Inexpensive MTB Drivetrain Upgrades with clutches Part 2 of 3: Sunrace M9
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- While the mountain biking world continues to get bigger cassettes with more gears, you have to ask yourself do you need all those gears or could something simpler and cheaper work nearly as well or possibly better? I will do a simple test for 3 weeks on 3 1x9 or 1x8 drivetrains with clutches for less than $150 for derailleur, cassette, shifter, and chain. Links below where you can find these systems and also some tools that you may need if you are a DIY kind of guy (we may or may not receive some affiliate income if you choose to purchase from the links. We appreciate your support).
#bikingroots, #cheapmtbdrivetrains, #sunracem9
Week 1: Microshift Advent 1x9
Week 2: Sunrace M9
Sunrace CSM993 9sp Cassette, 11-46t (links to follow)
Sunrace RDM900 9sp Rear Derailleur
Sunrace 9sp Trigger Shifters
Microshift Advent 9 shifter (with bearing) - recommended over cheaper shifter
amzn.to/2SwyVGN
Microshift Advent 9 Cassette (w/ alloy large cog) a bit lighter than non alloy
amzn.to/2KTgwj9
Microshift Advent 9 rear derailleur w/ clutch (medium cage). Long cage available as well, but medium will work fine and not as long
amzn.to/3bYKaPP
KMC X9.93 (9-speed chain used with this Advent system)
amzn.to/2SsvalE
Tools needed to for drivetrain surgery
Cassette lockring tool (to remove cassette)
amzn.to/2WzbTAv
Chainwhip tool (to hold on to cassette while turning lockring tool counter clockwise)
amzn.to/2KT1A4P
Cable cutters (to cut your gear cable housing and cable)
amzn.to/2KThjR9
Jagwire cable housing slick (the shifter will have the cable, you do need housing though unless reusing existing but make sure it's in good shape 1st)
amzn.to/3b1Heki
If you don't have a cassette and have a freewheel instead. Here is an optional one and also the tool to remove
Dimension 8-speed 11-34t freewheel
northwestbicyc...
Freewheel removal tool
amzn.to/2z1DRMY
I love this channel. It's one of the few channel's delivering actual relevant content for those of us, not willing to drop a ton of money on bike components, all for just a small gain in performance.
Thanks for your comment! Glad you have found it useful and appreciate your support 👍
I’ve been using M9 for over a year now, I’ve not had any issues with it. It’s obviously nothing fancy but it works perfectly fine. The shifter I personally think feels better than adventX which I use of a different bike.
Thanks for the feedback. Interesting... maybe they've improved the shifter from the one I had but at the time, advent x felt a lot better (the pro one though with the rubber thumb insert)
Man those kids are blessed riding so young.
Next video is going to be awesome.
Thanks, yeah we have really enjoyed the last year and a half all riding together as a family. We have had some crashes and meltdowns but otherwise it has been great 👍
Next week i'll try to rebuild my old cross bike. Acera crankset + narrow wide chainring 36t. Sunrace M9 on the rear + Alivio casette + Acera shifter + KMC chain :)
Sounds like a good plan, good luck!
Little update. Derailleur tested on two bikes. First one is 26" late 90" mtb model on the other is 28" cross. On both systems i've encountered a similiar problem - can't drop to 11 teeth cog. Outer limit screw is tottally out but derailleur just stops around 13 cog and that's it. I wonder why.
The kid has some good skills already. Great video really enjoyed it.
I will tell him, thank you! Yeah he has improved a lot. Still gets frustrated though when he can’t make it up something his older brothers can 😀
The cage length on a derailleur is not only to accommodate cassette tooth count... But for multiple chainrings on the front. Medium will do two speeds which is fine.
Thanks for the insight 👍
"Uh-oh we're missing a boy..." LOL
Great video. Appreciate this series on less expensive drivetrains.
Keep up the awesome work!
Ha! Thanks yeah we found him 😀 thanks for watching and your comment.
You need a longer chain with the M9! The poor derailleur is completely strechtout! Great video!
Yeah, looking back, it might have been a tad on the short side :-).
Biking has seemed to explode during this lockdown, I cant find a decent mtb in store anywhere around me. Your channel is great, very informative !
