The rear derailleur world has gone through a recent facelift with the introduction of clutch mechanisms that seek to fix the issues of dropped chains and chain slap from a bouncing chain cage.

TYPE 2 is SRAM’s answer to Shimano’s already greatly successful Shadow Plus offerings (reviewed here). Designed for use with SRAM 10 speed systems, we tested this derailleur on our 4” travel rigs previously running the range topping XX derailleurs; one bike was setup 2×10 and the other 1×10 using a lightweight chain guide. [private]

Where Shimano’s design features a user serviceable clutch system that allows for adjustment with wear; TYPE 2 makes use of a sealed “Roller Bearing Clutch”. While not user serviceable, SRAM claims that the “Roller Bearing Clutch” is maintenance free, with clutch tension factory calibrated and self-lubricating.

After bolting the TYPE 2 on, we were immediately blown away by the sheer silence and surprisingly snappier shifting. At no point did we loose a chain on either bike; something that was happening before. The upshift at the shifter lever gets a heavier feel, but not as apparent of a change as experienced on the Shimano Shadow Plus. Throughout our testing there were no signs of wear or tension loss in the clutch bearing and we noted that it’s well sealed for long-term reliability.

The cage lock is the second part to SRAM’s TYPE 2 and is the answer to easier wheel removal. Unlike Shimano’s switch that releases the clutch tension, SRAM have taken a different path with releasing all chain tension by holding the cage assembly in a forward position. Pushing the cage forward by hand and then pressing the cage lock button, the cage is locked into a position leaving a completely slack chain that allows simple wheel removal and chain installation.

To return the derailleur to its normal position just push the cage further forward and let the button auto release (just watch your fingers for the snap back!).  We found this cage lock system effective, however not as simple to use as Shimano’s clutch switch. For newer and less technically minded riders, this feature is likely to add to the confusion of removing and replacing the rear wheel; however once mastered, wheel removal is easier with no fight against the derailleur tension.

At 228 grams for the long cage version and with just an additional 30 grams compared to a normal derailleur, we believe the extra weight is well worth the peace of mind. Without a carbon cage, and at a mere 15 grams heavier than the XO (we tested), the lower X9 version represents amazing value for money at $129.95 and will be the way to go for most.

Much like the review for the Shimano XT Shadow Plus, SRAM’s TYPE 2 derailleurs represent a significant upgrade to the derailleur, making it a relatively cheap and easy replacement that results in significant gains. [/private]