MicroshiftAcolyte 8 Speed Rear Derailleur, Medium Cage, Black

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.

Attempted to remove the cogs to install the derailleur on an existing non-masterlink chain. Cog screws are too tight, which caused me to break one Allen key and then strip out the heads of the screws. Have to cut off and buy a new chain now.