Yes I know Kona as of May1st didn't have any Process and GG is slammed
Thanks, yes it sure has which is cool to see... wish it was different circumstances but hopefully most will stick with it. Appreciate the comment
I wish I had a good MTB shop like this where I live.
Where do you live?
@@BikingRoots worldwide capital of bikes, Amsterdam, Holland. Bike shops at every corner, city bikes only. They look at me strange if I mention suspensions or hydraulic brakes.
Oh no way! That’s cool minus the city bikes, j/k! Yeah we just do mountain bikes ironically here (it’s what I like and know). Hopefully you can find a shop (or start one) that can cater more towards your MTB need! Take care
I just ordered Advent 9-speed for a project bike. It'll be drop bar (finding a set of shifters is tough). So, we will see.
Oh nice, yeah not sure on the shifting side for drop bar but good luck! May be able to make a shimano shifter work
Great comparison. I love all the relevant real world information and rationale behind it. Definitely looking forward to more videos .... secretly im hoping you can get a tripod or gimbal etc ... at some point. Got a little dizzy by about 4:30. 👍
Thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful. I apologize for making you dizzy. Usually the hypersmooth on the gopro works pretty well but I will try and pay more attention to that when filming, thank you
@@BikingRoots you are doing great work. Keep it coming.
Well to throw off a little bit from the video. I ditched my GG build after 5 weeks of not knowing if it is being g built or has been started and got myself a 2019 Kona Process 153 CR/DL 27.5 for %40 off. If you are interested in GG, make sure you do your DD if you are the type of guy like me and wants to know once every couple weeks what is going on with your $4000. Like I was saying 5 weeks out and there wasn't even proof it was being built when they had a 3-4 build time.
Thanks Rob, sorry about the GG 😩. That’s a bummer. Sounds like they need more realistic lead times at least. The Kona sounds sweet though and hope you have fun with it
I can't find this rear derailleur anywhere! I am trying to take a "monster" gravel bike from 3x9 to 1x9, using Sora brifters, and just use this RD with a wider cassette. Link? It's like it has disappeared from the market.
Hey man, i cant drop ship but i may be able to send you one for not too much for shipping. Go to bikingroots.com and send me an inquiry with your info and we can fo from there. Thanks
Another great video, as usual
Thanks man!
Subscribed!😀😀
hello greetings from Colombia, one question does the sunrace derailleur work with cassette 11-50?
Hello in Columbia! Yes, the specs show that it does work with an 11-50. May have to adjust the B-limit screw a bunch but should work. Good luck!
Thank you very much for your answer
Hi, from Colombia too 😅... Is this derailleur compatible with 11 speed drivetrains?
@@llDROill que tal parcero no es compatible, este se usa solo para 9 velocidades de 11 quedaría muy forzado y los cambios no entrarían suaves
Great series. Did you consider using a 10 speed chain? It can definitely improve shifting on a 9 spd drivetrain. I'm running an ultra cheap ghetto 1x9 with mostly old parts on my commuter. Old Deore mech with extender, acera shifter, 11-46 ztto cassette.
Lastly, doesn't sunrace supply a bunch of the lower end box components?
Thanks for your comment. No I had not considered it before but it is worth a try! I’m not aware of sunrace supplying the lower end box stuff but it would be interesting to find out
@@BikingRoots I forgot to mention that a big reason to use a 10 speed chain is that it helps with chain retention on narrow-wide chainrings.
How well is this working out for you? I really want to know b/c i just picked up a 2017 GT avalanche with 3x9 setup nearly identical to yours - acera shifters, Deore M952 long cage RD. I want to go to a wide range 1x and was thinking of just throwing on the ZTTO cassette.
Does it shift smooth & reliable? I've read a lot of mixed results with wide ratio cheap 9 speed setups. Considering just upgrading to all 11 speed but really its almost embarrasing to spend that much on a $300 used bike.
Does the tensioner go up to 46 teeth? in the video you can't see that it reaches the last pinion
Oh sorry, yes it does
Please do a review on the Bobcat Trail 3 and the Rift Zone 1
Thanks. Would like to if I can get more in stock 🙂. Hopefully soon!
Hi I’m watching all your video I really love it and I have a questions for you .I’m in a process of a little upgrade on my bike I have a ten speed shimano ultegra what chain I’m going to use and what brand. Thank you 🙏
If you didn’t want to use the shimano 6701 chain, there are other brands out there. I’m not as familiar with ultegra or what chains work best but I’ve always had good luck with KMC chains.
