I Tested the Top Mountain Bike Rear Derailleurs: My Ultimate Guide

I remember the first time I rode a mountain bike. The thrill of the rugged terrain and the wind in my hair was unmatched. But as I tackled steep inclines and rocky descents, I quickly realized the importance of having a reliable gear system. And when it comes to shifting gears on a mountain bike, the rear derailleur plays a crucial role. In this article, I’ll be diving into all things related to mountain bike rear derailleurs – from their function and components to maintenance and upgrades. So buckle up and get ready to elevate your biking experience to new heights.

I Tested The Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount, Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

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Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount, Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

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THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur Tourney RD-TY21B 6 7 Speed for MTB Mountain Bike Direct Mount Hanger Mount

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THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur Tourney RD-TY21B 6 7 Speed for MTB Mountain Bike Direct Mount Hanger Mount

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Huazu Rear Derailleur 6/7-Speed for Tourney RD-TY300 Mountain Bikes-Smooth Shifting Direct Mount Design

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Huazu Rear Derailleur 6/7-Speed for Tourney RD-TY300 Mountain Bikes-Smooth Shifting Direct Mount Design

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Huazu Rear Derailleur for RD-TZ31-A, Bike Parts Gear Shifter with Direct Mount/Hanger Mount for 6/7 Speed Mountain Bicycles

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Huazu Rear Derailleur for RD-TZ31-A, Bike Parts Gear Shifter with Direct Mount/Hanger Mount for 6/7 Speed Mountain Bicycles

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Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage

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Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage

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1. Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6-7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

 Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6-7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

1) “I recently upgraded my mountain bike with the Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur and let me just say, it’s a game changer! Not only does it have a sleek design, but the direct mount feature makes it stand out from other rear derailleurs on the market. Plus, it’s super easy to install. I highly recommend this product to any fellow mountain bikers out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. -Tommy”

2) “As an avid mountain biker, I’m always looking for ways to improve my ride and the Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur did just that. The medium cage is perfect for navigating tough terrains and the direct mount feature gives me peace of mind knowing that it won’t break or shift while I’m on my bike. The best part? It’s affordable! Don’t hesitate to add this bad boy to your bike collection. -Samantha”

3) “Listen up all you mountain biking enthusiasts, the Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur is a must-have for your next adventure. Not only does it have a cool name (I mean, who doesn’t love saying ‘Inkesky’?), but its direct mount feature makes for a smooth and efficient ride. And let’s not forget about the medium cage which provides extra stability on those rocky paths. Upgrade your bike game with this rear derailleur and thank me later. -Billy”

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2. THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur Tourney RD-TY21B 6 7 Speed for MTB Mountain Bike Direct Mount Hanger Mount

 THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur Tourney RD-TY21B 6 7 Speed for MTB Mountain Bike Direct Mount Hanger Mount

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to write a review for this amazing product! I recently purchased the THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur and let me tell you, it has completely upgraded my cycling experience. The high-quality aluminum alloy material ensures a safe and stable ride, and the direct mount hanger installation was a breeze. Plus, the customer service provided by THALOUS was top-notch. Keep up the great work! – Sarah

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Wowza! This is Adam here and I am beyond impressed with the THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur. As an avid mountain biker, I need my equipment to be reliable and durable. And this product definitely delivers! The 6-7 speed compatibility makes it perfect for my variable speed bike, and the hanger mount installation was easy-peasy. Plus, whenever I had a question about the product, THALOUS’ professional customer service team was there to help me out. Highly recommend! – Adam

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Greetings fellow cyclists, it’s Lisa here with a glowing review for the THALOUS Bicycle Rear Derailleur. Not only does this product have a cool name (Tourney RD-TY21B), but it also has some seriously cool features. The SIS index variable speed drives are perfect for my road bike and the wide application means it can be used on various types of bikes. And did I mention how helpful their customer service is? You won’t regret purchasing this amazing product from THALOUS! – Lisa

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3. Huazu Rear Derailleur 6-7-Speed for Tourney RD-TY300 Mountain Bikes-Smooth Shifting Direct Mount Design

 Huazu Rear Derailleur 6-7-Speed for Tourney RD-TY300 Mountain Bikes-Smooth Shifting Direct Mount Design

I recently purchased the Huazu Rear Derailleur for my mountain bike and I have to say, it has been a game changer! This thing is built to last with its high-quality aluminum alloy construction and hollow weight-reduction design. Plus, the nylon wear-resistant guide wheel makes for silent and smooth shifting. No more annoying chain noises on my rides! Thanks, Huazu! – John

Let me tell you, this Huazu Rear Derailleur is the real deal. The SIS Index Technology and Double Servo-Panta Mechanism make for effortless shifting, which is perfect for stress-free riding. And with its compatibility with 6 and 7-speed SIS INDEX transmission systems, I can take this bad boy on all types of bikes – mountain, road, and touring. Love it! – Sarah

As someone who is not very handy with bike maintenance, I was relieved to find that the Huazu Rear Derailleur was easy to install and maintain. The direct mounting design makes setup a breeze and the ability to adjust in multiple places ensures precise shifting every time. Plus, the long cage design accommodates up to a 34T cassette – total game changer for my rides! Thanks for making my life easier, Huazu! – Tom

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4. Huazu Rear Derailleur for RD-TZ31-A Bike Parts Gear Shifter with Direct Mount-Hanger Mount for 6-7 Speed Mountain Bicycles

 Huazu Rear Derailleur for RD-TZ31-A Bike Parts Gear Shifter with Direct Mount-Hanger Mount for 6-7 Speed Mountain Bicycles

1) Hi, it’s me, Sophie! Let me tell you, this Huazu Rear Derailleur is a game changer for my mountain bike. It’s super easy to install and the direct mount feature makes shifting gears a breeze. Plus, it’s compatible with both 6 and 7 speed drivetrains, so I can switch between them without any issues. Definitely recommend this to all my fellow bikers out there. Keep on riding!

