Shimano XTR RD-M951 Rapid Rise Rear Derailleur Medium Cage

Shimano XTR RD M951 rapid rise rear derailleur. Medium cage, used. Rapid rise means that the lowest gear is where the spring tension brings the derailleur. In simple terms, inverted shifting.

Personally I love rapid rise, and if it was available in 12 speed XTR, that is what I would use. There were a lot of mechanics and riders who could not wrap their minds around the function of these, so they were discontinued. This one also includes the “rollamajig” that can be removed for a cleaner look.

It has come to my attention that a lot of people don’t agree with my opinion of this product. I remember being at the rollout of this product, having Shimano explain the “why” as I rolled my eyes. The bar end remote shifter for this drivetrain was offered as a raffle prize at that session. That was a silly product.

After poo-pooing the concept myself I broke a rear derailleur and got a screaming deal on one of these from someone who hated it. After a few rides I fell in love with it. From 1999 to 2013 I rode XTR rapid rise exclusively. When I “upgraded” to 2 x 10 for a Breezer Lightning, I was pretty sad I couldn’t use this technology…and still cannot with contemporary systems.

I guess my experience with this product is unusual.