Chain slap and wheel removal — two frustrating parts of mountain bike drivetrains — are both targeted in the upcoming release of SRAM’s new Type 2 XO and X9 rear derailleurs. These new bits are slated to be released to the public in August, but you can likely see them at Sea Otter Classic next month and drool over the specs below.
Lets first cover the chain slap issue. SRAM’s answer to that is the new Roller Bearing Clutch™ Technology. This features a one-way roller clutch to control chain tension. What that means is the derailleur cage won’t be swinging around with every bump, but instead will maintain a consistent tension for smoother shifting and quieter operation. While it won’t eliminate the need for beefy, rubbery chainstay protectors, it looks to certainly reduce chain slap and chatter on the trail. And, as a result, shifting performance should improve.
The second improvement is in the new Cage Lock™ Technology. With the proliferation of 10-speed drivetrains, rear wheel removal has become even more difficult. I’ll admit that on some bikes, I get very frustrated trying to perform that seemingly-simple task. With Cage Lock, you can lock the cage in its extended position, thus allowing you to remove the wheel without having to fiddle with the greasy mousetrap at the same time. As a by-product, it makes chain installation and cleaning much easier to boot.
The only tradeoff with this new technology is 30 grams added weight — not a bad compromise for the increased performance and ease-of-use.
SRAM XO Type 2 Rear Derailleur Specs:
- Exact Actuation for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
- Focused chassis design for all conditions and usage
- 235g (medium cage) clutch adds 30 grams to a standard RD
- 36-tooth cassette capable
- 3 cage lengths available: short for DH, medium for 2X10 and long for 3X10
- 3 graphic colors available: Silver, Black, Red
- MSRP: $260
SRAM X9 Type 2 Rear Derailleur Specs:
- Exact Actuation for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
- Focused chassis design for all conditions and usage
- 250g (medium cage) clutch adds 30 grams to a standard RD
- 36-tooth cassette capabl
- 3 cage lengths available: short for DH, medium for 2X10 and long for 3X10
- 2 graphic colors available: Grey, white
- MSRP: $116
More Info: Download Spec Sheet (PDF)
6 Comments
will this support 3×9?
10-speed only. Sorry man. I know… making the leap to 10-speed costs a grundle.
bummer. I’ll have to make the leap one of these days.
I’m assuming you can still mix and match a sram rear deraileur w/ a shimano cassette in the 10 speed configuration?
I believe you can, so long as you have SRAM shifters.
love the clutch idea in the new bread of derailleurs, can’t wait to get one on my own bike.