Is there any down side of using a mid to long cage RD on 28t and bellow cassettes?

[zmalwo]

besides the slight weight disadvantage from a longer cage and longer chain, is there any shift performance issue associated with using a mid to long cage RD with less than 28t cassette?

[Dave]

No. Remember that triple users may have a 12-25 cassette. I did for a long time. The chain won't be any longer. The big/big plus 1 inch method still works and so does the little/little method. If you're not using a triple, your small ring will be larger and a shorter chain would be the result.

[Mark McM]

As far as shifting performances, there will be little difference.

The other differences will be quite minor (at least on the road), and will include:


More chain bounce
The chain/derailleur cage will hang lower, increasing chance the chain/derailleur cage can get snagged on something
The lower run of chain may be more likely to pick up dust and spray from the road
Slightly heavier (a few grams)


As mentioned, these are really minor, and will be of no concern to most people