SRAM

X9 Rear Derailleur

The SRAM X9 10-Speed Rear Derailleur differs from the 9-speed version in a number of ways. First, the cage width and jockey wheels are sized in accordance with the narrower 10-speed chain. And secondly, it uses Exact Actuation Technology, borrowed from SRAM's road bike shifters, to deliver the most precise shifting possible by ensuring a perfect and consistent shift distance between each gear, all the way across the cassette.

And like the rest of SRAM's rear derailleurs, the X9 Rear Derailleur is designed for a direct cable path from the stop on the frame to the derailleur body, eliminating the typical loop of excess housing to make the junction. This more direct route to the derailleur reduces friction in the cable system and produces a lighter more consistent feel to the shifting.

At a glance, it may be tough to tell this X9 10-Speed Derailleur from the X0 model, but there are differences of course. For one, it's a few grams heavier. Only the short cage version uses carbon fiber for the outer cage plate. The medium and long versions use alloy for both cage plates. The inner and outer parallelogram linkages are also aluminum, with wide pivots to ensure linkage stability when the derailleur is under tension in the biggest cogs. This way, you'll get accurate shifting and quiet performance when pedaling. Also, where the X0 models use sealed cartridge bearings in the jockey wheels, this X9 Rear Derailleur uses sealed bushings. While they'll provide good service, they won't spin with the precision of the bearings on the X0 model, but you'll save a few bucks to spend elsewhere on your bike.

The SRAM X9 10-Speed Rear Derailleur is available with Grey, Red, or White accents and is designed to work with SRAM's 10-speed 11-32 and 11-36 cassettes. It can be paired with one, two, or three chainrings. To that end, there are three cage length options -- Short (DH/single ring), Medium (2x10), and Long (3x10). The mid length cage is suited for use with hardtails and single-pivot suspension designs with minimal chain growth throughout the range of travel. The long cage model can handle the greater chain growth potential that many full suspension trail bikes exhibit. If in doubt, go with the long cage version.