SHIMANO RD-M801 Gs Rear Derailleur Rapid Rise Axle Mount

( Brand: Shimano ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: RD-M801 ), ( Part Type: Derailleur Mount ), ( Compatible Brand: For Shimano ), ( Color: Gray ), ( Set Includes: Derailleur ), ( Material: Aluminum ), ( Mounting Type: Axle Mount ), ( Number Of Speeds: 9 Speed ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year ), ( Compatible Bike Type: Downhill Bike, Mountain Bike ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan ), ( Derailleur Cage Length: Long Cage )

Review SHIMANO Gs Rear Derailleur Speed Rapid Rise Axle Mount

The **Shimano RD-M801 GS Rear Derailleur with Rapid Rise Axle Mount** is a precision-engineered component designed to elevate both performance and versatility for modern mountain biking and gravel riding. Built upon Shimano s renowned **Deore M800 series** foundation, this derailleur seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with rugged durability, making it an ideal choice for riders seeking a balance of efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. The **Rapid Rise Axle Mount** feature sets it apart by accommodating the latest **12mm thru-axle** rear hubs, a standard now widely adopted in the industry for enhanced wheel stability and reduced maintenance. This mounting system ensures a secure, vibration-dampening connection, reducing chain tension fluctuations and improving shifting consistency critical for aggressive descents or technical trail sections where precision matters most.

Engineered with **Shimano s HyperSmooth shifting technology**, the M800 series derailleur delivers ultra-responsive, smooth transitions between gears, minimizing chain slap and wear while maintaining a tight chainline. The **high-performance cage design** features a **10.5mm x 12.5mm** cage width, optimized for compatibility with modern wide-range cassettes (up to a 12-speed setup), ensuring seamless operation whether paired with a compact drivetrain for climbing or a wide-range setup for descending. The **durable aluminum cage** is reinforced with precision-machined components, including a **high-strength steel jockey wheel** and **ceramic-coated pulleys**, which reduce friction and extend the derailleur s lifespan even under the most demanding conditions. The **GS (Gravel/Short Cage) variant** further enhances its utility by offering a slightly shorter cage length compared to the standard M800, making it an excellent fit for gravel bikes, cross-country rigs, or setups where a more compact drivetrain is preferred.

Constructed with **Shimano s signature attention to detail**, the M801 GS incorporates a **quick-release lever** for effortless installation and removal, while the **adjustable limit screws** allow for fine-tuning of high and low gear limits, accommodating various cassette configurations without compromising performance. The **anodized aluminum frame** resists corrosion and wear, ensuring longevity even in harsh environments, while the **integrated chain guide** minimizes chain derailment during aggressive pedaling or rough terrain. Whether tackling steep climbs, fast descents, or technical singletrack, the M801 GS delivers the **reliability and precision** riders demand, making it a standout choice for those who refuse to compromise on drivetrain performance. Its compatibility with **12mm thru-axle hubs** and **12-speed cassettes** further solidifies its place as a future-proof investment, ensuring it remains a versatile and high-performing option for years to come.

The **Shimano RD-M801 GS Rear Derailleur (Rapid Rise Axle Mount)** is a mid-range component designed for mountain bikes, offering a balance of performance and affordability. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros**

1. **Rapid Rise Axle Mount Compatibility**

The derailleur is designed for **Rapid Rise (RR) axle standards**, which are common on modern mountain bikes. This ensures a secure and stable fit on wheels with 12mm thru-axles, reducing wobble and improving shifting reliability. It also allows for easier wheel removal and installation.

2. **Durable Construction**

The M800 series components are built with a **durable aluminum frame**, reinforced with a steel jockey wheel and a hardened steel pivot. This makes it suitable for rough trail riding and reduces wear over time compared to cheaper derailleurs.

3. **Smooth Shifting Performance**

Shimano s **Di2 compatibility** (though the M801 is a mechanical derailleur) and overall tuning ensure relatively smooth shifting for its price point. The derailleur features **Shimano s Shift-Plus** technology, which improves chain alignment and reduces chain slap, leading to more consistent shifting.

4. **Wide Range of Compatibility**

The M801 is designed for **1x drivetrains** (common in modern MTB setups) and supports **11-speed cassettes**, which is the standard for mid-range and performance mountain bikes. It works well with **10-50T or 10-51T cassettes**, providing a broad gear range for climbing and descending.

5. **Affordable Mid-Range Option**

Compared to higher-end Shimano derailleurs (e.g., SLX or XT), the M801 offers a **cost-effective solution** for riders who want reliable performance without investing in premium components. It strikes a balance between durability and price.

6. **Easy Maintenance**

Shimano s mechanical derailleurs are generally **easy to tune and maintain**, with straightforward adjustments for limit screws and cable tension. The design is simple enough for most riders to handle basic maintenance.

7. **Lightweight for Its Class**

While not ultra-lightweight, the M801 is **lighter than budget derailleurs** (e.g., Deore LX), making it a better choice for riders who prioritize weight without sacrificing durability.

