Suitability of Shimano Tourney Derailluer

[awbikes]

Needed a long cage derailluer for a larger cassette swap and was given a new Shimano Tourney TZ 50. As it is a "cheap" derailluer I'm wondering if it is a waste of time installing/using it. Also all on-line info says this is for 6 or 7 speed bikes. Will it even work on my 9 speed?

[Pat Lamb]

I'd bet it will work (but I wouldn't bet any more than the derailer is worth).  Most Shimano derailers of recent vintage (last 15-20 years) are indexed in the shifter, and most rear S. ders are compatible with each other.

It may be worn, and therefore shift sloppily, though.

[DaveB]

How much use do you give your bike?  If you are a very casual, low mileage rider the Tourney should be satisfactory.  As you noted it's the bottom of the Shimano line.  If you ride a lot and expect to do long rides and tours, get something better.

For use with a large cog cassette any of Shimano's newer MTB derailleurs will be fine.  The "Deore" or "Deore LX" models are the sweet-spot in Shimano's range offering good durability and performance.   

[jcscycles]

With a TZ50 Tourney rear derailleur, you are going to be limited to a 6 speed freewheel. This is an older model that has been supplanted by the newer TX35, TX51,TX55 and TX75 6/7 speeds versions. In the old pre-indexing days you might be able to get away with forcing a derailleur to work outside of it's specs, but nowadays trying to mix models or brands will most likely cause problems or just flat out not work.