Medium or Large Cage Rear Derailleur?

[Honestcox]

Just to close the loop - to satisfy my curiosity I contacted Specialized. The story they gave is that if their bike designers can get away with a medium cage, sometimes they'll do it. No problem either way with large or medium cage.

Now that I put the large cage derailleur on along with a new chain, I am finding the rest of my drivetrain is worn - may need new chainrings too, which is par for the course I guess . . . $$$

[Gunchie]

Just to close the loop - to satisfy my curiosity I contacted Specialized. The story they gave is that if their bike designers can get away with a medium cage, sometimes they'll do it. No problem either way with large or medium cage.

Now that I put the large cage derailleur on along with a new chain, I am finding the rest of my drivetrain is worn - may need new chainrings too, which is par for the course I guess . . . $$$

It's a good idea to change out the cassette when you get a new chain (if it has a lot of wear that is) as well. Like most Midwest riders I'm guessing you spend the majority of your time in the middle chainring. I'd just change that one out if it's that worn. Do the cassette first and see how it feels then. Changing out the cassette is a good way to loss weight on your bike anyway. Here's a XT on sell: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Sprocket.aspx