Using it with goat link, 11 × 34

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Height

5` 8"

Weight

185 lbs

I'm an older road racer and always looking to be fast and still be able to climb. On a race bike 53 × 39 front and now 11 × 34 rear. With the goat link, I haven't lost any speed and gained in climbing. Perfect! Using medium cage and can grow it to 11 ×40. All Shimano.

Marlene C.

My current 8000 11 deurailer is broken how do i measure cage to see if it is medium or Long cage

Douglas R.

Best money I've spent on my bike

Not even sure why I ever bought a bike with a 3x8 drivetrain... swapped it out with a 1x11 using this shimano xt derailleur, xt shifter, and xt 11-46 cassette and I couldn't be happier! Chain never drops! Shifts smooth and precise.

Jason L.

Best value for your money

reliable, smooth shifting. Paired with a 11-46 10spd cassette and a goatlink and never had any problems.

Nestor Villegas

You don't need the X

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

In the name of your bike grouppo to get great shifting and light weight. Did I mention inexpensive? XT does everything that its racing big brother does and leaves a little green in your wallet for a good macro brew.

Steve Cook

Durable

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I got this derailleur after bending my XTR derailleur for what I thought would be temporary. However, I decided XT is all I need. It's cheaper, works well, and is more durable in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I loved my XTR setup - especially when I was racing. But now, I want durability for those long days in the saddle (with the occasional race).

Sophie Shinsky

Dependable XT & near XTR Performance

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I've ridden the XTR 11spd groupset, and decided that at half the cost, using the same design with heavier materials, it would be worth trying the XT derailleur and cassette (XTR shifter). Boy was I happy! It was nearly impossible to tell the difference in the XTR full groupset I rode vs my XT with XTR shifter. Shifts like butter, no stutter or interrupt mid spin, no hard clunks, and adjustable clutch is a huge +. You can't adjust clutch strength on SRAM comparable models, leaving them with a lot of chain slap - Never had an issue with my XT chainslapping. Also - VERY DURABLE. Took a minor hit to the derailleur by clipping a tree mid-air. Bent the hanger... picked up a new hanger and was good as new! was super worried the derailleur would have issues, but it was completely fine!

Nick

Go to for rear derailleur

XT is a go to for drivetrain if running Shimano, or thinking of converting from SRAM. Cant beet the quality for the price, and a great pair with e13 9-46 cassette - better range than eagle for a lot less.

Jacob Ahlman

Workhorse

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

XT stuff is the real deal. With the latest update, XT honestly feels like XTR. Don't get caught up in the status race. Unless you're a really serious racer, it's hard to make an argument for XTR from a value perspective.

Joe Draper

Durable.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

XT is the MTB'er group. The shifting is so close the XTR I doubt anyone will notice. I've used this derailleur with an XT 11-42 cassette and a 1x 30t chainring and it shifts great. It is plenty durable enough you might end up putting it on a couple different bikes.

Eric White

MTB standard

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Even if it's Shimano's 2nd tier, XT will always be my gold standard. The crispest shifting on the market- the combo of the XT derailleur and shifter leave nothing to be desired. I've used this setup with an XT 11-42 cassette, E*13 9-44 cassette and SRAM 10-42 cassette. Shifts great on all, but with the E*13 you'll want the long cage. Durable enough to take a season or two of smashing into rocks.

Chris Broullire

Great product

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

The xt derailleur is amazing for the price really nice shifting durable strong I really recommend , I was using sram x9 groupset it works really similar so don’t be afraid to try it.....

juan

Now, if I use a 1x11 with a 9-46 cassette, should I use the medium cage or the long cage

Federico

Amazing for the price

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This derailleur is one of the best I have ever owned. The clutch is great, the shifting is instantaneous, and it is lighter weight than my 10 speed SLX derailleur.

Brandon Anderson

One sturdy derailleur

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I think that the XT groupset is one of the best you can buy at this point. They are fairly light, very reliable, and will last forever. Not to mention, it's super affordable! Easy to install and also really easy to maintain. Might not be the ultra light race set up you want, but is just flat out reliable.

Porter Trapp

Loving it

I just put my first XT groupo on a build and I'm loving the clean shifting of this derailleur. The chain retention stabilizer switch is cool once you realize you have it and lock it instead of wondering why things are rattling so much on a descent.... but that's just my bad

Adam

With a 34T oval should I go for the med or long derailleur? I have not decided on the cassette yet. probably stick to 42 and get in shape.

The Chad

Great Set Up

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This was one part of my 1 x 11 set up for a Surly Krampus. Great value and quality. Another outstanding product from Shimano. If you have questions on set ups for your bike make sure you call in to talk to a bike Gearhead.

Christian Ceraso

My, what a long cage you have.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

With the advent of 1x and the huge big cog, derailleurs have had to keep up with long cages. XT the best working, everyman components on the market. Shifts well and never needs adjustments.

Steve Cook

What cassette size will this handle? Or the longcage version? I need 11-42, but would like to upgrade to 11-46.

Kevin Weitz