The bicycle derailleur is a component that often goes overlooked by cyclists and is often not given the attention it deserves. However, a bike’s derailleur is one of the most important components on the bike, affecting the bike’s performance in a major way. While it may not be the most exciting component to talk about, it’s something you should definitely put some serious thought into before buying a bike.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the important things to know when shopping for a rear bike derailleur.
Read on to learn more.
Our Editor’s Best Rear Bike Derailleurs Reviews
- 【Model】RD-TY300-SGS; Bike 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur for most kinds of bikes like mountain bike, hybrid bike, kids bike, cruiser bike etc.
- 【Features】Smooth shifting, 6/7 speed derailleur is easy and fast to install. Bracket fit (under wheel nut) Long cage tourney derailleur, total capacity 43T, pulley/Teeth 13/13T. Low sprocket: Max. 34T; Low sprocket: Min. 28T; Top sprocket: Max. 14T; Top sprocket: Min. 11T.
- 【Type】Long cage tourney derailleur, RD-TY300-SGS 6/7 speed derailleur is compatible with 11T /14T high speed gear.
- 【 Stability】Made of high quality durable aluminum alloy material and come with excellent shifting performance ensure your safe and stable while riding.
- 【Application】RD-TY300-SGS is compatible with 6 and 7-speed SIS INDEX variable speed transmission systems. Suitable for MTB, mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bicycles, commuter bikes, tricycles, eletric bikes etc.
- 【Engineered for Multi-Speed Bikes】 The RD-M310 7/8 speed bike rear derailleur, featuring high-performance RD-CT95 Altus technology, compatible with 7/8 speeds, delivers a smooth riding experience, perfect for your biking adventures. Offers superior performance and reliability, suitable for everyday and light mountain biking
- 【Lightweight Design】 Designed to be lightweight, reducing bike weight, enhancing speed and maneuverability, ideal for leisure cyclists and urban riders who demand reliable performance. Suitable for those with certain performance requirements for their bikes
- 【Strong Adaptability】RD-M310 7/8 speed derailleur with a maximum rear sprocket of 34T and total capacity of 43T, it adapts to various riding needs, ensuring easy handling on different terrains
- 【Versatile Application】 Fits various bike types including mountain, road, racing, city, and folding bikes, adding versatility to your cycling experience
- 【Easy Installation】 Direct installation onto the bike's rear, avoiding the hassle of rack mounting. Make sure to choose the correct installation method before purchase 7/8 speed derailleur
- Enhance your bike's performance with the Tourney RD-TX800 Rear Derailleur, engineered for reliable 8-speed shifting on mountain and hybrid bikes.
- Designed with a long cage and MegaRange compatibility, this derailleur accommodates up to 34-tooth cogs for versatile gearing options across diverse terrains.
- Constructed with durable materials and precise engineering, the TX800 ensures smooth, responsive shifts and longevity in demanding riding conditions.
- Featuring 's Smart Cage technology, the TX800 delivers optimized chain tension and compatibility with a wide range of components for seamless upgrades.
- Ideal for entry-level and budget-conscious cyclists seeking dependable shifting performance, this rear derailleur pairs stylish black finish with easy installation on 10x1 standard mounts.
- 【MODEL】Bicycle rear derailleur Tourney RD-TX800, suitable for 8-speed SIS index variable speed drives. Please pay attention to the speed when buying.
- 【Direct installation】Before purchasing, please confirm whether the 8 speed rear derailleur of your bicycle is directly installed or hook mounted. Our model is a direct installation method.
- 【Wide application】This bicycle transmission is suitable for variable speed bikes, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, racing bikes, city bikes, folding bikes, etc. Is a good helper for your riding.
- 【Durable】 After 50,000 kilometers of testing, our products RD-TX800 8 speed derailleur are still sturdy and can be precisely adjusted gears.
- 【AFTER-SALES GUARANTEE】We provide excellent customer service, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this 8 speed derailleur.
- MODEL:RD-TZ31-A hanger mount, bicycle rear derailleur suitable for 6/7 speed rack mounting.
