Rear Derailleur for touring

[Jon62]

Hi,
I currently have a Shimano Alivio RD-400 9 speed, it is not working too well at the moment, so i am planning on upgrading.
So what would be a good choice?
I have a 44/32/22 Chain rings and a 12-36 cassette.
Advice welcomed!

 

[roubaixtuesday]

My advice FWIW.

0. Check*
1. Replace cable. Check.
2. Replace cable outers. Check.
3. Replace chain and jockey wheels. Check.
4. Replace and/or realign gear hanger. Check.
5. Consider replacing derailleur.

*Check using https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-adjustment

Might be worth specifying what exactly are your symptoms of "not working too well"

Dérailleur is probably the least likely source of whatever your issue is IME.

 

[All uphill]

What he said ^^^

 

[Jon62]

Have done 1 to 3, may need aquire a suitable tool to check to alignment.
Thanks for the input.

 

[Jameshow]

I'd get adeore one. Like this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13446767...tixoXeJTeO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

They are good quality tbh.

 

[I like Skol]

My advice FWIW.

0. Check*
1. Replace cable. Check.
2. Replace cable outers. Check.
3. Replace chain and jockey wheels. Check.
4. Replace and/or realign gear hanger. Check.
5. Consider replacing derailleur.

*Check using https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-adjustment

Might be worth specifying what exactly are your symptoms of "not working too well"

Dérailleur is probably the least likely source of whatever your issue is IME.

What he said ^^^

Wot they said ^^^.

I would just add, before replacing cable maybe clean and lube. Derailleurs rarely wear to the point of requiring replacement. Quality cables that are not frayed/kinked rarely need replacing.

 

[Big John]

Might be worth specifying what exactly are your symptoms of "not working too well"

We use a lot of Alivio stuff where I work as a volunteer. It's not top of the range, as you're aware, but it usually does the job pretty well. What makes you say it's not working too well? A number of things in the overall drive train can cause issues, even a tight link as I discovered the other week, so buying a new rear mech might be jumping the gun a bit. If you haven't got a hanger alignment tool your LBS might not charge much for a quick check and if it's properly aligned you can eliminate this from your 'check' list. They'll align it for you if it is out of line.

 

[Jon62]

I have ordered an alignment tool, and will keep you informed of the outcome.

 

[I like Skol]

I have ordered an alignment tool, and will keep you informed of the outcome.

No alignment tool required. A straight edge across the hanger with rim measurements taken at 90 degrees is all that is needed. I usually use an old spirit level as the straight edge.

 

[Cycleops]

No alignment tool required. A straight edge across the hanger with rim measurements taken at 90 degrees is all that is needed. I usually use an old spirit level as the straight edge.

That’s interesting. Could you elaborate a bit as I can’t quite work out the method?

 

[DCBassman]

My advice FWIW.

0. Check*
1. Replace cable. Check.
2. Replace cable outers. Check.
3. Replace chain and jockey wheels. Check.
4. Replace and/or realign gear hanger. Check.
5. Consider replacing derailleur.

*Check using https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-adjustment

Might be worth specifying what exactly are your symptoms of "not working too well"

Dérailleur is probably the least likely source of whatever your issue is IME.

Agree, and Alivio RDs are pretty bombproof.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Give it a clean, fresh cables and outers etc. My last Shimano rear derailleur I replaced did a solid 19 years of high mileage.

 

[Jon62]

Well,it was none of the above, after putting the bike on the stand and rotating the pedal i noticed the cassette was wobbling, so out with the wheel and check the lock ring, that was not loose, so off with the cassette to find the spacer i had used was not the right thing for the job, quick trip to the local cycle shop and problem sorted.

 

[Big John]

.....and the cost of an unnecessary alignment tool? Did you manage to cancel the order?

 

[Paulus]

.....and the cost of an unnecessary alignment tool? Did you manage to cancel the order?

You never know when you might need one. It could sit in the toolbox for years before it's needed.