ShimanoXTR RD-M9000 Rear Derailleur
Item # SHI003Z
XTR RD-M9000 Rear Derailleur
The rear derailleur: It's the first place most eyes dart when scoping out a new ride. It is the waving flag that signals to the world the machine's degree of mechanical supremacy. And, in the case of the all-new Shimano XTR RD-M9000 XTR Rear Derailleur, the statement doesn't get much more clear: it's the heart of a serious drivetrain.
As per the rest of the new XTR 9000-series parts, Shimano scrutinized the last-gen bits top-to-bottom and thoroughly refined everywhere it could. The rear derailleur sees an already low-profile shadow design get even lower-profile that's a claimed 30mm narrower than the previous design, keeping the derailleur that much further out of harm's way. The slant angle of the derailleur has been fine tuned to improve shifting smoothness and reduce ghost-shifting that results from suspension movements. Both of these areas of performance were also addressed in the moving of the top pulley wheel further forward, increasing chain wrap around the cassette and reducing chain slap against the chainstay, as well.
The M9000 rear derailleur also now has an externally adjustable clutch to alter the degree of chain slack you'll permit. In its most open setting, the chain is slack and shifting effort is very low, which is fine for smooth terrain, but less so for the rough stuff. When the clutch is in its most stable setting, shifting effort is higher but the chain is far more stable, great for when rough terrain is on the menu, keeping the ride quieter, shifting more precise, and reducing the chances of dropping the chain. To that end, the derailleur's return spring has been strengthened for quicker shifting action, and refined seals, bearings, and a carbon fiber pulley cage all serve to reduce overall weight and make shifting more precise, since the less weight is being thrown around laterally as you shift, the more easier that weight is for the mechanism to control.
The Shimano RD-M9000 XTR Rear Derailleur comes in Long Cage or Medium Cage versions and is designed specifically for use with the new CS-M9000 11-speed cassette and SIL-TEC chain.
- Rear derailleur for 11-speed Shimano mountain drivetrains
- Accommodates a 40-tooth maximum cog size for steep cross-country climbs
- Shadow RD+ tech with chain-stabilizer switch for control and quieter rolling
- Long and Medium cage options to set your drivetrain to your specific needs
What do you think about this product?
View
October 8, 2020
Can this be used with 12-speed shifter and cassette?
Ben G.
July 28, 2020
What is the Greece sert for?
Vincent m. Lopez
June 9, 2020
Hello, is this derailleur compatible with the Sram Eagle cassettes? specifically the X01 or GX cassettes. Thanks
Taylor R.
November 30, 2018
Long live 11 spd
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I understand the benefits of 12 speed but this der. and this group is super nice and with crisp clean shifting and the durability these have, what else do you need?
DJ Redundant II
May 13, 2018
could I put this derailleur on a ten speed bike?
mckay
May 1, 2018
Smooth
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Solid smooth consistent shifting! Super light, also looks rad. By no means a necessity over XT but hey, why not?
John E.
January 9, 2018
The Best
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Best shifting, more precise, sexy, light, good price, strong...
Alessandro D.
December 27, 2017
shifting performance is dialed
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
so if you don't want to upgrade and go electronic, this is the best you can really get. Electronic shifting is nice, but the price is still high. This shifting performance is about as good as it gets before making the jump to electronic. Shimano is just so smooth.
Nick Cowin
July 29, 2017
I crashed on my giant reign and tweaked my rear derailleur. I can't shift in to 1 in the back and there's clicks and noises that weren't there before. The derailleur was a little messed up before that to and I had people telling me to take a chain link out, buy a new chain, buy a new derailleur, and buy new sprockets. I got the bike only a couple months ago and as far as I know all the chain drive and sprockets are what came with the bike. Someone said the sprockets could be worn out. Any info would help. Will this derailleur fit with the components on a 2007 giant reign x1?
Paxton
June 23, 2017
Almost Perfect
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
XTR stuff is obviously great. Whether you prefer it over the SRAM offerings is purely personal preference really, I've had both recently and couldn't even say which one I prefer so I just go for whatever I can find the best deal on. I've had this derailleur for a few months now and it has performed flawlessly. My only beef, and the on area where I think SRAM is the clear winner, is in how you disengage the derailleur to remove your rear wheel. On SRAM there's a handy lock button, so you just extend it full and lock it in that position and it stays out of your way. Instead of that option, Shimano just let's you flip a lever to disengage the clutch so that there' s no resistance. This means you still have to flip the derailleur while pulling the wheel out (I know, life is SO HARD), but more importantly it means you have to remember to re-engage your clutch once your bike is back together. I always forget until I'm part way into my next ride and wonder what all the noise is about. That's a pretty minor, possibly even stupid, complaint so I still give it 5 stars. If you're shopping for this stuff you're probably making lots of decisions about where to splurge for XTR and where to save some pennies (lots of pennies) and go XT. Both are great really... I've always done as much XTR as the pocketbook allows to save weight, but I've also always been happy with both groups.
