Deciding to Rebuild

Many people ask whether it makes sense to rebuild their derailleur, and how to diagnose what the issues are. We will address the most common questions and scenarios here. We also recommend to read this page to help decide which parts to replace.

Why Rebuild?

The main reason for most people is to save cost. The benefit varies depending on your specific model of derailleur, but the AXS Eagle derailleurs range from about $350 (GX) to $450 (X01) to $650 (XX1). Compare that with $135 for the Madrone links+tools, and super shims. These 2 combined solve most shifting issues, plus you get the added upgrade of the parts and bushings. Our links and bushings are machined to very tight tolerances, so the derailleur has less play than the stock SRAM unit, even when new.

For the SRAM mechanical Eagle derailleurs, they are lower cost than AXS, so the cost benefit only makes sense for XX1 ($200 to $250) and X01 ($180 to $200). Compare that with $106 for the Madrone links+tools, and super shims, which solve most shifting issues. GX compatibility is easy for us to support so we offer it, but makes less cost sense. However, we do get a surprising number of GX customers who are looking for the rebuild and added upgrade of the Madrone parts. We work hard to minimize the cost of our products so that it makes sense even for the mechanical derailleurs.

The second reason people rebuild is because they embrace the "right to repair" mentality. For the AXS derailleurs, letting a high value product that contains e-waste go into the trash is undesirable, and fortunately the Madrone products do a great job of restoring and improving the performance, and giving new life to your derailleur.

Lastly, there are still some die-hard 11 speed fanatics out there. Our mechanical links fit the SRAM mechanical derailleurs, including Force!

Common Scenario

We find that about 90% of used or semi-functional (but not destroyed) derailleurs are brought back to 100% shifting quality with the Madrone links and super shims. This is because these 2 products eliminate play in the bushings and ensure you have straight, stiff links. Play and deformation in these areas of the derailleur are worse than a bent cage, and are quite common due to the whole derailleur assembly being like a complex lever arm.

We recommend to read this page to help decide which parts to replace.

DIY vs Mail In

Our products, tools and videos are developed to make the rebuild as easy as possible. Still, it requires time and focus and not everyone is interested in this option. If you love taking the time to maintain and tune your bike, this is a great option. Plus, you can do it for your friends as well. Experienced rebuilders can get through a complete rebuild in about 25 minutes, but your first time through could take 1-2 hours when all is said and done The best recommendation we have is to make time to focus and take your time with the process. Unboxing summary is here. Bonus points for opening the small envelopes into containers so you don't lose small parts! We also have a fully detailed video with chapters and all steps is here.

However, some people don't have time or interest, which is why we offer the mail in rebuilds. With our mail in service we charge for labor but you do not need to purchase tools. So, if you are getting your first set of links and super shims installed, it will only cost you about $30 more if you do the mail in option. When we receive a derailleur, we diagnose it, and email you with the minimum recommendations to get the shifting back to 100% before committing to any changes, so you have final say in the decisions.