- NOTE: The bike rear derailleur is hanger mount, not direct mount .Please check the mount type of the original part before purchasing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will provide you with professional services.
- PERFORMANCE: Sturdy aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable riding, and no abrading for chain.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Suitable for MTB, mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bicycles, commuter bikes, eletric bikes etc.
- Important: We provide excellent customer service, please feel free to contact if you have any questions.
- Premium-grade Professional Rear Derailleur: The RD-M3020-SGS 8 Speed rear derailleur is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring reliable stability for a long-lasting and stable riding experience
- SGS Long Cage Design: Engineered with precision, the SGS long cage design provides enhanced stability in chain tension, significantly reducing the risk of chain skipping. Equipped with a dual servo mechanism, it ensures faster and smoother shifting, enhancing the overall riding experience
- Versatile Compatibility Across Multiple Bike Models: RD-M3020 8 speed derailleur is compatible with 7/8-speed systems, it suits various types of bicycles including mountain bikes, road bikes, and folding bikes, catering to diverse riding scenarios
- Tailored for Cycling Enthusiasts: Designed for leisure riders who demand exceptional bike performance and technical mountain biking enthusiasts, offering them a dependable rear derailleur solution
- Easy Installation for Instant Riding Enjoyment: Featuring straightforward direct installation, it simplifies the process and eliminates unnecessary steps. Prior to purchase, ensure correct installation to elevate your bike's performance effortlessly
- MODEL: RD-TY21B Direct Mount derailleur; Guide wheel teeth: 11T; Tooth capacity: 34T, Bike rear derailleur is compatible with 6/7 speed most kinds of bikes.
- PERFORMANCE: The TY21B 7 speed derailleur is constructed from durable aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable riding.
- SIMPLE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN:The process consists of four main steps: installation, adjusting the limit stops, tightening the cable and adjusting the tension
- WIDE APPLICATION: This bicycle derailleur is suitable for MTB, mountain bikes, commuter bike, cruiser bike, folding bike etc.
- NOTE: The bike rear derailleur is direct mount, not hanger mount .Please check the mount type of the original part before purchasing.
- 【MODEL】Tourney RD-TZ31A Direct Mount Rear Derailleur,Suitable for 6/7speed System.Maximum tooth count: 28T，Tooth capacity：34T
- 【STABILITY】Durable aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable riding.Simple in design, sturdy and durable, it’s nice for daily commuting and mildly bumpy roads.
- 【PRECISE ADJUSTMENT】High-hardness aluminum alloy body adjustment, adjustment is more precise. RD-TZ31A 6/7 speed derailleur can be adjusted slightly in multiple places to ensure accurate speed change performance.
- 【MUE GUIDE WHEEL】PA nylon wear-resistant aluminum alloy guide wheel, silent, smooth and no abrading for chain.Designed for 6/7 speed drivetrains, it is compatible with 6/7 speed shifters or twist shifters.
- 【INSTALLATION】Fast and convenient installation and easy maintenance.(Note:The bike rear derailleur is Direct Mount,not Direct Mount.Please check the mount type of the original part before ordering.)
- 【Model】RD-TY300-SGS; Bike 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur for most kinds of bikes like mountain bike, hybrid bike, kids bike, cruiser bike etc.
- 【Features】Smooth shifting, 6/7 speed derailleur is easy and fast to install. Bracket fit (under wheel nut) Long cage tourney derailleur, total capacity 43T, pulley/Teeth 13/13T. Low sprocket: Max. 34T; Low sprocket: Min. 28T; Top sprocket: Max. 14T; Top sprocket: Min. 11T.
- 【Type】Long cage tourney derailleur, RD-TY300-SGS 6/7 speed derailleur is compatible with 11T /14T high speed gear.
- 【 Stability】Made of high quality durable aluminum alloy material and come with excellent shifting performance ensure your safe and stable while riding.
- 【Application】RD-TY300-SGS is compatible with 6 and 7-speed SIS INDEX variable speed transmission systems. Suitable for MTB, mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bicycles, commuter bikes, tricycles, eletric bikes etc.
