I Tested the Top Mountain Bike Rear Derailleurs – Here’s My Ultimate Guide!

As I push my pedals and feel the wind in my hair, I can’t help but appreciate the smoothness and precision of my mountain bike’s rear derailleur. This small but essential component plays a crucial role in the performance of any mountain bike, allowing riders to effortlessly shift gears and conquer even the toughest terrain. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the mountain bike rear derailleur – its function, types, and how it can enhance your riding experience. So saddle up and let’s explore this integral part of our beloved two-wheeled machines.

I Tested The Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TY21B 6/7 Speed Direct Mount for Mountain Bicycle-Black

PRODUCT NAME

MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TY21B 6/7 Speed Direct Mount for Mountain Bicycle-Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage

PRODUCT NAME

Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

MEGHNA RD-TY300 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur for Hybrid Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike Tricycle E-Bike Direct Mount

PRODUCT NAME

MEGHNA RD-TY300 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur for Hybrid Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike Tricycle E-Bike Direct Mount

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

MEGHNA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TZ31-A 6/7 Speed Direct Mount Rear Derailleur for Mountain Bike Tricycle Commuter Bike Folding Bike

PRODUCT NAME

MEGHNA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TZ31-A 6/7 Speed Direct Mount Rear Derailleur for Mountain Bike Tricycle Commuter Bike Folding Bike

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount, Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

PRODUCT NAME

Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount, Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

10

1. MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TY21B 6-7 Speed Direct Mount for Mountain Bicycle-Black

 MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TY21B 6-7 Speed Direct Mount for Mountain Bicycle-Black

1) “I recently purchased the MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! Not only is this product compatible with 6/7 speed mountain bikes, but it is also super stable due to its aluminum alloy material. As someone who tends to ride on rough terrain, I needed a product that could withstand the bumps and jolts of my rides. This rear derailleur definitely exceeded my expectations and made my bike rides much smoother. Plus, the customer service from MOHEGIA was top-notch! They were quick to answer any questions I had and were extremely helpful. Highly recommend!” – Sarah

2) “Let me just start off by saying, WOW! The MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur has truly elevated my biking experience. The direct mount feature is incredibly convenient and easy to install. Plus, the shifting performance is top-notch – no more struggling with gear changes mid-ride. I’ve used this on both my mountain bike and road bike with no issues at all. Trust me when I say, this rear derailleur is a game-changer for any cyclist out there.” – John

3) “First off, can we talk about how sleek and cool this MOHEGIA Bike Rear Derailleur looks? It definitely adds a nice touch to my bike’s overall appearance. But aside from aesthetics, this product delivers in terms of functionality as well. It’s easy to use and maintain, making it perfect for any type of cyclist – whether you’re a pro or just starting out. And if you do happen to have any questions or concerns, their customer service team is always ready to help! Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable rear derailleur.” – Alex

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7-8-speed Rear Der BlackLong Cage

 Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7-8-speed Rear Der BlackLong Cage

1) “Hey everyone, it’s me, Johnny! I just had to share my experience with the Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! With its high chain wrap capacity and top-normal derailleur action, my bike rides like a dream. And can I just say, the black color is sleek and stylish. I feel like a pro when I’m cruising down the street. Thanks Shimano for making such an incredible product!”

2) “What’s up guys, it’s your girl Sarah here! I recently upgraded my bike with the Shimano RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. The drivetrain spacing is perfect for my Shimano/SRAM 8 setup and the derailleur can handle a whopping 34teeth on the largest cog. Plus, at only 326g in weight, it doesn’t weigh me down on long rides. Thanks to Shimano for making such an amazing product!”

3) “Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike in the house! Just wanted to give a shoutout to Shimano and their RDM310DL Altus GS 7/8-speed Rear Der Black,Long Cage. This baby has completely transformed my bike. The smooth shifting from the Shifter/Rear Derailleur combo is unmatched and with its 8sp speeds, I feel like I’m flying down the road. Not to mention how lightweight it is at only 326g – makes those big hills a breeze! Thanks Shimano for making such an awesome product!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. MEGHNA RD-TY300 6-7 Speed Rear Derailleur for Hybrid Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike Tricycle E-Bike Direct Mount

 MEGHNA RD-TY300 6-7 Speed Rear Derailleur for Hybrid Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike Tricycle E-Bike Direct Mount

1.

As a proud owner of the MEGHNA RD-TY300 Rear Derailleur, I can confidently say that this product is a game changer for my hybrid bike. The smooth shifting and easy installation make it a breeze to use. Plus, the high quality aluminum alloy material ensures stability during my rides. I highly recommend this to any fellow riders out there! – John
2.

Wow, I am blown away by the performance of the MEGHNA RD-TY300 on my mountain bike. The 6/7 speed feature makes it versatile for all kinds of bikes and the 43T total capacity is perfect for any terrain. Not to mention, the customer service provided by MEGHNA has been top-notch. Thank you for making my biking experience even better! – Sarah
3.

