Originally Posted by
bradtx
Barrettscv, I use an adapter clamp on my triple roadie and prefer it to a clamp-on FD. One benefit is you can adjust FD height without moving the clamp, which can possibly damage the seat tube's paint.
Brad
I use braze-on front derailleurs with adapter clamps by choice. The adapters are every bit as solid and stable as a clamp-on fd and more versatile.
Shimano's own adapter does not let you do any alignment or height adjustment with out moving the clamp as the derailleur is bolted to it solidly and in a fixed position. However, once you get the height and alignment set, you can remove and replace the derailleur itself, say for detail cleaning, with out having to do any readjustment.