XT Shadow plus derailuer stiff when clutch engaged

[SCD]

Porqui, you still pull against the friction of the clutch. Definitely more pull.

[porqui]

Porqui, you still pull against the friction of the clutch. Definitely more pull.

 

Not quite - resistance about nil on a slow pull like changing gears - clutch becomes effective on a fast pull like chain slap. (Not quite the same) but think of it working similar to a car safety belt. No resistance on slow pull but resistance on a fast pull.

[NotSoBigBen]

I have mentioned before that I do notice a difference but I like the no chainslap so just live with the stiffer shifting ......

[J∆kk∆ls]

Riding my 1x10 this morning and being conscious of shifting. Using a Zee rear mech and Saint shifter. Shifting with the clutch on is graceful to say the least. Cables could definitely be the culprit in your case or even the shifter. Replace cables though would be the cheapest option.

[Beast Tech]

This is why they give you the option of having it on and having it off...

 

For times when you need shifting a lot turn it off, but for when you are going down the rocky hill at mad speeds it's there for you. Reduce chain slap and reduce chain drop...

 

But don't go do a 50km outride with the clutch on... That's not what it was made for 

[mtbride]

When they did my conversion at the lbs, my cable was so stuffed it was extremely bad with clutch on. Once cable was replaced it is alot better, and it's actually not toooo much different from without the clutch.

 

I keep my clutch on always, even when it's standing at home. Had this discussion before on the hub, and the concensus was that it makes no difference to swtich it off and on the whole time.

 

In any case, you never know when you need it, and there's no handlebar switch to toggle it on the fly.

[JXV]

It should be slightly stiffer with the clutch than with no clutch but if you are having to push the shifter so hard that you fear for the shift levers, then either the clutch needs adjustment or the cable and casing needs to be replaced.

Try to compare it against some other bikes with clutch RDs....

[SCD]

It is not difficult to open the clutch mechanism and look how it works. It is a simple friction device with a pretensioned belt around a drum. This works very well to eat up the energy coming from an impulse like the chain slap. However it also provides resistance against shifting pull. The angle adjustment however is small by comparison. The problem with old cable is that the force required to pull through the friction between cable and housing against the force at the dérailleur is greatly amplified by the cable friction. So sort out your cables and you will be surprised .