Vinny Mauro
August 31, 2016
XTR
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I have been running XTR on my bikes for awhile and the quality of shifting is hard to beat. Shimano continues to bring quality product that performs at a best in class level. You will not be disappointed with this rear derailleur.
Aaron Provine
July 1, 2016
XTR drivetrain!
Nice looking piece of machinery. The carbon looks great. Works very smooth and it was easy to set up.
Alex Drinkwater
June 16, 2016
Treat Yourself
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
You deserve to ride XTR. You've been treating yourself right. Eating well, watching the carbs. Treat yourself with beautiful carbon and aluminum. It will shift well and is a big improvement with its super strong cam lock to keep spring tension high and your chain where it belongs.
April 19, 2016
I heard that Shimano is coming out with a 42 and 46 rear cassette. It sounds like it will work with the 42, but will it work with the 46 and if so, do I need the long cage or medium cage?
Matthew A.
sergio garcia
December 20, 2019
medium
April 6, 2016
Buttery smooth
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
If you are looking for buttery smooth and precise shifting, shimano XTR is for you. Carbon mixed with high end metals makes this puppy light and strong. I won't ride or buy anything else! Trade in your Sram, you won't regret it.
Dan Dalton
February 17, 2016
Precise, smooth shifting.
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
The functionality and efficiency that is to be expected from Shimano components paired with a sleek, aesthetically pleasing finish make the XTR M9000 derailleur a go-to component for your mountain machine. Whether you are racing XC or slaying single track, XTR flat out performs when you need it to.
Trevor Linthorst
January 4, 2016
Will this work with an XT M8000 11x42 cassette?
Chucky
James
January 9, 2016
Yes, I currently am using that setup. Works greats, smooth shifting.
July 28, 2015
Does what it's told
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I have the medium cage for my 1x setup. If yuo're running a 2x, the cage length will depend on your chain wrap, and a 3x system will require the long cage. My drivetrain is a mashup of the XTR rear derailleur and chain, a SRAM X01 10-42T cassette, and a RaceFace Next SL crank. Despite being from 3 different manufacturers, everything works in harmony. The clutch on the XTR 9000 is simple to use, and keep the chain in tension and quiet. I shift, it moves, not much else you can ask of a derailleur.
Jon J
IdleCycle
August 4, 2015
Im running a mid size raliegh detour. With x7 10 spd ext.action derail and 8 piece cassette with the stock z chain on that i would almost put the plnk slip down on.thats without the front and rear baskets and lights. E.but have a 9set with the 9x.sram.all miss matches parts but will work with correct chain that i nneed to learn how to match up correct. If it' shifts as well and as quicki as x7 is now i hope it was worth all the late night dmp,s we roaduess it would btrack only,almost maybe I'll puf that onmy ladies early90.sraliegh with thee 26 x 1.95s. . Does it sound like im on the right track without loosing comfort. I can onley imagine how fast for a first time build.
IdleCycle
August 4, 2015
I have a older ugly 9 speed unmatched sram selector that l m just rebuilding .but im not sure how to figur what chain.
Andrew Swindle
May 18, 2016
Jon, thanks for your insight. Super helpful!
June 17, 2015
How do I know if I need long or medium cage?
Justin V.
Marcel
July 27, 2015
it will depend on your chainring and cassette, but you will most likely need med cage if you are running 1x
Eric G.
March 28, 2016
If using 11-40 cassette (as recommended by Shimano), here's what to use. A single ring up front will use a GS (med cage). Double up front will use GS if difference between large and small ring is 10 or less, SGS (long) if 12 or more. Triple up front will use SGS. There's always some wiggle room (11-42 cassette or 12 tooth front difference), but that will require remembering not to 'cross-chain' (big ring + big cog) while out riding.
sergio garcia
December 20, 2019
if you are running a 50t cassete go with the large if you´re running 42 or 46 medium will work very well
May 19, 2015
Could you use this derailleur with a 10 speed cassette and shifters?
Frank M.
Gavin McBride
May 24, 2015
Unfortunately, the New Shimano 11 speed mountain stuff is not backward compatible with their 10 speed set ups.
Frank M.
September 10, 2015
Hey Gavin - It has now been proven you CAN use this Derailleur with a 10 speed cassette and shifters. People with a 40 tooth cog on their cassette will find this Derailleur will make their shifting as smooth as it was with their stock cassette. Many riders have made this modification and highly recommend it.
Vincent m. Lopez
July 28, 2020
I have a Giant Revel & all parts fit. Lose front detailer though.