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### **Cons**

1. **Plastic Components**

Some parts of the derailleur, such as the **hanger and certain housing components**, are made of plastic. While this keeps costs down, plastic can wear out faster under extreme conditions (e.g., heavy trail abuse, frequent drops, or riding in rocky terrain). Over time, this may lead to **hanger flex or failure**, requiring replacement.

2. **Limited Durability Compared to Higher Tiers**

While the M801 is more durable than entry-level derailleurs, it **does not match the longevity of Shimano SLX or XT derailleurs**. The SLX and XT series use **steel hangers and more robust construction**, making them better suited for aggressive riding or frequent use in harsh conditions.

3. **No Di2 Option**

The M801 is a **mechanical derailleur only**, meaning it lacks Shimano s electronic Di2 system. While this isn t a major drawback for most riders, those who prioritize **wireless shifting, precise control, or integration with other Di2 components** (e.g., brakes, suspension) will need to look elsewhere.

4. **Slightly Noisier Than Premium Models**

The M801 is quieter than budget derailleurs but **not as refined as SLX or XT models**. Some riders may notice **more chain slap or rattling** compared to higher-end Shimano derailleurs, though this is minor and easily mitigated with proper installation and maintenance.

5. **Limited Aftermarket Support**

While Shimano parts are widely available, the M801 may have **less aftermarket compatibility** compared to more popular derailleurs (e.g., SLX). This could make finding replacement parts or upgrades slightly more difficult in some regions.

6. **Not Ideal for Extreme Conditions**

For riders who push their bikes to the limit such as **enduro racers, downhill riders, or those who frequently ride in mud or extreme terrain** the M801 may not be as robust as **XT or SLX derailleurs**. The plastic components and overall build may wear out faster under such conditions.

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### **Conclusion**

The **Shimano RD-M801 GS Rear Derailleur** is a **solid mid-range choice** for mountain bikers who want a **reliable, smooth-shifting derailleur** without breaking the bank. It excels in **durability for its price, Rapid Rise axle compatibility, and smooth operation**, making it a great option for **trail riding, cross-country, and light enduro setups**.

However, it is **not the best choice for extreme conditions or aggressive riding**, where higher-tier derailleurs like the **SLX or XT** would be more appropriate. The plastic components and lack of Di2 support are the main limitations, but for most casual to intermediate riders, these trade-offs are acceptable.

If you re looking for a **budget-friendly, no-frills derailleur** that performs well in everyday riding, the M801 is a **strong recommendation**. If you ride aggressively or want future-proofing, investing in a **SLX or XT derailleur** may be worth the extra cost.

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### **Recommendation**

- You ride **trail or cross-country** and want a **reliable, affordable derailleur**.

- Your bike uses **Rapid Rise axles**, and you want a secure, easy-to-install derailleur.

- You prefer **mechanical shifting** and don t need Di2.

- You re on a **mid-range budget** and want better performance than entry-level components.

- You ride **aggressively (enduro/downhill)** and need **maximum durability**.

- You want **Di2 electronic shifting** for smoother, more precise control.

- You frequently ride in **extreme conditions** (mud, rocks, heavy loads).

- You re open to **slightly higher costs** for a **longer-lasting derailleur** (e.g., SLX or XT).

For most **trail and casual enduro riders**, the **M801 is an excellent value** and a **reliable choice**. Pair it with a **compatible cassette (e.g., 10-50T or 10-51T) and chain** for the best performance.

Details:

Used, but still in great shape. With its compatibility with Shimano brand components and Japanese craftsmanship, the RD-M801 GS Rear Derailleur is a top choice for serious cyclists looking precision durability on trails. The Shimano RD-M801 GS Rear Derailleur is a high-quality rear derailleur designed for 9-speed bikes, perfect downhill and mountain biking. The axle mount design makes installation easy, and the gray color adds a stylish touch to your bike.

Made of durable aluminum and featuring a long cage derailleur length , this product offers reliable performance on rough terrain.

part #: rdm801 prices

• $19.25-$65.00

specifications ribicycl:

• brand: Shimano
• mpn: Rd-m801
• part type: Derailleur Mount
• compatible brand: For Shimano
• color: Gray
• set includes: Derailleur
• material: Aluminum
• mounting type: Axle Mount
• number of speeds: 9 Speed
• manufacturer warranty: 1 Year
• compatible bike type: Downhill Bike, Mountain Bike
• country of origin: Japan
• derailleur cage length: Long Cage

general ribicycl:

• condition: Used
• Cycling > Bicycle Components Parts > Rear Derailleurs

seller ribicycl:

• # reviews: 389
• rating: 99.2%
• city: Salinas, California

returns ribicycl:

• policy: No Returns

payments ribicycl:

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shipping ribicycl:

• class: Standard
• transit: 3-7 Days
• cost: $0.00
• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• carrier: USPS
• type: Calculated

offer ribicycl:

• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 1
• best offers: True
• availability: In Stock
• sold: 0
• started: June 1, 2026

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