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Front Derailleur compatability

Started by Sheppster · · Last activity · 4 posts · 850 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
7 September 2013
Last activity
8 September 2013
Original author
Sheppster
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4
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Public discussion
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Front derailleursDrivetrain compatibilityRear derailleurs

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  1. Original post
    Sheppster
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi,
    This is probably a question that has been asked somewhere before but i can't find a definitive answer.

    I want to buy a new front derailleur as I am systematically replacing components on my 2009 Specialised hardrock sport disc.

    The current chainset is a 42t/32t/22t set up and the front mech is a shimano Atlus.
    There are many front mechs on ebay (the source of my upgrades) but most are 9 speed for 44-48t.

    Can i use one of these? or do i need one specific for the 42t? or could i replace the 42t for a 44t chainring (which is on newer 8 speed bikes) which will allow me to use a newer model front mech.

    I dont need to replace the mech as it does its job but i know its a cheapy.
    I have re-discovered cycling again and starting to do some long rides and commutes and want some decent components on my bike

    There are so many conflicting answers on the web and I am competent in setting up a front and rear mech.

    Any help welcomed !

    Shep

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  2. alfeng
    Archived post
    #2

    FWIW. I recommend that you save-your-money because the observable difference in most Shimano front derailleurs of the same TYPE is the band/clamp ... XTR clamps are alloy and look pretty nice ... at the lower end the clamp is probably stamped metal ... there might be a small difference in the parallelogram ... but, the difference in the inner cage (the part that actually does the meaningful work ... at least, IMO) is usually negligible.

    BTW. You cannot use a 9-speed front derailleur with an 8-speed shifter & chain because the front derailleur's plates are spaced differently ...

    If you are planning to update your bike with a 9-/10-speed MTB drivetrain, then you should probably wait until you can change all of the components at the same time (you won't have to change the rear derailleur, BTW) -- shifters, Cassette, chain, front derailleur.

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  3. Sheppster
    Archived post
    #3

    Quote: Originally Posted by alfeng [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]
    FWIW. I recommend that you save-your-money because the observable difference in most Shimano front derailleurs of the same TYPE is the band/clamp ... XTR clamps are alloy and look pretty nice ... at the lower end the clamp is probably stamped metal ... there might be a small difference in the parallelogram ... but, the difference in the inner cage (the part that actually does the meaningful work ... at least, IMO) is usually negligible.

    BTW. You cannot use a 9-speed front derailleur with an 8-speed shifter & chain because the front derailleur's plates are spaced differently ...

    If you are planning to update your bike with a 9-/10-speed MTB drivetrain, then you should probably wait until you can change all of the components at the same time (you won't have to change the rear derailleur, BTW) -- shifters, Cassette, chain, front derailleur.

    Thanks for the response but my understanding of the 9/8 speed issue with F mechs is, only, the chain width as the 8/9 issue is in relation to the other shifter number of gears obviously.
    I am running a 9 speed deore rear mch on the bike and it works very well. (I do have a narrow 8 speed chain)
    The Sheldon Brown website also state that the 3 speed F mech will work with any 3 chain wheel crank set and there is no such thing as a 8,9,10 speed front mech.
    I am happy to take the gamble with a 9 speed mech and I accept there may be a bit of chain rub on the extreme gears hi and, low.
    I really want to know the answer to the chain ring scenario rather than the number of gears issue if this makes sense.
    I know the gamble with the chain etc but I am more concerned about the shifting to the granny, middle and outer chain ring working rather than the rear end.

    Thanks for answering so quick all the same

    Shep

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  4. Sheppster
    Archived post
    #4

    Thanks for the response but my understanding of the 9/8 speed issue with F mechs is only the chain width as the 8/9 issue is in relation to the other shifter number of gears obviously.
    I am running a 9 speed deore rear mch on the bike and it works very well. (I do have a narrow 8 speed chain)
    The Sheldon Brown website also state that the 3 speed F mech will work with any 3 chain wheel crank set and there is no such thing as a 9 speed front mech.
    I am happy to take the gamble with a 9 speed mech and I accept there may be a bit of chain rub on the extreme gears hi and, low.
    I really want to know whether the answer to the chain ring scenario rather than the number of gears issue if this makes sense?
    I know the gamble with the chain etc but I am more concerned about the shifting to the granny, middle and outer chain ring working rather than the rear end.

    Thanks for answering so quick all the same

    Shep

    Report

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