Mountain bike derailleur pulleys Black Friday: discounts

Which MTB derailleur pulley to buy during the promotion?

On an MTB, the pulley is chosen based on the model of the rear derailleur, never based on the brand of the bike. Note the reference engraved on the cage, such as RD-M7100 from Shimano or GX Eagle from Sram, and then the number of speeds of the transmission. On the sheet, then check the number of teeth, the intended position (guiding at the top, tension at the bottom) and the mounting: ring, ball bearing or ceramic bearing.

Pulleys on promotion: compare on the same reference

Two listings with the same name of derailleur do not always contain the same thing. First check the quantity: single pulley, pair or workshop box of ten pieces, and adjust the crossed-out price to the pulley. With Sram, several references associate the pulleys with the inner cage, which simplifies reassembly but changes the nature of the purchase: their discount cannot be compared to that of a single pair. Finally, compare the bearing: with the same teeth and speeds, a ceramic pair does not meet the same need as a pair of original.

The parts to review at the same time

Worn pulleys often accompany an elongated chain: also check the MTB chains in Black Friday, and the MTB rear derailleurs if the cage has taken a hit. The MTB transmission from Black Friday brings together all families of parts, and the derailleur pulleys of all types cover road and city. The rest of the year, clearance sales go through clearance and new arrivals are through new arrivals.

The brands of MTB pulleys available

Shimano sells the original pulleys for its derailleurs in pairs, designated by the group reference: SLX M7100, Deore M6000 or Cues U4020, among others.

Nova Ride, a French brand specializing in derailleur cages and pulleys on ceramic bearings, offers pairs of ceramic pulleys here, including a MTB EVO S version.

Sram supplies replacement pulleys for its MTB derailleurs, often along with the inner cage, like the kits for GX Eagle and XX1 Eagle.

Elvedes, a Dutch brand of bicycle spare parts, offers pulleys with annular bearings supplied with adapter spacers, and a kit for Shimano derailleurs M9100, M8100 and M7100.

Enduro Bearings, a manufacturer of bearings for industry and cycling, equips its Jockey XD-15 pulleys with hybrid ceramic bearings with stainless steel rings enriched with nitrogen.

Frequently asked questions

When is Black Friday?

It falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the American holiday, approaching the festive season. At Vélo-Store, Black Friday discounts on pulleys and the rest of the MTB transmission last throughout the entire month of November; the operation pages are classified by practice and then by family of parts.

How to know if a pulley offer is interesting?

Compare like for like: same derailleur, same number of speeds, same quantity and same type of bearing. A pair of original and a ceramic pair are not directly comparable.

Will a 12-speed pulley work on an 11-speed derailleur?

Not necessarily: the chain narrows with the number of speeds, and the diameter and axle vary according to the groups. Stick to a pulley marked as compatible with your derailleur.

Should I change both pulleys together?

It’s preferable, as they wear at the same rate and most references are sold in pairs. Reinstall each in its place: the upper pulley and the lower one are not always identical.

Do ceramic pulleys have any benefit for MTB?

They rotate more freely, but mud requires regular cleaning to maintain this advantage. For leisure, an original pulley usually suffices.