--- product_id: 377279538 title: "microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage" brand: "microshift" price: "£36.97" currency: GBP in_stock: false reviews_count: 6 category: "Micro Shift" url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/377279538-microshift-acolyte-rear-derailleur-8-speed-medium-cage store_origin: GB region: United Kingdom --- # Direct path cable routing Handles 12-46T cassette range Optimized for 8-speed drivetrains microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage **Brand:** microshift **Price:** £36.97 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Summary > ⚙️ Shift Smart, Ride Far – The commuter’s secret weapon! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage by microshift - **How much does it cost?** £36.97 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/377279538-microshift-acolyte-rear-derailleur-8-speed-medium-cage) ## Best For - microshift enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted microshift brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Lightweight Durability:** Constructed with aluminum and multiple materials for strength without bulk. - • **Wide Gear Compatibility:** Seamlessly supports 12-42T and 12-46T cassettes for versatile riding. - • **Smooth & Responsive Shifting:** Direct path cable routing ensures precision and minimal lag in gear changes. - • **Exclusive Acolyte Shifter Sync:** Engineered to work flawlessly with microSHIFT Acolyte shifters for optimal indexing. - • **Tailored for Commuters & Tourers:** Medium cage design perfect for 1x gearing systems on daily and long-distance rides. ## Overview The microSHIFT Acolyte Rear Derailleur (8-speed, Medium Cage) is a precision-engineered component designed for commuters and touring cyclists seeking reliable, smooth shifting across a wide 12-46T cassette range. Featuring direct path cable routing for enhanced responsiveness and compatibility exclusively with Acolyte shifters, this lightweight aluminum derailleur balances durability with performance, making it an unbeatable value for riders who demand efficiency and versatility on every ride. ## Description Not everyone needs the added chain retention provided by our innovative SpringLock system. For those riders, we offer a non-clutch version of our Acolyte derailleur. While still capable of handling a 12-46T cassette, the rear derailleur is the perfect choice for commuter or touring bikes that can benefit from using a wide range 1x gearing system.Direct path cable routing for smooth and responsive shiftingCompatible with 12-42T and 12-46T 9-speed cassettesCompatible with Acolyte shifters onlyProduct SpecificsRear Derailleur Mount Type: 10x1 StandardRear Der/Shifter Compatibility: microSHIFT AcolyteCage Length: MediumDrivetrain Speeds: 8Color: BlackChain Wrap Capacity (teeth): 41Largest Cog: 46 Review: amazing value - I bought this because it's cheap. I mean, it's not much more than a good derailleur hanger! Specifically, I went looking for the lowest-cost model that would work with my 42T cassette, and then I was going to look at a few higher-priced models, in case something else looked a lot better for a small price difference. Nope, this seemed to be the clear winner. Its capacity is described as 12-46T, but I feel like it's at the end of its comfort range on my 42T. I even had to pivot it a bit with the B screw. I'm not saying 46T won't work, but approach with caution. Description shows "direct path cable". I didn't know what that meant, and dismissed it as marketing blather, but in my pic below you'll see the cable is virtually straight along the seat stay all the way to the anchor bolt. There's not that sweeping 180-degree turn in the cable. I never gave it any thought before, but I do like this. However, viewed from top/back you can see the cable takes a sharp departure from housing stop to anchor, when in higher gears (smaller cogs). There is a cone/funnel shaped bushing to ease wear and smooth the path, and I think unless you shift like a maniac every ten seconds, it should provide years of wear. Notice in rear view pic, the cable blocks access to limit screws, when in high gear. Not a big deal, mostly just amusing. Limit screws are poorly marked, (tiny H and L) but you'll figure it out. Description says compatible with Acolyte shifters only. That's not entirely true, as I use friction shifter. But if using index shifter (everybody does these days) you might not be able to use your favorites. This model requires much more cable pull to shift from one gear to the next, compared to the model I replaced. In fact, even on my 7-sp cassette, it takes almost the entire range of my shifter to cover the span of cogs. I suspect that's why they say you have to use Acolyte shifters for the indexing to work. . Tip: be sure to install chain so it passes behind jockey cage. When viewed from side, you should be able to see a bit of chain between the