Which rear mech?

black dog

Had a minor catastrophe at the weekend which involved wrapping the rear mech round the rear wheel of my Specialized Allez. It was a Sora rear mech. It will need replaced. I think the wheel iand frame are probably OK. So my question is would there be any point in replacing the rear mech with an upgraded 9 speed rear mech or just stick with a like for like replacement? If I go for an upgrade would that mean I needed new shifters too?

lucasf09

I believe that unless you go up to DA/Red/Record level, most deraileurs are "dumb" (in the sense that they will do what the gear shifter tells them to do). So if you upgrade to a Tiagra 9 speed, the shifters would still be able to work with them. However, you will need to keep (or replace like for like) casssette, as the shifters will not magically have an extra "click" to give you the ninth gear. Then when the shifters break, you can buy a 9 speed, and corresponding cassette, and have a 9 speed system.
I think you may even be able to use a 10 speed derailleur, though don't quote me on this.

black dog

Sorry I think I maybe wasn't entirely clear. I was already running 9 speed with a 9 speed cassette. I was wondering if I would see any benefit in performance going from Sora to say 105 but sticking with 9 speed.

ugo.santalucia

black dog wrote:

Sorry I think I maybe wasn't entirely clear. I was already running 9 speed with a 9 speed cassette. I was wondering if I would see any benefit in performance going from Sora to say 105 but sticking with 9 speed.

not really, plus they don't make them anymore... the rear derailleur design is 60 years old and well consilidated, differences between a Sora and Dura Ace are minimum

snoopsmydogg

^^^^ what ugo says, not sure if shimano still sell 9 speed 105 but even so chances are you would pay a lot more for little benefit.

black dog

thanks guys, advice appreciated.

ricklilley

I doubt you'll get any improve in performance, but an upgraded mech might be a few grams lighter.
I would base my decision on price and availability. You might be able to pick up a tiagra or better in a clearance sale, worth spending abit of time trawling the net or asking your LBS anyway.
My argument is usually as long as it works and the price is good go for it!

black dog

Thanks Rick. Sadly there is more weight to be lost round my middle than on a lighter mech. I'll keep an eye out or bargains.