Shimano Rear Derailleurs?

Question

What is the differenece between low-normal spring type than top-normal spring type????

Answer 1

Low-normal is the newer style, brought out by Shimano in an attempt to make downshifting easier and faster for mountain bikes. Basically, the spring tension is reversed and the derailleur sits "at rest" under the largest cog. It's not a bad idea, but lots of people don't really care for it. I'm one of those. You can use the same trigger shifters. It'll work with Gripshift, too, but the action will be reversed.

Top-normal is the traditional style where the derailleur rests under the smallest cog.

I think the differences are so minimal that it doesn't matter much. Personally, I just like the top-normal and I think it's better as long as you are a "good" shift operator where you don't mash gears at the last second or during an uphill. Proper shifting techniques have always worked fine.

Answer 2

Its just that you invert the way the rear shifter works. On a top-normal shifter, you push your thumb to take it to a larger cog, and the index trigger to lower it, while on a low-normal it's the other way around.

I have a low normal, and I like it, but the standard one is preffered by most.