The front derailleur has been enhanced, too. Gone is the in-cable barrel adjuster, replaced instead with an integrated cable tension port. This is something introduced to Dura-Ace and Ultegra level models, which results in lighter shifting between the front chain rings.

This is also the case with Shimano’s 11-speed mountain bike components – for example, you could use an XTR M9000 derailleur with a pair of SLX M7000 shifters Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN,

SRAM NX Eagle Single Click 12 Speed Rear Shifter

At first glance this looks no different from the previous 105 front mech, but closer inspection reveals that the plates are just over 1mm wider apart, they’re shaped differently, and the parallelogram that drives the mech is a new geometry too. Now that we’ve gone through the tortuous process of working out exactly what will work with your drivetrain, you have the fun of deciding which price point to go for. The only exception for 9-speed groupsets is pre-1997 Dura-Ace gearing, which won’t play nicely with anything because it uses a totally different cable pull ratio

There are also differences in the pull ratios used between different groupsets: the Ergopower shifters used by mechanical Super Record, Record and Chorus 11-speed are not compatible with Potenza, which itself is incompatible with both Ergopower and Centaur Power-Shift systems. The situation is a little more clear with SRAM and we’ve summarised the main points below. SRAM road and gravel derailleur compatibility The shape of the shifters has been re-vamped and brought into line with the slimmer, more streamlined Ultegra R8000 series. Further attention has been paid to the ergonomics by increasing the reach adjustment to 15mm, offering more range for those with smaller hands. This attention to ergonomics should offer greater comfort on those longer rides. All 11-speed Shimano road components are inter-compatible – you could use a Dura-Ace R9100 derailleur with a pair of 105 R7000 shifters. This is also true of the brand’s 11-speed GRX components and 11-speed SRAM road components are inter-compatible – meaning you could run a 10-speed SRAM Red rear derailleur with a pair of SRAM 22 shiftersMost* 8- and 9-speed Shimano mountain bike and road kit is inter-compatible because they both use the same cable pull ratio. This means you can use an 8- or 9-speed mountain bike derailleur with road shifters, or vice versa It uses the traditional Shimano joining pin system (standard chain tools are suitable too), and we tried a variety of joining links including Powerlink, which all worked fine. We all liked the new shaped hoods and the internal cable routing makes for a cleaner looking front end, at the expense of some under tape bulges and a slight increase in friction – despite the new PTFE lined cables. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Campagnolo has introduced many changes to its groupsets, resulting in reduced compatibility between generations. So boxed letters (indicating the ranges) will aid you in identifying if your parts are compatible. Campagnolo

The quality of the shift and the shape of the whole lever/hood assembly is a winner, especially considering the price. They’re not as woolly feeling as the previous 105, with the shift action having a more positive feel on both sides. We couldn’t detect the claimed improvement in braking from the hoods, but we never had a problem with the old version. But now things get more complicated (or simple, depending on which way you look at it) with slight tweaks to all of Campagnolo’s groupsets resulting in reduced inter-compatibility between groupsets. Campagnolo has introduced many changes to its groupsets, resulting in reduced compatibility between generations. So boxed letters (indicating the ranges) will aid you in identifying if your parts are compatible. Campagnolo provides a much more thorough description of the changes and we highly recommend you read through this guide carefully before committing to any new parts from the Italian marque.

Which brand of derailleur should I buy?

Although SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo’s interpretations of a clutch derailleur differ slightly, they all aim to achieve the same thing.