derailleur replacement also

[the schwartz]

i have a 10 year old specialized enduro. the derailleur is messed up and it's time to get a new one.

the current is a SRAM GX type 2.1, 10 speed with what I now realize is a MIDcage.
the cassette is 11-42
the bike is set up as a 1x front.

i purchased and received a SRAM GX 2.1 10 speed LONG cage.

1. any reason this wouldn't work? is a long cage better, in fact, given the moderately wide range of the cassette?
2. i imagine this will force me to replace the chain because the cage is longer. - any set rule for how many more links i'll need, or is this something i need to figure out on my own once the derailleur is on the bike?

 

[GSTim]

You should be fine. Just check the chain length with the derailleur in the largest cog in the back. If the derailleur is not fully extended like below, you should be OK.

 

[the schwartz]

Thanks bud. Appreciate the reinforcement I thank I'm good even without a longer chain

 

[GSTim]

View attachment 262194View attachment 262195

Thanks bud. Appreciate the reinforcement I thank I'm good even without a longer chain

Yep looks good, may even need to take out a link. Just check the opposite with the smallest cog. You want to make sure that there is still some decent tension on the chain.

 

[Karate Monkey]

The cage on the derailleur has no effect on chain length--it's only how much chain the derailleur can take up.

 

[Bike N Gear]

The cage on the derailleur has no effect on chain length-

How would that be physically possible?

 

[zmartene]

How would that be physically possible?

Spring tension in the derailleur doesn't add length. The classic way to size a chain completely bypasses the rd.

Chain Length Sizing

This repair help article will take you step by step through the different methods of sizing a bike chain for your drivetrain.

www.parktool.com

 

[Bike N Gear]

Spring tension in the derailleur doesn't add length. The classic way to size a chain completely bypasses the rd.

Chain Length Sizing

This repair help article will take you step by step through the different methods of sizing a bike chain for your drivetrain.

www.parktool.com

So a derailleur with a 2" cage will use the same length chain as one with a 12" cage?

 

[Karate Monkey]

So a derailleur with a 2" cage will use the same length chain as one with a 12" cage?

Chain length sizing depends on the drive system, but yes. Old style was overlap 1+1/2 pins.

 

[Patrick]

How would that be physically possible?

because pedantic - the chain is the length it is - the der doesn't change it.
f*in around. and I haven't even started drinking! Is the difference a link (well 2 or 1.5 - two seems a lot)

my gut physics thing is what Tim said - if it isn't hitting any stops, should be good??????????

 

[serviceguy]

So a derailleur with a 2" cage will use the same length chain as one with a 12" cage?

wait, 12" derailleurs exist? Now I want one... 😎

 

[zmartene]

So a derailleur with a 2" cage will use the same length chain as one with a 12" cage?

Yep. It would probably drag the ground starting somewhere in the middle of the cassette, though... But that chain would be nice and taut (assuming the clutch was engaged and working)