TESTED: CSIXX The Cage
The Cage is all about greater shift precision, and being able to add more spring tension to the derailleur's clutch than a standard cage.
Words and Photos: Mike Blewitt
Oversized jockey wheels and reinforced derailleur cages are primarily seen in the world of drop bar cycling. Riders from top road professionals through to cyclocross racers and gravel riders may look for the marginal gains achieved by larger jockey wheels that can reduce the friction on the drivetrain, but they are less common on mountain bikes. Reinforced cages are also available to improve shift precision, or act as replacements for damaged items. CeramicSpeed and Kogel are two brands that make oversized pulley wheels with respective cages for SRAM Eagle and Shimano 12-speed components, and CSIXX from South Africa now join the ranks with The Cage. It is available as the cage only, or with their 13t or 14t jockey wheels, depending on the model. There are units for SRAM Eagle, SRAM AXS and Shimano 12-speed (Deore through to XTR). I was sent a Shimano compatible model and fitted it up to a 3 year old Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed derailleur that was getting to the end of its life.
A closer look
The Cage is all about greater shift precision, and being able to add more spring tension to the derailleur’s clutch than a standard cage. The included jockey wheels have large cut outs, being CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminium. The spin on custom Enduro bearings with labyrinth seals. The Shimano cage has a 13t top jockey wheel and a 14t lower jockey wheel. Stock jockey wheels are 13t so this isn’t so much of an oversized jockey wheel upgrade, but an upgrade to the cage.
The cage has two additional bolts in the 6082 alloy unit, to reduce to load on the bearings. There is also the option to port the spring at regular tension, or for increased tension. The outgoing stock cage and jockey wheels weighed 66g, while the CSIXX The Cage and jockey wheels weighed 107g. So this isn’t a weight weenie upgrade.
Mounting is reasonably straight forward if you do much of your own bike maintenance. There isn’t a video on the CSIXX website, nor insrtuctions included. But it fits like any cage does, so you can follow any instructional video online. The CeramicSpeed video is very thorough.
Setup is easy thanks to the b-tension guide on the back of the cage, and it was simple to get the gears shifting as they should be. I serviced the clutch mechanism at the same time, something anyone with a clutched derailleur should do.
On the trail
My test derailleur has done some time, and while there is play in the top of the derailleur, The Cage did nothing to help this. But with an overall stiff cage and using the increased spring tension, the shifts did feel more precise. Specifically, I did notice the shift precision wasn’t just good in the work stand, but also under load when climbing, and on rough descents helping to reduce chain slap.
The burlier build is said to be more resistant to rock strike, but given how well Shimano derailleurs stay out of harms way, I didn’t really test that claim. But the thing is stout, and I think it’s a good upgrade if you’ve got some damage on your derailleur and want something a little beefier. Personally, I haven’t seriously damaged a Shimano rear derailleur since the M970 days where the carbon plates felt consumable at times. But it’s good to have the option, especially for the spring tension.
Verdict
I have never felt the stock cage of a Shimano 12-speed derailleur felt too flexy, or the spring lacked tension when new. But over time derailleurs can get damaged or start to wear. This is where the CSIXX The Cage fits in, aiming to bring a tired derailleur back to life, and perhaps even a little crisper than before. The Cage primarily offers a stiff, strong derailleur cage with two spring tension options, while the jockey wheels are an optional addition. They aren’t oversized models like other brands, but work very nicely and show no wear after some wet months. The pricing may seem high compared to getting another mid-spec derailleur, however The Cage is also a nod to repairing, and not replacing. And I like that.
Want more tips on how to maintain your drive train? Head to our Workshop section!
RRP: $240 (Cage or jockey wheels only: $120)
From: csixx.com
Hits:
- Two spring tension options
- High quality jockey wheels
- Stiffer cage
Misses:
- Marginal gains as an upgrade
