Derailleur length

[Newboy]

I am riding a 38/26 crank and 11/36 cassette on my dual suspension bike. What length rear derailleur should I use? SRAM.

 

[Capricorn]

According to United Bicycle Institute:

• 
  Determine Maximum Chainring Difference by subracting the number of teeth in the smallest chainring from the number of teeth in the largest chainring
  
• 
  Determine Maximum Cassette Cog Difference by subtracting the number of teeth on the smallest cassette cog from the number of teeth on the largest cassette cog
  
• 
  Determine Total Drivetrain Capacity by adding Maximum Chainring Difference to theMaximum Cassette Cog Difference
  
• 
  Record the Maximum Cassette Cog (the number of teeth on the largest Cassette Cog)
  

For Shimano:

SS - Short Cage Road Double - Maximum Cassette Cog is 27 and Total Capacity is 29

GS - Medium Cage MTB/Road Triple - Maximum Cassette Cog is 34(MTB)/27(Road) and Total Capacity is 33(MTB)/37(Road)

SGS - Long MTB - Maximum Cassette Cog is 34 and Total Capacity is 45

For SRAM:

Short - Maximum Cassette Cog is 34(MTB)/28(Road) and Total Capacity is 32(MTB)/31(Road)

Medium - Maximum Cassette Cog is 34 and Total Capacity is 37

Long - Maximum Cassette Cog is 34 and Total Capacity is 45

For Campagnolo:

Short - Maximum Cassette Cog is 26 and Total Capacity is 27

Medium - Maximum Cassette Cog is 29 and Total Capacity is 36

Long - Maximum Cassette Cog is 29 and Total Capacity is 39

NOTE - THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY MANUFACTURER

[Cycho]

From SRAM themselves on their rear deraileurs...

• 3 cage lengths available: short for DH, medium for
  2X10 and long for 3X10
  

So you should prob use a medium, but long will work as well.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Medium. For your setup as per Capricorns link.

 

Will also mean less (potential) chain noise and better retention, not to mention better clearance in case of a rock strike.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

The long will work too though as the guys above have said.

I am running a 1x10 setup with a 32 front(normal chainring-truvativ) and 11-36 cassette-Sram.

I do have a E-thirteen chain guide though to stop any chain drops and after 200km had 1 chain drop.

[Guest Omega Man]

I am riding a 38/26 crank and 11/36 cassette on my dual suspension bike. What length rear derailleur should I use? SRAM.

I was running that exact gearing with a medium X7. If that's any help.

Edited December 18, 2013 by Omega Man

[Ysterperd]

medium should be fine but do yourself a favour and get the Type 2 from the onset - better chain retention and less noise. aslo easier to remove and fit back wheel.

[Newboy]

Thanks for all the advice. I will be getting a Type 2. I assume there is not much difference between X9 and X0 except for a huge price difference?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Thanks for all the advice. I will be getting a Type 2. I assume there is not much difference between X9 and X0 except for a huge price difference?

 

Correct, and that the X0 is serviceable (can take it apart and service the pivots, replace the pins and so on)

[Goodbadugly]

Correct, and that the X0 is serviceable (can take it apart and service the pivots, replace the pins and so on)

A big plus for me.. The serviceability.

I had a X9 (9spd) that seized up completely during a previous Sabie Experience. Luckily the last day. The fine grit that enters the joints can only be removed if you take it apart.

And not expecting a mud bath during the Pioneer trek of 2012, another X9 (10 spd)got really sticky.

You can open up a X9 with a Dremel tool by grinding off the riveted part of the pin. But then you have to figure out a way to put it back together.

These were 'Type 1' models. I have not taken a 'type 2' apart.

The X9 and X0's feel/shift the same when they are new. The X0 shifting just 'feels' new for longer IMO.