Rear Derailleur Clutch

[TheoG]

I would like to get opinions on the use of the clutch on Shimano RD's.

 

I have a 11sp M8000 XT RD and found that with the clutch "Off", shifting is perfect.  As soon as I switch the damn thing on, the shifting goes for a ball of sh*t.  I tried adjusting it for less and more resistance but the end result remains the same.

 

I end up not using it at all.  I understand the supposed benefit of it preventing the chain from slapping around.  But what's the point if the shifting becomes almost unusable?

 

Anyone experienced the same thing?  Is there a solution for it or do I just not use it?

 

 

[ChrisF]

subscribed ..... would like to follow the feedback on this one.

 

 

Every so often I forget the activate the clutch .... have a few chip marks on the chainstay as a result.

 

With the clutch switched on shifting is still perfect.

 

 

This applies to two different bikes

[TheoG]

subscribed ..... would like to follow the feedback on this one.

 

 

Every so often I forget the activate the clutch .... have a few chip marks on the chainstay as a result.

 

With the clutch switched on shifting is still perfect.

 

 

This applies to two different bikes

 

I always make sure the chain-stay is protected for that exact reason.  It would be awesome if I can get the RD to work as intended.

[Danger Dassie]

Similar discussion here -> https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/187118-clutch-lever-coming-loose-during-rides-12spd-slx/page-1

[MudLark]

Honestly, IMHO the clutch is a piece of junk. The simplest is to put a protective wrap on your chain stay. 

[Alouette3]

The clutch will make shifting feeling feel a bit stiffer at the lever, but you should not be having issues the actual gear once in place.

 

For the kind of trail riding I do, I find the clutch indispensable. With the clutch off, I will occasionally drop a chain during a ride, even with a narrow wide chain ring. Won't ride without a clutch RD.

 

Unfortunately the Shimano unit does require occasional maintenance. Open up, clean, regrease. 

[Jewbacca]

Set your gears with the clutch on?

 

It does make a slight difference with indexing but you can get that sorted on the trail by just adjusting the barrel on the shifter.

 

IMHO the clutch is great and have no issues at all with it

[TheoG]

I gave my clutch a proper service and now it seems to be a lot better.  Pushing a little harder on the shifter is a non issue.

 

The problem I had it refuse to jump to the next gear making a hell of a noise in the process.

 

I think this was because my clutch was very "sticky".  After the service its much smoother and the shifting seems OK.

 

Going forward I will give that damn thing a bit of TLC on a regular basis.

[DR ◣◢]

I’m still struggling with one single gear on my cassette that just doesn’t want to up shift without a tiny extra nudge on the lever.

 

Even after spending all the time with hanger alignments, clutch rebuild, new cables etc. My guess is the Sunrace cassette is just a tiny bit off on that specific gear. Also the only gear that makes a tiny bit of noise.

 

All of this however makes me want to get away from Shimano and move to SRAM GX

[TheoG]

I’m still struggling with one single gear on my cassette that just doesn’t want to up shift without a tiny extra nudge on the lever.

 

Even after spending all the time with hanger alignments, clutch rebuild, new cables etc. My guess is the Sunrace cassette is just a tiny bit off on that specific gear. Also the only gear that makes a tiny bit of noise.

 

All of this however makes me want to get away from Shimano and move to SRAM GX

 

Servicing the clutch is a pain but its really not that bad.  I would rather dump the Sunrace cassette if I were you, but that's just mho.  That thing is heavy and I'm not impressed with the quality.

 

Swapped mine for a used (still very good condition) Garbaruk 11-48.  More than 200g saving and in a different league.

Edited October 25, 2020 by Theog

[DR ◣◢]

That is something I’m considering.

 

R4000 upgrade ????

 

Cassette + microspline body

[T_Boss]

I’m still struggling with one single gear on my cassette that just doesn’t want to up shift without a tiny extra nudge on the lever.

 

Even after spending all the time with hanger alignments, clutch rebuild, new cables etc. My guess is the Sunrace cassette is just a tiny bit off on that specific gear. Also the only gear that makes a tiny bit of noise.

 

All of this however makes me want to get away from Shimano and move to SRAM GX

 

Dont be too hasty. Yes, the shimano clutch needs a bit of work from time to time, but it is an incredible piece of kit, and will outlast GX by leaps and bounds. 

 

From my experience on bikes that have worked hard in tough conditions, with less than stellar servicing protocols, nothing under the sun outlasts or outperforms Shimano XT.

 

Between SLX and GX, I would maybe be swayed towards GX. But realistically, SRAM only really starts getting good at XX/XO level. 

[DR ◣◢]

Dont be too hasty. Yes, the shimano clutch needs a bit of work from time to time, but it is an incredible piece of kit, and will outlast GX by leaps and bounds.

 

From my experience on bikes that have worked hard in tough conditions, with less than stellar servicing protocols, nothing under the sun outlasts or outperforms Shimano XT.

 

Between SLX and GX, I would maybe be swayed towards GX. But realistically, SRAM only really starts getting good at XX/XO level.

Running SLX mech and shifter at the moment.

 

The shifter is perfectly fine but at under 1000km the derailleur has not impressed me at all.

 

Got the bike on the stand now after a muddy ride and the derailleur area of bike sounds like “it ran bearings”. This after a proper clean and dry.

 

I’m suspecting the jockey wheels are not too far away from toast. Quite a bit of play in them already.

[DieselnDust]

Running SLX mech and shifter at the moment.

 

The shifter is perfectly fine but at under 1000km the derailleur has not impressed me at all.

 

Got the bike on the stand now after a muddy ride and the derailleur area of bike sounds like “it ran bearings”. This after a proper clean and dry.

 

I’m suspecting the jockey wheels are not too far away from toast. Quite a bit of play in them already.

 

 

very possible as they uses bushed pulley wheels at that level.

 

Been through Shimano and SRAM road and MTB, no contest, SRAM outlasts Shimano at every level from GX up.

At the NX and SX levels I'd rather opt for Deore or SLX. 

[DR ◣◢]

Shocked if that is in fact the case. 908km in total from building the bike until today. 38/41 were bone dry and dusty.

 

SLX is truly plastic fantastic.

Edited October 25, 2020 by DR ◣◢

[Knersboy]

I am groupset agnostic, it all tends to works so well.

 

My old GX 2x11 rear mech reached the legendary status of m520 pedals on my list. I used it for 5 years, after initial setup I never had to touch it again. No clutch service, no pulley replacement, nothing. It was scratched and bashed, but it worked as well 5 years on as it did on the first day.

 

My new bike has SLX 12 speed, it works great but I literally only have 200km on it. Clutch service is a pain in the bum bum, especially when you come from something that never needed it.