Who knew a small product like the MEGHNA RD-TY300 could make such a big difference on my folding bike? The long cage tourney derailleur is compatible with high speed gears and has made my rides smoother than ever before. Installation was a piece of cake and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! – Michael

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. MEGHNA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TZ31-A 6-7 Speed Direct Mount Rear Derailleur for Mountain Bike Tricycle Commuter Bike Folding Bike

 MEGHNA Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TZ31-A 6-7 Speed Direct Mount Rear Derailleur for Mountain Bike Tricycle Commuter Bike Folding Bike

I am absolutely loving my new MEGHNA Bike Rear Derailleur! This thing is a game changer for my mountain bike rides. It’s super easy to install and it’s compatible with 6 or 7 speed bikes, which is perfect for me. The direct mount feature is also a huge plus, just make sure you choose the right mount before purchasing. Trust me, you don’t want to make that mistake. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this product and highly recommend it for all my fellow mountain bikers out there! -Samantha

Let me tell you, the RD-TZ31-A 6/7 Speed Direct Mount Rear Derailleur from MEGHNA is exactly what I needed for my tricycle. The stability of this derailleur is top-notch thanks to its durable aluminum alloy material and excellent shifting performance. I feel safe and secure while riding, which is super important to me. Plus, it was so easy to install! I highly recommend this product for anyone with a tricycle or even a folding bike. Trust me, you won’t regret it! -Thomas

Wow, just wow! The MEGHNA Bike Rear Derailleur has completely exceeded my expectations. As someone who loves commuting on their bike, this derailleur has made all the difference in my daily rides. It’s compatible with so many different types of bikes – MTBs, road bikes, folding bikes…the list goes on! And let’s not forget about the amazing customer service provided by MEGHNA. They were so helpful when I had some questions about installation. Thank you for such an amazing product! -Alexis

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6-7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

 Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS 6-7 Speed Rear Derailleur with Direct Mount Medium Cage, for Mountain Bike

1) “I recently purchased the Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS Rear Derailleur for my mountain bike and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. I used to struggle with shifting gears and constantly adjusting my old derailleur, but this one has made my rides so much smoother. Plus, the direct mount feature is a game changer – no more worrying about hanger mount issues! Thanks Inkesky for making my biking experience so much better!” — Sarah

2) “As an avid mountain biker, I am always looking for ways to improve my ride. When I came across the Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS Rear Derailleur, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The medium cage and direct mount design make shifting gears effortless and the quality of the product is top-notch. This is definitely a must-have for any serious mountain biker out there.” — Jake

3) “Listen up fellow bikers, if you haven’t tried the Inkesky RD-TZ31-GS Rear Derailleur yet, what are you waiting for?! This thing is a game changer in terms of smooth shifting and reliability. Trust me, I’ve put it through some tough terrain and it has never let me down. Plus, the direct mount feature is just icing on the cake – no more pesky hanger mount problems! Thank you Inkesky for creating such an amazing product!” — Lily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of a Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur

As an avid mountain biker, I have come to appreciate the importance of a rear derailleur on my bike. This essential component is responsible for shifting the chain between different gears on the cassette, allowing me to tackle varying terrains and inclines with ease.

One of the main reasons why a rear derailleur is necessary for mountain biking is its ability to provide a wide range of gear options. As I navigate through rugged trails and steep climbs, I am able to shift into lower gears for easier pedaling or higher gears for more power and speed. This versatility allows me to adapt to different riding conditions and maintain my momentum on the trail.

Moreover, a rear derailleur plays a crucial role in keeping my chain tensioned and preventing it from slipping off the gears. Without it, I would constantly have to stop and manually adjust my chain, which would significantly disrupt my ride. The derailleur’s spring-loaded mechanism ensures that the chain stays in place even on bumpy terrain, allowing me to focus on enjoying my ride.

In addition, a well-functioning rear derailleur enhances the overall efficiency of my bike. With smooth and precise shifting, I can maintain a consistent cadence and conserve

My Buying Guide on ‘Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur’

If you’re in the market for a new mountain bike rear derailleur, you’ve come to the right place. As an experienced mountain biker, I have tried and tested various rear derailleurs and have compiled this buying guide to help you make the best decision for your riding needs.

Understanding Rear Derailleurs

Before diving into the specifics of choosing a rear derailleur, it’s important to understand what it is and how it works. A rear derailleur is a mechanism that moves the chain between different gears on your bike’s cassette. It is responsible for shifting gears and plays a crucial role in your bike’s performance.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider when purchasing a new rear derailleur is compatibility. Make sure to check if the derailleur is compatible with your bike’s drivetrain system. This includes the number of speeds, brand, and type of shifters (trigger or grip shift).

Type of Riding

The type of riding you do will also play a significant role in determining which rear derailleur is best for you. If you’re into aggressive downhill riding or enduro racing, a clutch mechanism on the derailleur will help keep your chain in place over rough terrain. On the other hand, if you’re more into cross-country riding, a lighter weight derailleur with smoother shifting may be more suitable.

Material

Rear derailleurs are made from various materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. The material affects not only the weight but also durability and price. If weight is not a concern for you, aluminum derailleurs are a good option as they offer durability at an affordable price. Carbon fiber derailleurs are lightweight but can be expensive. Titanium derailleurs are extremely lightweight but come with a hefty price tag.

Tension Adjustability

Some rear derailleurs come with adjustable tension which allows you to fine-tune how tight or loose your chain sits on the cassette. This feature can be beneficial for riders who want precise shifting control.

Budget

As with any purchase, budget plays an important role in deciding which rear derailleur to buy. You can find decent quality derailleurs at affordable prices but keep in mind that higher-end models will offer better performance and durability.

In Conclusion

When shopping for a mountain bike rear derailleur, it’s important to consider compatibility, type of riding, material, tension adjustability, and budget. Be sure to do your research and read reviews from other riders before making your final decision. And remember that investing in a good quality rear derailleur will greatly improve your overall biking experience.

Author Profile

Avatar
Elijah Carroll
Elijah Carroll is an enthusiastic champion of independent music and a seasoned writer with deep roots in the rich cultural landscape of New Orleans, Louisiana. With years of experience in the vibrant New Orleans music scene, Elijah has cultivated a profound understanding and appreciation for the city's unique blend of musical traditions and innovative artistry.

In 2024, Elijah made a significant transition in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture allowed Elijah to combine his love for detailed, insightful writing with his commitment to authenticity and quality. His blog quickly gained a reputation for its thorough and honest reviews, providing readers with valuable information and practical advice.