The first "bit" for my bike. A SRAM 10 speed X0 rear derailleur. A rear derailleur is that spidery looking thingamajig near the back wheel of your bike that is responsible for moving the gears up and down the casette, and at the same time, taking up and letting out chain slack to compensate the gear size.
<Editorial note: Those in the know, sorry for the explanations but I am catering to a huge non-MTB'er fan base as well>
The simple reason it was my first bit, is it is the first part I found at a price that makes your finger click the "buy" button before your brain figures out what the hell just happened. RRP $270. Paid $143. Buying this has had a couple of flow on effects:
1. It has automatically answered my question as to whether I would run a 2x10 or a 3x9 running gear configuration (2 chain rings on the front gears and a 10 speed cassette at the back, or 3 chain rings up front and 9 speed cassette down back). I've never run a 2x10, so... cool.
2. It has set a precidence as to the gearing quality I am using. For my running gear I will strictly stick with SRAM over Shimano. As it was a fun build, I was willing to go down to X7 or X9 as needed. But I have started with X0, so I have to continue don't I? (SRAM "generally" goes up in quality from X3, which you find on some K-mart jobby - if you are lucky - up to carbon XX1 which you'd need to mortgage your house on to fully spec a bike with. X0 is one below the XX and XX1).
Unfortunately, this was also my first introduction to what a nuffy I can be about bike parts. I didn't know if I needed the short, medium or long cage version (the length between the two jockey wheels). Enter stage right, the walking encyclopedia of bikes, "Santo" to enlighten me on the subject. Medium Cage. Thanks boss.
Only very recently you can get these with a clutch; which have these benefits, but which I will now proceed to justify to my friends out there WHY I was happy to forgo the clutch option:
1. "Stops chain slap": Aside from the fact I love a good slapping, my frame has a raised chain-stay so I don't think it will be an issue.
2. "Stops chain from coming off": My chain rarely comes off on the Giant and it doesn't have a clutch. The Santa Cruz better follow suit or it will be burned at the stake.
3. "You can lock the clutch out meaning you don't have to wrestle to hold back the derailleur when changing the rear wheel/tyre": Seriously!? If that is an issue for you, go out and buy a can of harden the f&*k up.
Progressive costs:
Actual: $1118.12
Estimated: $825
If RRP: $2070
Justin.
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