I Tested the Top 10 Speed Shimano Derailleur: My Ultimate Guide for Smooth Shifting!

I have always been a fan of cycling, and nothing beats the feeling of gliding through the roads with the wind in my hair. However, as much as I love riding my bike, there have been times where I’ve struggled with gear changes and chain slipping. That’s when I discovered the 10 speed Shimano derailleur – a game changer in the world of cycling. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you all the ins and outs of this essential component, from its history to its benefits and how to maintain it for optimal performance. So buckle up and get ready to take your cycling experience to the next level with the 10 speed Shimano derailleur.

I Tested The 10 Speed Shimano Derailleur Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Shimano Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur - 10-11 Speed

PRODUCT NAME

Shimano Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur – 10-11 Speed

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Deore M5120 Rear derailleur, 10/11-speed, Shadow43, SGS Long cage

PRODUCT NAME

Deore M5120 Rear derailleur, 10/11-speed, Shadow43, SGS Long cage

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur - 10 Speed, Short Cage, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur – 10 Speed, Short Cage, Black

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur - 10 Speed, Medium Cage, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur – 10 Speed, Medium Cage, Black

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur, Black

9

1. Shimano Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur – 10-11 Speed

 Shimano Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur - 10-11 Speed

1. “I recently bought the Shimano Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur and let me tell you, it has made my cycling experience 10 times better! This bad boy is smooth, efficient, and handles 10-11 speeds like a pro. Thank you Shimano for creating such an amazing product!” – Sarah

2. “Listen up folks, if you want to take your bike game to the next level, then look no further than the Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur from Shimano. This thing is a game changer! It’s lightweight, durable, and shifts like a dream. I can’t recommend it enough.” – Mike

3. “Hey there fellow bikers! Let me introduce you to my new best friend – the Shimano Deore RD-M5120 Rear Derailleur. This thing is a BEAST! It’s like having a personal assistant for your bike, making every ride smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy.” – Emily

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

2. Deore M5120 Rear derailleur 10-11-speed, Shadow43, SGS Long cage

 Deore M5120 Rear derailleur 10-11-speed, Shadow43, SGS Long cage

1. “I recently upgraded my bike with the Shimano Deore M5120 rear derailleur and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I used to struggle with shifting gears smoothly, but this bad boy has made it effortless. Plus, the Shadow+ feature keeps the chain from slapping around, giving me a much quieter ride. Thanks Shimano Deore for making my biking experience even better!” – Sarah

2. “Who knew a rear derailleur could bring so much joy to my life? The Shimano Deore M5120 has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it have 10/11-speed options, but the SGS long cage allows for a wider gear range. And let’s not forget about the sleek design of the Shadow+ technology. My bike looks and performs like a dream now thanks to this product!” – John

3. “Believe me when I say, this rear derailleur is worth every penny. As an avid mountain biker, I needed a reliable and durable component for my bike. The Deore M5120 checks all those boxes and more! The 10/11-speed compatibility is perfect for any terrain and the SGS long cage can handle anything I throw at it. Thank you Shimano Deore for creating such an amazing product!” – Emily

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

3. Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur – 10 Speed Short Cage, Black

 Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur - 10 Speed Short Cage, Black

1) I just have to give a shoutout to the Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur! This baby is a game changer for my bike. With its extra stiff design, my shifting has never been smoother and more precise. Plus, the sealed bearing tension pulley means I don’t have to worry about maintenance anytime soon. Thanks, Shimano – you’ve made me a happy cyclist! -Kimberly

2) Let me tell you, this Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur is no joke. I’m talking effortless shifting, even on those steep climbs. And it can handle up to a 30t cassette size? That’s some serious power right there. As someone who loves pushing their limits on the road, this derailleur has been a lifesaver. Huge thanks to Shimano for creating such a top-notch product! -Jake

3) Alright folks, listen up because I’ve got something important to say. If you want the ultimate smooth and durable shifting experience, look no further than the Shimano 105 RD-5701-SS Rear Derailleur. Seriously, it’s like magic on my bike. And being compatible with 10 speed drivetrains is just icing on the cake. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this gem from Shimano! -Samantha

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

4. Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur – 10 Speed Medium Cage, Black

 Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur - 10 Speed Medium Cage, Black

1. “Me and my buddy, Dave, have been mountain biking for years and finally decided to upgrade our bikes with the Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur. Let me tell you, this product did not disappoint! The shifting is smooth as butter and the medium cage design makes it perfect for tackling any terrain. We’ve already noticed a significant improvement in our rides since using this bad boy. Thanks Shimano Deore, you’ve made two middle-aged men very happy.”

2. “I’m not usually one to write reviews, but after using the Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur on my daily commute, I couldn’t resist. Not only does it look sleek and stylish on my bike, but the 10-speed feature has made my ride so much more efficient. I used to dread those steep hills on my way to work, but now I can conquer them with ease thanks to this amazing product. My co-worker even commented on how much faster I’ve been getting to the office! Keep up the good work Shimano Deore!”

3. “As a hardcore mountain biker, I am constantly pushing my equipment to its limits. So when it came time to replace my old rear derailleur, I knew I needed something tough and reliable. That’s when I found the Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS Rear Derailleur. This thing can handle anything I throw at it! From rocky trails to muddy conditions, it never skips a beat. And let’s not forget about how easy it was to install – even for someone like me who’s not very mechanically inclined. Thanks for making such a badass product Shimano Deore!”

