The 10 Best Rear Derailleurs

The Sram XX1 Eagle (around $300) built on the successes of its predecessor, supporting 1x drivetrains with a range of 12 gears. The new-and-improved geometry enhances chain management, keeping it in place even on rugged, technical descents.

The Shimano Acera (around $22) may be a budget-friendly option, but don't let that fool you; it performs admirably ride after ride. It provides clean shifting when under heavy loads, which is where a lot of other low-cost models tend to fail.

The Campagnolo Record 11 (around $330) may not come from a household name, like many of the other models on our list, but serious cyclists will be familiar with this Italian company, which has been making competition-level components since 1933.

The Shimano Deore XT RD-M786 SGS Shadow (appx. $87) can be mounted directly to the frame of most newer bikes without the need for a hanger. This translates to less weight, flex, and wear while you ride, and also allows for quicker wheel changes.

The Sram X4 (appx. $29) is one of their more budget-friendly offerings, yet it still provides crisp gear changes and can even shift fairly quietly when under a heavy load. It has a one-to-one exact actuation ratio and is compatible with seven- or eight-speed setups.

The upper and lower bodies of the Campagnolo Centaur (about $86) are made with a fiberglass-reinforced technopolymer, making it lightweight and durable. It inherited many of the features from the company's premium options, offering high-quality performance at a modest price.

The Shimano Deore XT RD-M772 (appx. $81) is engineered with direct cable routing, which provides two unique benefits. First, it improves shifting accuracy, resulting in a more responsive system; and second, it reduces the risk of snagging on trail hazards.

The Sram Force 22 (about $103) takes the same award-winning technology pioneered in the company's 10-speed Red groupset and tweaks it slightly to have smaller gaps between the gears for faster shifting. They also updated the construction materials to make it lighter in weight.

The link pin bushings of the Shimano RD-M591 (around $41) are fluorine coated to help them repel dirt and grease, making this unit a good choice if you often ride on muddy or dusty backroad trails. Once installed, most beginners find it easy to adjust for a noise-free operation.

The Sram GX (about $64) is available in short-, medium-, and long-cage models. It features a 2.1 roller bearing clutch that holds the chain tightly and provides an impressive level of drivetrain stability no matter what type of terrain you are riding over.