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I bent my derailleur beyond repair today. I'm an inexperienced cyclist.

I have a 5 speed Takara. Can I/Should I replace it with a 6/7 speed rear derailleur? I am having trouble finding a 5 speed one and the local bike shops are suggesting I just get a 6/7.

In addition, how difficult is it to install the derailleur?

Thanks.

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Perhaps I'm just unfamiliar with your kit, but it isn't clear to me what you're trying to combine. Is it a 5-speed rear cassette (the rings) with a 6/7 speed derailleur and shifter? Please dit and clarify. – JamesBradbury Nov 8 '12 at 21:29

1 Answer

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If I'm not mistaken, you're talking about non-indexed derailers, plus the chain width would be the same for 5 and 6/7, so there should be no problem.

Installing a derailer is a fairly simple task, in and of itself. But you either have to break the chain or disassemble the derailer to get the chain threaded through it, and that's a little more involved. Plus you need to adjust the derailer once installed (though adjusting a non-indexed derailer is almost trivial).

None of this is beyond the abilities of someone with some mechanical ability and a modicum of patience, but it requires thought, care, and a few tools. And note that you'll maybe want to replace the shift cable at the same time, as the existing is likely too frayed to reuse.

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