Front derailleurs

Bicycle derailleurs, reliability you can feel at your fingertips

Time trial world champion Filippo Ganna raised his arms to the sky twice during the Giro 2021. With the opening and closing time trials won in dominant fashion, Top Ganna outclassed the competition, managing to push an unattainable gear for many pros: 60x11. At this level, the derailleur on the bike cannot fail. But even if you are not aiming to break the hour record, high-quality mechanics can make the difference. Bicycle derailleurs move the chain from one chainring to another (or from one sprocket to another), making pedaling easier or more demanding. That is why they are so important.

MTB or road: choose the right bicycle derailleurs

Bicycle derailleurs are very delicate components. And to make them last a long time, they need to be handled properly. After Years of intense use, replacing them is the only way to restore the drivetrain to its former glory. Similar to MTB forks, the key is to choose components that are compatible with the bike and, above all, suited to your riding style. An MTB rear derailleur is subjected to numerous impacts, sudden releases and abrupt shifts. Life is more serene for the road derailleur, although hard accelerations on climbs can put it to the test. Just as important is the front derailleur equipped with the guide that moves the chain between the chainrings. Shimano and Sram are among the brands most appreciated by cyclists, and both offer models for every level and every budget.

Electronic derailleur: hard to go back

Road professionals use it regularly. We are talking about electronic shifting, where the rear bicycle derailleur is a key component. With the Sram Force Etap AXS on board, everything becomes easier. Shifting becomes smoother and more precise, even when you are pushing hard and the chain is under heavy tension, or when you are tackling a technical cobbled sector. Moreover, such a system is weatherproof, performing at its best in rain and mud. Waterproof, smart and highly customizable, an electronic bicycle derailleur is the ultimate frontier of riding fun. Of course, there is a price to pay. In fact, the cost can easily double compared with a traditional mechanical groupset of the same level.