding XC