What is the difference between Shimano TZ50 and Shimano RD-FT55-SS What is the difference between Shimano TZ50 and Shimano RD-FT55-SS?

Shimano RD-FT55-SS



Shimano TZ50



I understand, that both of them a very basic.
(But it's the only options for rear derraliuer with reverse hanger.)
A quick compare of both linked websites shows that the TZ50 is rated for a total capacity of 34 whereas the FT55 is only listed as capacity of 17.

Both are rated for a biggest big of 28 teeth, which is also their smallest big cog supported.  IE its 28 tooth only.

The FT55 has a small of 11-14 and the TZ50 has a small of 14 only.

That means the FT55 is really only intended for a 1x setup, because 28-11 is 17 which is its maximum capacity.  

The TZ50 is rated to be used on both a single and double chainring.



Additionally, the FT55 has a pulley wheel in the rear to reduce the amount of outer cable required.  Your inner cable could be shorter and have less loop to catch on things.  All up, I suspect the FT55 is intended for folding bikes with a 1x 14-28 freewheel.

These are $10 / £10 / €10 parts.  Realistically, noone cares about weight or colour or anything at this end of the parts spectrum.  Even the orange jockey wheel is pretty irrelevant.



And remember Shimano's specs are very cautious.  I personally have used a TX-50 6 speed derailleur very similar to this, and it now runs an 8 speed cassette with a triple on front and the cassette ranges from 11 to 32 tooth, and works well enough.  30 tooth would have been less clattery, and I suspect 34 tooth wouldn't work at all.