Ratio Technology appears to be preparing to launch its first complete rear derailleur, which, as far as we're aware, would be the first non-SRAM model to use the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard in the direct-mount format it was originally designed for.
Ratio Technology – a small brand based in the Lake District of England – is best known for producing aftermarket conversion kits for SRAM and Shimano drivetrains.
Its products enable riders to mix and match components across brands and disciplines – for example, SRAM mechanical road shifters with mountain bike derailleurs, or converting 11-speed SRAM shifters to run 12- or even 13-speed cassettes.
The brand also offers replacement pulley cages and jockey wheels, often marketed as like-for-like upgrades over OEM components.
The appearance of a complete derailleur – which appears to be called the Mech – marks a significant step beyond Ratio’s previous focus on small parts and conversion kits.
Fitted to a Hope HB.916 enduro bike, the derailleur mounts using a system similar to SRAM’s T-Type, with an extended ‘B-knuckle’ that clamps on either side of the Universal Derailleur Hanger.
Unlike SRAM’s design, however, the Ratio derailleur features a B-adjust screw. This would, in theory, enable users to run different cassette sizes, rather than being restricted to one option, as is the case with SRAM.
Limit screws for high and low gears are also present. These also point to a wider adaptability of the derailleur compared to SRAM's existing UDH-mounted designs.
According to Bikepacking.com, which spotted the derailleur at the Made handmade bike show, the derailleur can be adapted to both UDH and conventional hanger mounts.
It can also be adjusted to work with a wide range of cable pulls using interchangeable fins, enabling compatibility with Shimano and SRAM shifters across road and mountain bike platforms.
The site reports that the derailleur is compatible with almost all 1×12 and 1×13 drivetrains and will be offered with cages for 46- and 52-tooth cassettes. Ratio also told Bikepacking.com it is aiming to make the derailleur fully user-serviceable.
The sample pictured was paired with a standard SRAM cassette, with no visible modifications.
The derailleur features notably clean cable routing. The cable enters near-vertically at the back of the derailleur, running around what appears to be a fin or roller before joining the main knuckle at the bottom, where it clamps.
It is reasonable to assume the derailleur incorporates a clutch mechanism. A small screw cover on the body suggests the clutch may be either serviceable or adjustable.
Ratio has been contacted for comment.
