Deciding to Rebuild

Many riders wonder if rebuilding their derailleur is worth it and how to diagnose the issues at hand. In this section, we’ll address the most common questions and scenarios to help you decide whether a rebuild is right for you.

Why Rebuild?

Save on Costs

One of the primary reasons people choose to rebuild their derailleur is to save money. Here’s a quick comparison:

  • New AXS Eagle Derailleurs: These range from $350 (GX) to $450 (X01) to $650 (XX1).
  • Madrone Rebuild Kits: For just $135, our Missing Links, Tools, and Super Shims combined solve most shifting issues and offer the added benefit of upgraded parts and bushings. Our parts are machined to tight tolerances, meaning there is less play in your derailleur than the stock SRAM unit, even when it's new.

For SRAM mechanical Eagle derailleurs:

  • New, these range from $110 (GX) to $180 (X01) to $290 (XX1)
  • Madrone Rebuild Kit: $125 for the Missing Links, Tools, and Super Shims. These parts resolve most shifting issues and provide improved performance. The Missing Links will work on GX even though it doesn’t offer as significant a cost benefit as X01 and XX1. However, because the Missing Links provide a major upgrade, we still get a lot of GX customers.

Support the Right to Repair

Another key reason for rebuilding your derailleur is embracing the Right to Repair philosophy. The e-waste generated by throwing away high-value products like AXS derailleurs is a problem, and Madrone’s products help restore and even improve the performance of your derailleur, giving it new life.

We are passionate about keeping parts in service rather than in landfills, and our repair kits allow you to do that easily.

For the 11-Speed Enthusiast

There are still many riders who swear by 11-speed drivetrains. Our mechanical links fit SRAM mechanical derailleurs, including Force models, providing a solution for those who want to keep riding their favorite setup.

Common Scenarios

In most cases, about 90% of used or semi-functional derailleurs (that aren’t completely destroyed) are brought back to 100% shifting quality using our Missing Links and Super Shims. These two products eliminate the play in the bushings and ensure your derailleur has straight, stiff links.

Play and deformation in the derailleur’s linkages often result in poor shifting, even more than a bent cage. Since the derailleur assembly acts like a complex lever arm, the improvements our products make can completely transform its performance.

DIY vs. Mail-In Rebuild

Whether you decide to rebuild your derailleur yourself or send it in for service, Madrone Cycles offers options that work for you. Here’s a breakdown of both:

DIY Rebuild

Our products, tools, and step-by-step videos are designed to make the rebuild as straightforward as possible. If you enjoy working on your bike and want to save money, this is a great option.

  • Time Commitment: Experienced rebuilders can finish in about 25 minutes, but expect your first time to take 1–2 hours, depending on your skill level.
  • Tip: Make sure you have time to focus and take your time. A little patience goes a long way.
  • Bonus Tip: Open small envelopes over containers to keep track of parts!
  • We also offer a fully detailed video with chapters covering every step of the rebuild process, which you can find [here].

Mail-In Rebuild

Not everyone has the time or interest to rebuild their derailleur themselves. That’s why we offer a mail-in rebuild service. For a small additional fee, you can send your derailleur to us, and we’ll handle the rebuild for you.

  • Cost: For your first set of links and super shims, it will only cost an additional $30 for labor (no need to purchase tools separately).
  • Process: Once we receive your derailleur, we’ll diagnose it and email you with the minimum recommended repairs to get it shifting perfectly again. You’ll have the final say before we move forward with any changes.

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