wheels. It's possible to route chain through the channel between the wheels, but that's not correct, as your chain will rub in that channel. Review: Works Well - My clumsiness resulted in damage to my Acolyte derailleur. This replacement works well. ## Features - Not everyone needs the added chain retention provided by our innovative SpringLock system. For those riders, we offer a non-clutch version of our Acolyte derailleur. While still capable of handling a 12-46T cassette, the rear derailleur is the perfect choice for commuter or touring bikes that can benefit from using a wide range 1x gearing system.Direct path cable routing for smooth and responsive shiftingCompatible with 12-42T and 12-46T 9-speed cassettesCompatible with Acolyte shifters ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B09J3S1JNH | | Best Sellers Rank | #590,569 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #623 in Rear Bike Derailleurs | | Brand Name | microSHIFT | | Case Material Type | Aluminum | | Color | Black | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (17) | | Included Components | Included as described | | Item Weight | 0.38 Kilograms | | Manufacturer | microSHIFT | | Manufacturer Part Number | RD-M5180M | | Material Type | Multiple | | Model Number | RD-M5180M | | Mount Type | 10x1 Standard | | Number of Teeth | 46 | | Warranty Description | Original Manufacturer Warranty | ## Product Details - **Brand:** microSHIFT - **Color:** Black - **Item Weight:** 0.38 Kilograms - **Material:** Multiple - **Mounting Type:** 10x1 Standard ## Images ![microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61gFEfG5-xL.jpg) ![microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61iRRIMWdhL.jpg) ![microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61yfdTwu0-L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ amazing value *by D***T on October 25, 2022* I bought this because it's cheap. I mean, it's not much more than a good derailleur hanger! Specifically, I went looking for the lowest-cost model that would work with my 42T cassette, and then I was going to look at a few higher-priced models, in case something else looked a lot better for a small price difference. Nope, this seemed to be the clear winner. Its capacity is described as 12-46T, but I feel like it's at the end of its comfort range on my 42T. I even had to pivot it a bit with the B screw. I'm not saying 46T won't work, but approach with caution. Description shows "direct path cable". I didn't know what that meant, and dismissed it as marketing blather, but in my pic below you'll see the cable is virtually straight along the seat stay all the way to the anchor bolt. There's not that sweeping 180-degree turn in the cable. I never gave it any thought before, but I do like this. However, viewed from top/back you can see the cable takes a sharp departure from housing stop to anchor, when in higher gears (smaller cogs). There is a cone/funnel shaped bushing to ease wear and smooth the path, and I think unless you shift like a maniac every ten seconds, it should provide years of wear. Notice in rear view pic, the cable blocks access to limit screws, when in high gear. Not a big deal, mostly just amusing. Limit screws are poorly marked, (tiny H and L) but you'll figure it out. Description says compatible with Acolyte shifters only. That's not entirely true, as I use friction shifter. But if using index shifter (everybody does these days) you might not be able to use your favorites. This model requires much more cable pull to shift from one gear to the next, compared to the model I replaced. In fact, even on my 7-sp cassette, it takes almost the entire range of my shifter to cover the span of cogs. I suspect that's why they say you have to use Acolyte shifters for the indexing to work. . Tip: be sure to install chain so it passes behind jockey cage. When viewed from side, you should be able to see a bit of chain between the wheels. It's possible to route chain through the channel between the wheels, but that's not correct, as your chain will rub in that channel. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works Well *by J***. on March 7, 2025* My clumsiness resulted in damage to my Acolyte derailleur. This replacement works well. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taiwan *by E***O on February 22, 2025* Very good product. ## Frequently Bought Together - microSHIFT | Acolyte Rear Derailleur | 8 Speed | Medium Cage - microSHIFT Acolyte Right Trigger Shifter - 1x8 Speed, Acolyte Compatible Only - microSHIFT | Acolyte H-Series Cassette | 8 Speed | 12-46t |Black | ED Coated --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/377279538-microshift-acolyte-rear-derailleur-8-speed-medium-cage](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/377279538-microshift-acolyte-rear-derailleur-8-speed-medium-cage) --- *Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-05-17*