A Look At Shimano’s Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur Technology

The Shadow Plus rear derailleur technology, featured in most of Shimano's mountain bike specific product lines, has revolutionized the way in which derailleurs perform to ultimately enhance your ride. A one way friction clutch adds tension to the chain, keeping it taught which also improves shifting performance.


Shimano-XTR-Shadow-Plus-rear-derailleur BLOG

The benefit of Shadow Plus technology is that rough terrain doesn't allow the chain to pull against the derailleur which creates slack and chain slap which is noisy and can damage your bike's finish.  A switch enables this clutch to turn on or off, which also makes wheel removal and installation easier. The clutch mechanism is also adjustable and allows riders to tweak the resistance that the cage has to move when it is engaged.

This new product provides mountain bikers with smoother shifting as well as a huge reduction in chain slap and dropped chains, making for a quieter ride. For a more in-depth video of  Shimano's  Shadow Plus technology click here.