Shimano XT M780 10 Speed Rear Derailleur

While the previous M773 Deore XT components integrated the Dyna-Sys 10 speed technology into an established platform, the M780  groupset is a complete redesign from the ground up, with new cranks, brakes, shifters and derailleurs all benefitting from new Shimano technology. The XT rear derailleur is an example of this, with a new skeletal profile dropping grams and boosting stiffness, and the Long-Arm construction improving the shift feel all the way along the cassette. Designed specifically for 10 speed drivetrains and to operate with a 10 speed Shimano shifter, the latest XT is as smooth as they come.

The M780 derailleur gets an all-alloy construction, that while lacking some of the carbon bling of the XTR model, provides a more affordable option that will take a beating. It gets an updated Shadow profile that keeps it tucked out of harms way like the older model, but with a wider securing arm that not only boosts stiffness, also provides a more linear cable pull rate. This means each shift feels the same whether you're at the top of the cassette or at the bottom, leading to a more consistent feel at the shifters. The sealed ceramic bushing remains in the top pulley to take up any cable slack, with a cartridge bearing in the lower pulley for longevity. The return spring is far stronger than previous Shimano derailleurs, which aids in more secure chain retention and snappier shifts and prevents the derailleur from banging into the chainstay. You can choose between a long cage for use with 3x10 drivetrains, or a shorter medium cage for use with the 2x10 or 1x10 setups.