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I’m currently running a hybrid 10 speed drivetrain: SunRace CSMX3 11-46 cassette / M786 XT rear mech + Goatlink. I’m not super happy with the shift quality and I’m thinking about getting the new Deore M5120 mech, which is supposedly designed for an 11-46 cassette.
What puzzles me is that Shimano claims it works with 10 and 11 speed systems. How can this be, when 10 speed needs a different shift ratio to 11 speed? (1.2 vs 1.1 I believe.) There is no switch on the mech for converting from one mode to the other as far as I can see.
The mechs have the same design ratios between 10 and 11 speed, the difference is at the shifter. I ran an SLX 11 speed mech on a 10 speed 11-42t cassette for a while after I'd smashed the Deore mech in a rock, couldn't detect any difference. Tried the replacement Deore mech on the 11 speed bike out of curiosity and it works fine. Handy to know as I have a mix of 10 and 11 speed drivetrains, all 11-42t so I can now borrow a mech if needed from any of my bikes.