Shimano 12 speed derailleur with 11 speed cassette and shifter

[steverav1]

Looking at upgrading the derailleur on my e160 I have 11 speed drivetrain 11-51 cassette. The only derailleur I can find is the deore I have already got fitted. So I was wandering if a 12 speed xt or xtr derailleur can be used on a 11speed drivetrain. Cheers in advance

 

[steve_sordy]

No responses so far. I'll have a go.
I have never tried it, so take that into account.

The main problem could be whether the chain will roll through the jockies. I am pretty sure that 12-speed chain is narrower than 11-speed, but I have never measured it to find out.

The mech will move in the increments determined by the shifter, so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Snrbrtsn]

I use the set up on sons bike (11 Speed)
This was used to keep spare parts to minimum

Note - I have 12 speed xt on Levo
My sons bike, is not an EMTb, he runs single chain ring, 11 Speed cassette & shifter with 12 Speed chain & rear mech
Bit of a faff setting the limits but no issue shifting “or back pedalling“

 

[rzr]

I use the set up on sons bike (11 Speed)
This was used to keep spare parts to minimum

Note - I have 12 speed xt on Levo
My sons bike, is not an EMTb, he runs single chain ring, 11 Speed cassette & shifter with 12 Speed chain & rear mech
Bit of a faff setting the limits but no issue shifting “or back pedalling“

Does it work ? 11s cassette and 12s rear shimano mech+12s shifter ?

 

[Mcharza]

Reply to an old thread. You can check compatibility here...

Bicycle Drivetrain Compatibility Calculator (VeloBotan)

Can you mix and match drivetrain parts from different brands and groupsets? Check derailleur, shifter, and cassette compatibility between Shimano and SRAM.

velobotan.ru