Hey! Greeetings from Brazil! I may have broken my 8 speed Altus rear derailleur! Does this mech work with 8 speed cassetes and chain?
hello in Brazil! Honestly I haven’t tried it with an 8 speed cassette but it probably would work if you just set your High and Low limit screws up properly to basically take away the 9th gear. May be worth a try if you can find it in stock. If not try the Microshift Advent or now they also have the 8 speed Acolyte
Don't like trigger shifters to use them I have to not be covering break. Thumb=Shift....... Pointer=Break ........Middle Ring and Pinky= Hold On Like Hell ....lol
Ha! Nice that makes sense. I think I just have small thumbs and have a hard time rotating it between up and down button. I’ll keep practicing
I hear you saying the problem was the shifter. If I were to use an shimano alvio 9 speed shifter would this fix the problem
Yeah, it’s a cheap shifter but yes if the pull ratio is the same, then it would work. Haven’t tried it though but yes if Alivio would work, it would feel much better
Micoshift Advent 9 speed is a really solid 1x9 Groupset. We set one up for
a friend with the 11-42 microshift cassette - works great. and it's pretty
inexpensive.
the sunrace seems ok - but quality doesn't look so hot and not at the price.
Box One is pretty damn expensive - I had seen it over $150.
Money vs quality I think its hard to beat the Advent.
That’s great to hear, thanks for sharing. Yes I liked it more than the Box system
Can you please mix the advent groupset with the sun-race 11-46t cassette I'd love to know if it could shift into that low 46t cog thanks
Thanks for the suggestion. Yeah I would have to experiment since Microshift says it goes only up to 42T so I don’t know if it would work. Honestly for me however at least here in Houston, I didn’t feel much difference going from 42T to 46T.
Hi Evan, thank you for the video! I am thinking of switching from T42 to T46. Did you noticed any big difference going uphill? Also, is the chain on the T46 a lot longer than T42 or same size?
Thanks for the comment and question. I noticed a “slight difference”. Others that live where they climb a lot probably will notice more of a difference if you have long steady climbs. Here where I live they are very short so you just power up them! I would say if you live somewhere where you climb a lot then sure you could change it out but just know you are adding on a bit of weight to the back end. THe chain is longer, not sure how many links but a bit. If you are a little short you could add a quick link or two to the chain instead of having to replace the entire chain. Up to you. Thanks
@@BikingRoots Thank you for your quick reply! I just bought the T46 and cant wait to try it. I guess I can change out the chain too since its a good rule of thumb. Cheers!
What if you paired a Shimano shifter with that Sunrace rear derailleur? They should be compatible.
Yeah I believe the pull ratio is the same and yes they feel better than the Sunrace ones but are also twice the price. Worth it though for some
@@BikingRoots well that depends on the model of Shimano shifter you use. Alivio for example will have the same pull as an XT etc. Shimano 9 speed is Shimano 9 speed.
According to the Sunrace website, that derailleur is supposed to handle up to a 51T. Thoughts?
Yeah I guess if you can find a 9 speed chain long enough to handle that big of a ring then I guess the derailleur cage is long enough! Never tried it.
@@BikingRoots I usually just rivet two chains together if need be and it's never been an issue.
Thanks for the review, I am building touring-gravel frames, and I whatn to use re rear mech in combination. Do you know if the Sunrace RDM900 9sp Rear Derailleur is compatible with shimano 9V shifters? thanks!
Oh, reading the coments I see that tey are compatible! But will they work on a 2x9 setup? thanks again!!
Yup they have a 2x9 version
Hi Evan, is Sunrace M900 Shifter direct mount or standard? If it is direct, how can I mount it on standard hanger? Is it possible to use b-link from older shimano shifter? Thanks!
Hey man, good question. It is a standard mount derailleur so you can just mount it like a normal derailleur with the b-screw spring in the usual hook spot. I have not tried it with a B link mount so honestly not sure if it would work or not. I have my doubts
Is that a standard derailleur hanger? I though this on needs Direct Mount.
Yup standard derailleur hanger mount
Please try to review zoom forks and shimano altus m3100
Thanks for the suggestions. I will investigate and see.
