Derailleur Pulley Wheels

(47 products)

Derailleur pulley wheels, also called jockey wheels, from like-for-like replacement sets to alloy pulleys with ceramic bearings and full oversized pulley cages. Pulley sets are specific to the derailleur model, so the exact compatibility is listed on each product page.

Read more: when to replace jockey wheels and whether oversized is worth it

When do jockey wheels need replacing?

Pulley teeth wear into a hooked profile and the bushings develop play, which shows up as a noisy drivetrain and hesitant shifting that no cable adjustment fixes. On a bike ridden through Indian monsoon grit they wear faster than most people expect. Replacement sets cost little next to a chain or cassette, so this is among the best-value drivetrain refreshes available.

Match the pulley set to your derailleur

Pulley sets are specific to the derailleur family, not just the speed count, because tooth count and cage width differ. Sets here are listed by the derailleur model they fit, so read the model code on your derailleur cage and match it on the product page rather than choosing by speed count alone.

Are ceramic bearings worth it?

Ceramic bearings in a jockey wheel reduce friction by a genuinely small amount, measured in a couple of watts at race pace. Whether that is worth the money depends entirely on what you are doing with the bike. Aftermarket alloy pulleys with better bearings sit in the sensible middle, giving smoother running and durability without the cost of a full oversized system.

What does an oversized pulley cage actually do?

An oversized pulley wheel system replaces the whole cage with larger pulleys, typically 15 and 19 tooth or bigger. The larger radius reduces chain articulation, which cuts friction a little further than bearings alone. These systems are made for specific derailleurs and are race-day equipment, priced accordingly.

Not sure which pulley set fits your derailleur? Ask TBA Guide, our chat assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should jockey wheels be replaced?

There is no fixed interval, but most riders need new pulleys well before they think to check. Look for hooked or pointed teeth, side-to-side play in the wheel, and shifting that stays hesitant after a proper cable adjustment. Riding through monsoon grit accelerates wear considerably. Replacement sets are inexpensive, so changing them is cheap insurance for shifting quality.

Will any jockey wheel fit my derailleur?

No, pulley sets are specific to the derailleur model because tooth count, bushing type and cage width all vary. Sets here are listed by the derailleur reference they fit. Read the model number stamped on your derailleur cage and match it on the product page rather than choosing by speed count alone, and ask us if the code has worn off.

Are ceramic jockey wheels actually faster?

The measurable gain is small, typically a couple of watts at racing intensity, and it comes mostly from reduced bearing drag and a larger pulley radius. For most riders the durability and smoother feel are the more noticeable benefits. Alloy pulleys with quality bearings deliver much of that at a fraction of the cost of a full oversized system.

What is an oversized pulley wheel system?

An oversized pulley wheel system replaces the standard derailleur cage with one carrying larger pulleys, often 15 and 19 tooth. The bigger radius reduces how sharply the chain has to bend, lowering friction slightly. These systems are built for specific derailleur models, so a version made for one drivetrain will not fit another. Check the stated fitment carefully.

Can I fit an 11-speed pulley set to a 12-speed derailleur?

Generally not. Cage width and pulley tooth profile are matched to chain width, and a 12-speed chain is narrower than an 11-speed one. Fitting the wrong set causes chain rub against the cage and poor shifting at the extremes of the cassette. Match the pulley set to the exact derailleur model, which is listed on every product page here.