1. Product Overview
The microSHIFT Sword rear derailleur is designed for 1x bicycle drivetrain systems, offering smooth and reliable mechanical shifting. It is compatible with a single chainring setup and supports wide-range cassettes up to 11-48 teeth, providing excellent gear options for various terrains. Key features include a replaceable cage for easy maintenance or configuration changes, a concealed clutch mechanism for chain security and quiet operation, and Igus bushings for enhanced lateral stiffness and durability. The innovative orbital barrel adjuster minimizes cable friction, ensuring precise shifting performance.
Image 1.1: Microshift Sword 10-Speed Rear Derailleur. This image displays the rear derailleur from a side angle, highlighting its compact design and the pulley cage.
2. Package Contents
- microSHIFT Sword 10-Speed Rear Derailleur
3. Key Features
- Compatible with microSHIFT Sword and Advent X shifters.
- Designed for use with standard 10-speed chains.
- Features a quiet clutch mechanism with immediate engagement and an integrated switch for activation/deactivation.
- Equipped with Igus bushings for enhanced lateral stiffness and durability.
- The derailleur cage is replaceable, allowing for easy repairs or configuration changes.
- Supports cassettes with up to a 48-tooth largest cog.
- Orbital barrel adjuster design minimizes housing bends, reducing cable friction for smoother shifting.
4. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. If you are unsure about any steps, consult a professional bicycle mechanic.
- Mounting the Derailleur: Attach the derailleur to the derailleur hanger on your bicycle frame. Ensure it is securely tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.
- Chain Installation: Install a compatible 10-speed chain. Ensure the chain length is correct for your 1x system and cassette size.
- Cable Routing: Route the shifter cable from your microSHIFT Sword or Advent X shifter to the derailleur. Ensure the cable housing is cut to appropriate lengths to avoid excessive bends, especially utilizing the orbital barrel adjuster's flexibility. Secure the cable to the derailleur's cable anchor bolt.
- Limit Screw Adjustment: Adjust the high (H) and low (L) limit screws to prevent the derailleur from shifting the chain beyond the smallest and largest cogs of your cassette. These screws define the derailleur's range of motion.
- B-Tension Adjustment: Adjust the B-tension screw to set the proper gap between the upper guide pulley and the largest cog of your cassette. This gap is critical for smooth shifting across all gears.
- Indexing Adjustment: With the chain on the smallest cog, shift one click at a time, adjusting the barrel adjuster as needed to ensure smooth and precise shifts across all cogs. Fine-tune until each shift is crisp and the chain runs quietly.
- Clutch Engagement: Ensure the clutch mechanism is engaged for optimal chain retention, especially on rough terrain. The integrated switch allows for easy activation or deactivation.
5. Operating Instructions
The microSHIFT Sword 10-speed rear derailleur operates in conjunction with a compatible microSHIFT 10-speed shifter (Sword or Advent X series) and a 1x drivetrain system.
- Shifting Gears: Use your compatible shifter to change gears. Push the larger lever to shift to a larger cog (easier gear) and the smaller lever to shift to a smaller cog (harder gear).
- Clutch Operation: The derailleur features a clutch mechanism to reduce chain slap and improve chain retention. Ensure the clutch is engaged for riding, especially on bumpy trails. The clutch can be disengaged via its integrated switch for easier wheel removal or maintenance.
- Smooth Shifting: For best performance, ease off the pedal pressure slightly when shifting, especially when moving to larger cogs under load.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will prolong the life and performance of your derailleur.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the derailleur, especially the pulleys and cage, to remove dirt and grime. Use a bicycle-specific degreaser and brush.
- Lubrication: Apply a small amount of bicycle chain lubricant to the pivot points of the derailleur and the pulley bearings after cleaning, or as needed. Avoid over-lubrication.
- Cable and Housing: Periodically inspect the shifter cable and housing for wear, fraying, or contamination. Replace them if necessary to maintain smooth shifting.
- Limit Screws and B-Tension: Occasionally check and re-adjust the limit screws and B-tension if shifting performance degrades.
- Clutch Inspection: Ensure the clutch mechanism is functioning correctly. If it feels loose or ineffective, consult a mechanic.
- Replaceable Cage: The derailleur cage is designed to be replaceable. If the cage is damaged, it can be replaced without needing to replace the entire derailleur. Consult microSHIFT's official resources or a professional mechanic for cage replacement procedures.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your derailleur, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Poor Shifting / Ghost Shifting:
- Check cable tension: Adjust the barrel adjuster on the shifter or derailleur.
- Inspect cable and housing: Look for kinks, fraying, or dirt. Replace if damaged.
- Verify limit screw settings: Ensure the H and L screws are correctly set.
- Check derailleur hanger alignment: A bent hanger is a common cause of poor shifting. This often requires a special tool and professional attention.
- Clean and lubricate: Ensure the derailleur and chain are clean and properly lubricated.
- Chain Dropping:
- Ensure clutch is engaged.
- Check chain length: An overly long chain can lead to chain slack and drops.
- Verify B-tension adjustment: Incorrect B-tension can affect chain wrap and retention.
- Inspect chainring and cassette for wear: Worn teeth can cause chain drops.
- Noisy Operation:
- Clean and lubricate the chain and derailleur pulleys.
- Check for proper indexing and limit screw settings.
- Ensure the clutch is not making excessive noise (if so, it might need service).
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to consult a qualified bicycle mechanic or contact microSHIFT customer support.
8. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Sword 10-Speed Rear Derailleur for 1x System |
| Part Number | RD-G7005M |
| Brand | microSHIFT |
| Speed Compatibility | 10-Speed |
| Drivetrain System | 1x (Single Chainring) |
| Max Cog Size Supported | 48t |
| Chain Compatibility | Standard 10-speed chains |
| Clutch | Yes, concealed with integrated switch |
| Bushings | Igus bushings on parallelogram |
| Cage | Replaceable, Medium Cage |
| Barrel Adjuster | Orbital, minimizes cable friction |
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Gray |
| Item Weight | 0.82 Pounds (approx. 372 grams) |
| Product Dimensions | 10"L x 8"W x 2"H (approximate package dimensions) |
| Mounting Type | Clamp-On Mount |
9. Warranty Information
This microSHIFT Sword 10-Speed Rear Derailleur is covered by a Limited Warranty. For specific terms, conditions, and duration of the warranty, please refer to the official microSHIFT warranty policy available on their website or contact their customer service directly. The warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and material flaws under normal use.
10. Support
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding your microSHIFT Sword 10-Speed Rear Derailleur, please contact:
- Your authorized microSHIFT dealer or retailer.
- The official microSHIFT website for FAQs, technical documents, and contact information.
When contacting support, please have your product model number (RD-G7005M) and any relevant purchase information available.
