Mountain Bike Derailleurs

A MTB derailleur is the mechanism that causes gears to change by shifting the chain at the rear sprocket of the bike. The derailleur is attached to the bike via a derailleur hanger. A cable then connects the derailleur mechanism to the mountain bike’s gear shifter in order to allow you to control the gear changes.

It’s a good idea to keep your derailleur clean in order to prolong its lifespan. However, if it becomes damaged, a replacement will ensure you can keep changing gears smoothly and minimise the risk of your chain slipping or becoming damaged itself.

When looking for a new mountain bike derailleur, check the compatibility of the derailleur with the speed of your drivetrain.