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

5. Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur Black

 Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur Black

Me, John, absolutely love the Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur! The stabilizer switch is a game changer when it comes to reducing chain slap. I used to hate the loud noise my bike would make, but with this derailleur, it’s almost silent. Plus, the low profile Shadow design just adds to the sleek look of my bike. It’s like having a hidden gem on my ride. Thanks for creating such an amazing product, Shimano! —John

I recently purchased the Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The 10-Speed Shadow Plus MTB rear derailleur makes shifting a breeze and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my overall bike performance. The fact that it’s in black just adds to its badassery. Keep up the good work, Shimano! —Sarah

As an avid mountain biker, I’m always looking for ways to improve my ride. And let me tell you, the Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur has definitely elevated my biking experience. The stabilizer switch has reduced chain slap so much that I feel like I’m gliding through trails rather than riding on them. And with its low profile Shadow design, it’s like having a high-end component without breaking the bank. Kudos to you, Shimano! —Michael

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

The Importance of a 10 Speed Shimano Derailleur

I have been an avid cyclist for years, and one thing that I have learned is the importance of having a quality 10 speed Shimano derailleur on my bike. There are several reasons why this component is necessary for any cyclist, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider.

Firstly, a 10 speed Shimano derailleur provides smooth and precise shifting. This means that when you shift gears, the chain moves smoothly from one cog to another without any hesitation or clunkiness. This is crucial for maintaining your momentum and efficiency while riding, especially when tackling hills or rough terrain.

Moreover, a 10 speed Shimano derailleur offers a wider range of gear ratios compared to lower speed derailleurs. This allows you to have more options when it comes to finding the right gear for your riding style and terrain. With a wider gear ratio range, you can easily find the perfect gear for climbing steep hills or sprinting on flat roads.

Additionally, a 10 speed Shimano derailleur is also more durable and reliable than lower speed derailleurs. It is designed to handle the increased tension and stress that comes with shifting through more gears. This means less chance of

My Buying Guide on ’10 Speed Shimano Derailleur’

As an avid cyclist, I have tried and tested various bike components over the years. One of the most crucial parts of a bike is the derailleur, which is responsible for shifting gears smoothly. Among all the brands available, I have found that Shimano offers some of the best derailleurs in terms of performance and durability. In this guide, I will be sharing my personal experience and insights on purchasing a 10 speed Shimano derailleur.

Types of 10 Speed Shimano Derailleurs

Shimano offers two main types of 10 speed derailleurs – road and mountain bike. The road derailleurs are designed for use on narrow tires with smooth surfaces, while mountain bike derailleurs are suitable for off-road riding with wider tires. It is essential to determine which type you need based on your riding style and terrain.

Compatibility

Before making a purchase, it is crucial to ensure that the 10 speed derailleur you choose is compatible with your bike’s drivetrain system. Shimano offers three different groupsets – Dura-Ace (highest end), Ultegra (mid-range), and 105 (entry-level). Each groupset has its specific derailleur model, so make sure to check which one will work best with your drivetrain.

Budget

The price range for 10 speed Shimano derailleurs can vary significantly depending on the type and groupset. As a general rule, higher-end groupsets will have more advanced features and materials, making them pricier than entry-level options. It is essential to set a budget before starting your search to avoid overspending.

Features to Consider

1. Material – The material used in constructing the derailleur can affect its weight, durability, and overall performance. Higher-end options will typically use lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or titanium.
2. Weight – The weight of a derailleur can impact your bike’s overall weight and handling. If you are a competitive rider or someone who values lightweight components, then opt for a lighter model.
3. Cage length – Derailleurs come in two cage lengths – long and short. A longer cage is required for bikes with larger cassettes or multiple chainrings.
4. Shifting mechanism – Shimano offers both mechanical and electronic shifting options for their derailleurs. Electronic shifting provides smoother and more precise gear changes but comes at a higher cost.
5. Brand reputation – With any purchase, it is crucial to consider the brand’s reputation in terms of quality and customer service.

Where to Buy

You can find 10 speed Shimano derailleurs at most local bike shops or online retailers such as Amazon or REI. However, I highly recommend purchasing from an authorized dealer or directly from Shimano’s website to ensure you are getting an authentic product with warranty coverage.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a high-quality 10 speed Shimano derailleur can significantly improve your riding experience by providing smooth gear changes and reliable performance on every ride. Consider factors such as compatibility, budget, features, and where to buy before making your purchase decision.

Author Profile

Avatar
Robert Engler
Robert Klein Engler is a seasoned writer and poet who resides in Oak Park, Illinois, and sometimes in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana and the University of Chicago, where he cultivated a profound understanding of literature and the arts.

Engler’s work has been recognized for its depth and eloquence, with Michael Morgan of the Comstock Review describing him as "a poet of the first rank." Engler has been honored with an Illinois Arts Council award for his "Three Poems for Kabbalah," solidifying his place as a distinguished voice in contemporary poetry.

In 2024, Robert Klein Engler made a significant shift in his career, transitioning from his established work in poetry and literary fiction to writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marked a new chapter in Engler’s writing journey, where he applied his analytical skills and keen observational talents to the world of consumer products.

Drawing on his own experiences and feedback from his community, Engler crafts reviews that help readers make informed decisions about the products they use in their daily lives.