Can you run this derailleur with shimano sora 9 speed road shifters?
I tried with the advent, but the pull ratio was wrong for it.
good question. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the Sora shifters and not sure if the pull ratio would work. From my experience at least with the mountain bike stuff from Sunrace, it is compatible with Shimano shifters but not sure if the Sora is different. Sorry, hopefully you can find out.
Hi! Can I use the Advent as a 2×9? Love your video very informative thanks
Yup they have a 2x9 clutch and without clutch derailleur option
@@BikingRoots thanks
@@BikingRoots Would you need a long cage for the 2x9 or would a medium cage work? Currently using an 11-36 cassette but I’d like to upgrade if I can as well.
Would these be upgrades to what came on my new bobcat trail 4?
Yes definitely! You could I believe also just remove your 2 chainrings on your crankset, then throw a NW chainring on it (ive done some bobcat 4s with it).
Where can i buy that sunrace 9s groupset? Can't find it anywhere..
Yeah they have been hard to come by and only one of my distributors caries them. I may have a couple though from a recent order. Message me through our site or instagram and I’ll get back to you on it
Long term on advent soon???
Thanks, yes hopefully soon. We are running them on a few different bikes and so far no issues that I’m aware of. Also have done a bunch of customer’s bikes with them and so far no complaints
at 10:35 you say while in the lowest gear it still wants to push? what does that mean?
Sorry yeah that is confusing. So on most drivetrains when you set your Low limit (the biggest gear) to stop it from going into the spokes, you feel resistance in the shifter so you can not push it off the gears. With the sunrace, the shifter just felt cheap and it didnt have that push back feeling like the other shifters. Not a big deal for most but just something I noticed.
@@BikingRoots interesting, I'm using the Sunrace M9 with a Shimano Altus shifter, took my first ride today, it feels just like any other derailleur I've used in that regards, thanks for responding.
@@Scottslookingabout yeah the altus works fine, it’s the sunrace shifter that is 🫤
Sunrace rear long cage m9 use 2x9 is possible ?
Hello, I'm almost certain you can use it with a 2x9. I believe others have advised me it was possible... It has just been awhile
Is the M9 RD full alloy or plastic and steel?
I believe it is all alloy but I’ll double check when I get back to the shop
The RDM900 derailleur is unobtanium. I can't find it.
It’s been on backorder for a long time, but most things are right now. Hopefully will restock soon
@@BikingRoots like a dummy I bought the cassette and Centera shifter thinking I could track it down. My lbs wouldn't even put me on a preorder because they have no indication when it comes back
Congrats on selling all your inventory!
Thanks, yeah I didn’t anticipate that and obviously should have bought more ahead of time but being in our 1st year of being in business I was being somewhat conservative on inventory. Hopefully we can get more soon and/or pick up another brand or two
@@BikingRoots I worked at a bike shop in Charleston SC in college. One of my favorite jobs ever! You're living the dream.
Did you have to ajust the derailur
Sorry it was a while ago but yes I believe I had to tighten the B limit screw for the right gap
I want to buy a microShift groupset but they are hard to find online.
Currently some available. Check my links on 3rd video. I just saw some
Biking Roots found the XCD groupset 1x11 on Bike24... Waiting for it to arrive. Have you tested the XCD? Can’t find many videos for that one. At least recent videos. Thanks a lot!
After watching your video i checked out their website. Looks like they have an 11 speed mountain drivetrain. Have you tried it yet?
I haven’t seen or tried their M11 derailleur but have used the RDMX60 derailleur which is 10,11, or 12 speed compatible. Worked well. They have a new 51T 11 speed cassette that are showing up on a lot of the new Marins at our shop and despite being heavy, seem to shift well
Cool. I definitely want to give the Microshift stuff a try. It just seems to make sense.
Yeah try them out. I’ve used the Advent 9 on multiple shop and customer bikes, Advent X as well, and going to try out the Acolyte soon on my son’s bike.
Does that derailleur work with a sram 9 speed shifter?
Unfortunately not, different cable pull, but shimano or sunrace will work, probably microshift too
Necesito un descarrilador de eso como lo acen llegar
We don’t ship internationally but you may try worldwide cyclery or another online shop that does ship depending on where you are located
I wonder if it stills compatible with shimano shifters...
