When I first started Trials it wasn't uncommon to see stocks equipped with a locked-out Shimano road derailleur for use as either a singlespeed tensioner or for use with 5/6 working gears. Some older trials riders have run gears on DJ bikes this way too. Nowadays it's practically lost technology so I thought what better place to seek wisdom regarding this forgotten ancient technology than from the TF OGs who rocked this back in the day. There are old threads about, though no one's talked about these for many years so it'd be cool to get a discussion going!
From what I've gathered so far, Shimano Road rear derailleurs with a short cage were the preferred choice. Found some instructions how to do this on an old OTN thread:
Take the C-clip off
pull the B-tension screw/plate off
pull the spring out of the derailleur
put the B-tension screw/plate thing back on without the spring in it
put the C-clip back on
Tighten the derailleur onto hanger.
Generally what are the pros and cons of a locked-out derailleur setup?
Can this be done with any modern Shimano MTB or Road derailleur regardless of speed and cage length?
Does it work on specifically the 10 speed short cage ZEE or Saint M820 rear mechs, or any 11 or 12 speed XT or Ultegra short/med/long cage mech?
5-6 gears in the rear was the norm with locked-out derailleur - how come people weren't using a full 9 speed cassette or a full 10 speed? Does the locked-out method limit how many gears it can shift sideways and how about max tooth capacity?
Can we make locked-out derailleurs great again?
Discuss!