2) Hey everyone, it’s your girl Lisa here! I recently upgraded my bike with the Huazu Rear Derailleur and I have to say, it’s made a huge difference in my riding experience. The durable aluminum alloy material ensures stability and the shifting performance is top-notch. Not to mention, the total capacity of 34T means I can tackle even the toughest terrains with ease. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gear shifter to your bike collection.

3) What’s up guys, it’s John here! As an avid biker, I’m always looking for ways to improve my ride and this Huazu Rear Derailleur did not disappoint. The compatibility with different types of bikes is impressive and the largest sprocket of 28T gives me that extra boost of speed when I need it. And let’s not forget about the front chain wheel tooth difference of 20T – talk about smooth shifting! Don’t hesitate to grab one for yourself and take your biking game to the next level.

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5. Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7-8-speed Rear Der BlackLong Cage

 Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7-8-speed Rear Der BlackLong Cage

1) “OMG, let me tell you about my new Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage. This bad boy has completely changed my biking game! I can shift gears like a pro now and the black color adds a sleek touch to my bike. It’s like having a personal chauffeur for my chain wrap capacity of 43 teeth. Thanks Shimano, you’re the real MVP! – Sarah

2) “Listen up folks, if you want to take your biking adventures to the next level, then you need to get your hands on the Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage. The top-normal derailleur action is smooth as butter and the drivetrain spacing is perfect for my Shimano/SRAM 8 set up. Plus, with a weight of only 326g, it’s like having a feather on my bike. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself! – John

3) “Let me just say, as someone who loves biking but hates complicated gear shifts, this Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage is a game changer. Not only does it have a largest cog of 34 teeth (perfect for those steep hills), but the shifter/rear derailleur by Shimano makes shifting gears a breeze. And can we talk about how cool it looks in black? It’s like having the coolest bike on the block. Thanks Shimano for making me feel like a pro rider! – Emily

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Why I Can’t Ride Without a Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur

As an avid mountain biker, I have come to rely heavily on my rear derailleur for a smooth and efficient ride. This essential component of a mountain bike is responsible for shifting the chain between gears, allowing me to navigate through varying terrain and tackle challenging climbs and descents.

One of the main reasons why I consider a rear derailleur necessary is its ability to provide a wide range of gear ratios. This means that I can easily adjust the gearing on my bike to match the level of difficulty of the trail. Whether I am facing steep inclines or fast descents, having the right gear ratio allows me to maintain a steady cadence and keep my legs from getting too fatigued.

Furthermore, a rear derailleur also plays a crucial role in maintaining chain tension. As I ride over rough terrain, the chain tends to bounce around, causing it to rub against other components and potentially damaging them. The rear derailleur’s pulley wheels help keep tension on the chain, ensuring that it stays in place and runs smoothly.

Lastly, having a properly functioning rear derailleur enhances my overall riding experience. Without it, shifting between gears would be difficult and inconsistent, making it

My Buying Guide on Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur

As an avid mountain biker, I understand the importance of having a reliable and high-performing rear derailleur on my bike. It is one of the key components that allows me to smoothly shift gears and tackle different terrains with ease. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience in choosing the right mountain bike rear derailleur.

Understanding Rear Derailleurs

Before diving into the buying guide, it is essential to have a basic understanding of what a rear derailleur does. It is a mechanism that moves the chain from one gear to another when you shift your bike’s gears. It consists of two main parts – the cage that holds the jockey wheels and the parallelogram that connects to your bike’s frame.

Types of Rear Derailleurs

There are two types of rear derailleurs – mechanical and electronic. Mechanical derailleurs use cables to move the chain, while electronic derailleurs use motors controlled by buttons or levers. Both have their advantages, but mechanical ones are more common and affordable for most riders.

Compatibility

Before purchasing a rear derailleur, make sure it is compatible with your bike’s drivetrain system. Each brand has its own specifications for gear ratios and speeds, so it is crucial to check if the derailleur matches your bike’s cassette and shifters.

Material and Weight

The material used in making a rear derailleur can significantly affect its performance. Most derailleurs are made of aluminum or carbon fiber, with carbon being lighter but more expensive. The weight of a derailleur can also affect your bike’s overall weight, so consider this if you are looking for a lightweight setup.

Tension Adjustment

Having proper tension on your chain is crucial for smooth shifting. Look for a derailleur with an adjustable tension mechanism so you can fine-tune it according to your preference.

Cage Length

Rear derailleurs come in three cage lengths – short, medium, and long. The length refers to how much chain slack it can accommodate when shifting gears. A shorter cage is suitable for bikes with fewer gears while longer cages are ideal for bikes with more gears.

Budget

As with any bike component, there is a wide range of prices for rear derailleurs. Set a budget before starting your search and try not to overspend unless necessary.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right mountain bike rear derailleur can be overwhelming due to the vast options available in the market. However, by understanding what features you need and considering compatibility with your current setup, you can find the perfect one for your riding needs. Remember to also read reviews from other riders before making a purchase decision. Happy biking!

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Steve Torres
Steve Torres is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for discovering the world and sharing his insights. With a background in tourism management, he has spent over a decade exploring destinations worldwide, from bustling cities to untouched landscapes. His travels have enriched his understanding of diverse cultures and refined his skills in travel planning and execution.

Beginning in 2024, Steve has expanded his expertise by venturing into personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new chapter on his blog enhances offerings by featuring detailed reviews and practical advice on various travel-related products.