Choice of derailleur

[Jimmy2021]

Hi everyone,
Please don't laugh as I'm a novice and this is only my second project.
Someone gave me a Specialized aluminium frame and I am building the bike with components that I cumulated in a few years, some kindly donated by my good friend @ibbz.
I have 9 speed shifters and cassette and 2 derailleurs, a Shimano Exage RD-M500 and a Shimano XT RD-M737.
Can I use any of them with those shifters and cassette?
If so, which one would you go for?
I attach some pictures of the components that I cleaned and regreased.
Thanks.

 

[Bike Hoarder]

The XT would be a better fit, era wise. I'm sure the 500LX would work, but wouldn't look 'right' in my opinion.

You look like you need a 30.9mm seatpost too.

 

[Jimmy2021]

Yes, that seatpost is only resting there, doesn't fit.

 

[Jimmy2021]

The XT would be a better fit, era wise. I'm sure the 500LX would work, but wouldn't look 'right' in my opinion.

You look like you need a 30.9mm seatpost too.

So the xt will work with 9 speed shifters and cassette.
Thanks!

 

[ishaw]

The 737 is the better choice era wise for your build and will work with 9sp shifters.

 

[kingoffootball]

So the xt will work with 9 speed shifters and cassette.
Thanks!

Yes, either of them (and almost all other Shimano derailleurs of the era) will work with the shifters and cassette. They both use the same pull ratio and for the gear spacing the shifters just need to match (or with 7 to 8 speed be close enough) the cassette.

 

[Jimmy2021]

Thanks guys.
XT it is then

 

[ibbz]

Would it need a derailleur hanger ?

 

[kingoffootball]

Would it need a derailleur hanger ?

Possibly if the biggest cog is over 34T. I think the M737 is rated for up to 32T, but usually they'll work with at least one higher (M732 works with 34T).