microSHIFT | Mezzo M36 Rear Derailleur | 8 and 9 Speed | Long Cage | Black

When I first installed this, it would not pivot on the hanger bolt. I was annoyed, because overall it looked like a surprisingly well made derailleur for $10. Even for $30. But it would not pivot, due to excess metal on the back side of the hanger portion. A defect from the factory. I was upset, and even filed for a return, but then I decided it's just $10 dollars, I want to tinker. So I got out a file and started scraping away metal. Flattened it right out. Pivots smoothly now. I must point out, that it does not have a spring assembly there like a shimano derailleur would. It just dangles until the chain adds tension. And let me tell you, once that tension is added, this derailleur performs notably. The shifts are smooth as butter, even up the the mountainous MEGARANGE gear on the 7 speed. Oh by the way, it works on a 7 speed, not just the 8/9 speed as advertised. Paired with the unbelievably inexpensive microshift mezzo shifters, which match or exceed the quality of shimano equivalents at 4x the price.This is a great derailleur that I would only recommend to somebody experienced with various hand tools.

This was my first purchase of any "Microshift" components and was a "Heck lemme try this out" purchase. This model (the Mezzo) was to replace a Shimano (Tourney) rear derailleur which wasn't providing enough clearance for the higher tooth gears on my son's hybrid. I pulled the Tourney off after splitting the chain and installed the Mezzo, looped in the chain and finished in less than five minutes. A quick tweak/adjustment to the cable tension and the bike shifted through all 8 gears on the cassette with ease; now with MUCH better clearance for the high tooth count gears. A quick ride around the neighborhood and the bike shifted beautifully w/o any issues. Damn! For an inexpensive component, this was impressively accurate shifting. :)

Replaced the Shimano Tourney that was all gunked up and worn (also replaced the cable, which you should also do). I was pleasantly surprised at how well this fit. My bike now shifts like new. It works great with the existing Shimano freewheel and shifters. Interested in some of Microshift's other products for sure.

I can't tell the difference (except for price) from the SRAM model on my recumbent bike. SRAM wanted $200 more, however so the choice was easy for me to make.

Shifter works great on the dicksportinggoods gtx mountain bikes.