Deciding to Rebuild

Many riders wonder what to do when their derailleur stops shifting well. Proper adjustments are the first step, but it is still common to have issues. This page is intended to help you decide if a rebuild is right for you.

Which Parts to Replace?

For SRAM derailleurs, we have a guide on which parts to replace, and which parts cannot be replaced here.

Why Rebuild?

Save on Costs

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

SRAM AXS Eagle derailleurs:

A new one ranges from $350 (GX) to $450 (X01) to $650 (XX1). For comparison, on most derailleurs, the Madrone Missing Links, tools, and Super Shims ($135 total) will return the derailleur to as-new shifting performance, and have 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.

SRAM cable actuated derailleurs:

A new one ranges from $110 (GX) to $180 (X01) to $290 (XX1). For comparison, on most derailleurs, the Madrone Missing Links, tools, and Super Shims ($125 total) will return the derailleur to as-new shifting performance, and have the added benefit of upgraded parts and bushings. The Missing Links fit GX cable actuated derailleurs even though there is not as much of a cost benefit as X01 and XX1. However, because the Missing Links provide a major shift performance upgrade, a GX derailleur gets more of a boost in performance, so several people still choose to rebuild a GX rather than to buy a new one.

Environmental Consideration

Another reason people rebuild rather than buying new is because they embrace the Right to Repair philosophy. Aside from engineered plastics ending up in a landfill, e-waste is a major environmental concern.

We are passionate about keeping parts in service rather than in landfills, and our repair kits allow you to do that easily. Our products are designed to restore and improve the performance of your derailleur, giving it new life.

11-Speed Enthusiasts

There are still many die-hard riders who swear by 11-speed drivetrains. Our cable actuated products fit SRAM 11 speed derailleurs (including Force), providing a solution for those who want to keep riding their favorite setup.

When to Rebuild?

If your derailleur shifts gears, but not well, has inconsistent behavior, makes mystery shifts, has delayed shifting, requires frequent re-adjustment, etc., it is a great candidate for a rebuild.

But first, make sure the basics are addressed. You can use our Support Center or find plenty of videos online for more details on how to address these.

Derailleur hanger alignment. This can often be overlooked or ignored. Whether your derailleur hanger is new or used, make sure its aligned with the frame using a good hanger alignment tool.

B adjustment. The B adjustment is an important setting that affects how far the upper derailleur pulley is from the cassette. All derailleurs have some form of this, even T-Type. For wide range cassettes, it is especially important to set properly. On many derailleurs, it can go out of adjustment, and needs to be checked and re-set.

Index (or trim) setting. The index adjustment ensures that each shifter click is aligned with each gear on the cassette. It is set using a barrel adjuster on cable actuated derailleurs. On AXS derailleurs, it is set using the Micro Shift setting.

Limit screws. Ensure the upper and lower limit screw are set properly.

Friction. Friction in the link pivots, or in the cable and housing (for cable actuated derailleurs) will make it hard for the derailleur to move the right position during a shift. To address this, you may need to clean and carefully lubricate the link pivots, or replace your cable and housing.

Rebuild it yourself or send it in?

Madrone offers both options. Here’s a breakdown:

DIY Rebuild

This is a great option if you enjoy servicing your own bike! Rebuilding a derailleur is a detail-oriented process, and our parts, tools, and videos are designed to make the rebuild as smooth as possible.

  • Love of machines and tinkering: If you enjoy maintaining and tuning your bike, this is a great option.
  • Time: Experienced rebuilders can finish in about half an hour, but we recommend to take plenty of time to go slow on your first rebuild to lean the process. Your first rebuild could take up to a couple hours.
  • Tip: Make sure you have time to focus and go slow. We have a lot of technical information in our Support Center. A little patience goes a long way.

Professional Mail-In Rebuild Service

Not everyone wants to bother with rebuilding a derailleur. That’s why we offer a professional mail-in rebuild service.

  • Costs: The parts cost the same as if you order them from the website You don’t need to buy the tools, but there is a labor cost.
  • Process: Once we receive your derailleur, we’ll diagnose it and email you with the recommended repairs to get it shifting perfectly again. You’ll have the final say before we move forward with any changes. We also always check shift performance on a bike to ensure that you end up with a great working derailleur.
  • Time: Usually most of the time is consumed in shipping to and from Madrone. We can do faster shipping if needed. Once we receive a derailleur, it usually takes 1-2 business days to turn rebuilds around.

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