Long or short cage?

carbonfiend
carbonfiend Posts: 475
edited December 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi unsure as to which option to go for any suggestions I'm running 48/36/22 with a 32-11 cassette.
'..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'

Comments

  • bones3027
    bones3027 Posts: 152
    i may be wrong but seem to recall someone once saying for triple use long, double use medium and single guess what short...... but like i said may be wrong im sure SS will give you the definative answer
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  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    long.... probably.

    What derailleur... each is different so read the specs on the manufacturer site.
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    XT 770 I think I roughly understand the theory as to chain tension and gear ratios it just the 48 ring that throwing me a bit, I'm guessing long cage as I plan to change to 44t (don't know how i ended up with a 48!)
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    Model Number RD-M770-SGS
    Series DEORE XT
    Shifting Action Low Normal
    Mount Type Drop-out
    Maximum Sprocket 34T
    Minimum Sprocket 11T
    Front Difference 22T maximum
    Total Capacity 45T
    Guide Pulley sealed ceramic bushing
    Tension Pulley sealed bearing
    Pulley Bolts stainless steel
    Pulley Bolts Retainer
    Bracket Body aluminum/painted
    Bracket Pivot Seal single O-ring
    Plate Body aluminum/painted
    Plate Pivot Bolt steel
    Plate Pivot Seal single O-ring
    Outer Link aluminum/painted
    Inner Link aluminum/painted
    Link Pin Bushings fluorine coated (4)
    Outer Plate aluminum/anodized
    Inner Plate aluminum/anodized
    Average Weight
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    yeah just readin and I think its gettin through to me - its all about that total capacity, with long cage it allows to run small - small as the cage will take up the tension - i think
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    you dont run small small.

    that is how you break chains.

    PS look in the FAQs.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    yeah get that and avoiding cross chain ratio, just trying to work out the theory of long/short, eg if you don't mis gear (end up small - small) or cross chain do u really need long cage, or is the safest option just to go long as heard short gives better chain tension and crisper shifting??
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    sorted - long cage its cheaper :D
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    nicklouse wrote:
    you dont run small small.

    that is how you break chains.

    Sure, but you do want to have the hardware be able to cope with it in case you shift there by accident.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Large/large is more problematic if your chain isn't long enough. But if you measure your chain correctly then this silly gear if you hit it will not cause a cataclysmic death of the drivetrain.

    I see no point in using a shorter chain with a smaller capacity mech just so you can use the small/small.
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  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    No, you're right, I had that all the wrong way round. Bit tired :oops:
    Uncompromising extremist

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