Is it truly the case that braze-on front derailleurs offer a significant advantage over their clamp-on counterparts in terms of shifting performance and reliability, and if so, what specific design features or innovations contribute to this supposed superiority?
Some proponents of braze-on front derailleurs argue that the direct attachment to the frame provides a more solid and consistent mount, resulting in improved shifting accuracy and reduced wear on the derailleur and chain. However, others claim that modern clamp-on designs have largely bridged this gap, offering comparable performance at a lower cost and greater ease of installation.
What are the key differences in design philosophy between braze-on and clamp-on front derailleurs that might account for any perceived advantages or disadvantages of one over the other? Are there specific situations or types of riding where the benefits of a braze-on front derailleur are more pronounced, and if so, what are the underlying factors that contribute to these differences?
Can the benefits of a braze-on front derailleur be replicated with a high-quality clamp-on design, or are there fundamental limitations to the design that preclude it from matching the performance of a well-executed braze-on setup?
Some proponents of braze-on front derailleurs argue that the direct attachment to the frame provides a more solid and consistent mount, resulting in improved shifting accuracy and reduced wear on the derailleur and chain. However, others claim that modern clamp-on designs have largely bridged this gap, offering comparable performance at a lower cost and greater ease of installation.
What are the key differences in design philosophy between braze-on and clamp-on front derailleurs that might account for any perceived advantages or disadvantages of one over the other? Are there specific situations or types of riding where the benefits of a braze-on front derailleur are more pronounced, and if so, what are the underlying factors that contribute to these differences?
Can the benefits of a braze-on front derailleur be replicated with a high-quality clamp-on design, or are there fundamental limitations to the design that preclude it from matching the performance of a well-executed braze-on setup?