- MODEL: TY300 Direct Mount Bicycle rear derailleur, Suitable for 6/7speed.
- MATERIAL: This bicycle rear derailleur is made of high-quality steel, durable and long service life.Easy to install and disassemble.
- PERFORMANCE: Durable aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance ensure safe and stable riding.
- WIDE APPLICATION: This bicycle transmission is suitable for variable speed bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, bicycle racing, city bikes, folding bikes, etc.It is your indispensable bicycle accessories during your cycling journey.
- NOTE: The bike rear derailleur is direct mount, not hanger mount .Please check the mount type of the original part before purchasing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will provide you with professional services.
Best Rear Bike Derailleurs Buying Guide
Before choosing the best rear bike derailleurs you should consider following options:
1. Rear Derailleur Capacity: You’ll want to make sure you choose a derailleur that has enough capacity to support the chainrings and cassette you intend to use.
The numerical value on a derailleur is expressed as a number. The first number is the percentage of the total chainring capacity the derailleur is designed to support.
So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28 is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity.
A derailleur with a capacity of 28 will support chainrings up to 32-tooth in the smallest chainring and 17-tooth in the largest chainring.
You’ll also see a second number on some derailleurs expressed as a ratio. So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28-tooth is sometimes expressed as 1:2.
What this means is the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
The second number represents the chainring capacity the derailleur is intended to support divided by the total chainring capacity. So, in this example, the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
2. Rear Derailleur Capacity: You’ll want to make sure you choose a derailleur that has enough capacity to support the chainrings and cassette you intend to use.
The numerical value on a derailleur is expressed as a number. The first number is the percentage of the total chainring capacity the derailleur is designed to support.
So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28 is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity.
A derailleur with a capacity of 28 will support chainrings up to 32-tooth in the smallest chainring and 17-tooth in the largest chainring.
You’ll also see a second number on some derailleurs expressed as a ratio. So, a derailleur with a capacity of 28-tooth is sometimes expressed as 1:2.
What this means is the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
The second number represents the chainring capacity the derailleur is intended to support divided by the total chainring capacity. So, in this example, the derailleur is designed to support 28% of the chainring capacity with a 14/28 combo.
3. Body Material: Most derailleurs are made from aluminum or steel, but there are some made from carbon.
The advantage of a derailleur made from carbon is that it weighs less than steel or aluminum. The disadvantage is that they are more expensive.
4. Cage Material: Most derailleurs are designed with either a steel or titanium cage. The advantage of a steel cage is that they offer a more durable and rigid feel. The disadvantage is that they weigh more than titanium cages.
The advantage of a titanium cage is that they are lighter. The disadvantage is that they don’t feel as rigid.
What else you should know about rear bike derailleurs
1. What are the best rear bike derailleurs?
Some of the best rear bike derailleurs are made by Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. These companies make derailleurs that are designed to work with their own respective drivetrains, so it is important to make sure that the derailleur you choose is compatible with the components on your bike. Shimano and SRAM derailleurs are generally considered to be the best performing, while Campagnolo derailleurs are known for their durability and ease of maintenance.
2. How do I choose a rear bike derailleur?
The size of your rear derailleur will be dictated by the number of cogs (speeds) on your rear cassette. You will need a derailleur that is compatible with the number of cogs on your rear cassette. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the derailleur is compatible with the number of gears (speeds) on your shifters.
3. What are the features of a good rear bike derailleur?
The features of a good rear bike derailleur are that it is lightweight, has low friction, and is durable.
4. How do I install a rear bike derailleur?
1. Unscrew and remove the rear wheel of your bike.
2. Unscrew the derailleur hanger from the frame of the bike.
3. Place the new derailleur hanger onto the frame and screw it in tightly.
4. Attach the derailleur to the hanger.
5. Screw the rear wheel back onto the bike.
5. How do I adjust a rear bike derailleur?
To adjust a rear bike derailleur, you will need to turn the adjusting barrel clockwise to tighten the cable, or counterclockwise to loosen the cable.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best rear bike derailleurs. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best rear bike derailleurs will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.