Goat Link - Shimano XT Derailleurs 1x11 Speed compatibility

[Connie Smit Jefferies]

Advice needed please - I have a Shimano XT Derailleurs 1x11 Speed but want to connect it with a 51T cassette. I believe the 11 speed XT derailleur is too small (medium cage). Can a Wolf Tooth goat link provide the extra reach required? I believe the goat link will work with a 46T cassette, but can I push it to the 51T cassette with the goat link?

[RobynE]

Where are you looking to expand your range? A smaller chain ring will give you a better granny gear. 

On the standard RD (came as 2x11 - M7000) we are running 1x11 on the OEM 46t cassette with no modifications to the RD with a 34t narrow wide chain ring. Plenty for climbing. Top end isn’t going to win any races but it is fine. 

Edited Wednesday at 02:01 PM by RobynE