The sun race stuff is. That’s what their catalog says. You would be able to use all the quality shimano 9 speed shifter that are out there.
@@pryan05p71 thanks, I asked because microshift used to be compatible with shimano but they aren't any more, at least with this m9 we'll have an clutched option to use with Sora shifters.
New subscriber here, what brakes set are you using?
Thanks for your support! On this bike was just using some Tektro M275 I believe. Not great in my opinion but cheap. If I was to do it again, I’d get some Shimano M200/mt201s or recently I tried some clarks Clout brakes and they just had more bite and power than the Tektros. A lot of our Marin bikes come with the Tektros and they just take forever to bed in and don’t have much power.
@@BikingRoots I bought the same brakes 2 months ago, idont know if it's already bedded through my everyday use and yes the breaking power is terrible, ill just hope that its durability will redeem this set of brakes
The way child should grow .
Thanks!
9:11 have you checked if you can adjust the clutch?
9:17 that's unacceptable.
No I forgot to check! Thanks for the reminder. I will double check since I know some are adjustable
👌☀️
The sunrace is way more premium for the price
Yeah it wasn’t bad compared to the others. The shifters is where they cheap out on I think. Glad you’ve had good luck with yours
@@BikingRoots the shifter isnt made for the rdm900 is was around way longer
I use the microshift shifter because its just great but the sunrace derailleur is lighter and has polymer infused plastics so its not weaker than the metal on the advent
I also like the design much more and its build more beast'ier
Hey what is the cheapest bike that was in your shop?
At a time we had some 2019 Marin Bolinas Ridges for $389, then the new model which starts at $450. We have a bunch coming in September for sure but before than who knows! Thanks
Thanks. 👍☺
@@BikingRoots You say your bikes start at $450? They did start at $389, humm. A fellow RUclipsr that owns a shop, and has bikes that possibly fit our budget oriented channel. We might need to talk. I know Houston is a bit of a ways from Morrilton Arkansas but who knows. Oh yeah good job on the video.
@@BikingRootshi🙋, can you tell me or try to make a video on polygon premier 4☺ . I guess its the best in its price. Can you please send me your opinion🙏. Oh and by the way is Canyon sender 6 the cheapest downhill bike😕
I have a 2020 Marlin 5 and wanting to go to a 1X by system. What rear wheel would you recommend me to go. I currently have a 3X7 and want to go at a 1X12. Thanks!
Id just find either a good rear double wall wheel with a HG 8-11 speed freehub body and you could make a sunrace 12 speed cassette work or possibly a sram sx or nx system. There are some inexpensive wtb and wheelmaster rims out there (usually come in a set) or put it out there to your local mtb group and someone may have one to sell
Does this use a proprietary shifter?
Good question. It isn’t clear in the documentation like some of the 10, 11, and 12 speed Sunrace derailleurs... so I may just have to try another shifter!
@@ArisSynodinos I have the Advent setup (1x9) on my 26er, and the Advent X (1x10) on my 27.5er. The medium cage Advent - rear derailleur (RD-M6195M) is meant for a 1x9 setup. The long cage Advent - rear derailleur (RD-M6195L) is meant for 2x9 setup. At least that's what the site says. I have my Advent setup coupled with their Advent Shifter with bearing (SL-M8195-R), and my Advent X setup is coupled with the Advent X shifter (SL-M9605-R).
Be nice to find out if the cable pull on the clutched rear derailleur is compatible with the Shimano 9 speed shifters though (e.g. SL-M590) as that would make a whole bunch of 26ers compatible (using SL-M510, SL-M511, SL-M530, SL-M590).. The MicroShift site does say these clutched rear derailleurs are only supposed to work with the Advent shifters though. The quality is great on these parts, at least as good as Shimano's Deore lineup..
@@ArisSynodinos I'm in the same quest, I don't want to upgrade my whole Sora groupset on my gravel bike, but I need a clutched derailleur, I can't stand chain slapping and bouncing everywhere lol.
@@ArisSynodinos thanks for the input!
Sunrace is the worst brand in market
Ouch! Haven’t had good luck with them I assume?!
@@BikingRoots yea I ordered sunrace m24 and it broke in 500 m of riding and I am so poor that I can't afford another one
@@YukkiForever Oh bummer! Yeah i can see why you wouldn’t be happy. Sorry man