Bicycle Mechanics - replacing shifters/brake and FD

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balto charlie
03-09-06, 08:52 AM
I ride an old (early 90's mt. bike) with 7 speed RD. I rebuilt the bike last summer, didn't replace the RD, FD and shifter/brakes levers. My bad. Well the rear shift/brake slowly died but I was able to purchase one on ebay. I think I want to replace the front shift/brake as well as the FD. Can I use any 3 speed FD and shift/brake combo out there that fits my frame? In my rebuild I went to a 48 large ring(from a 42) My current system BARELY makes the shift. It is maxed out. What do I need to worry about. Thanks Charlie

John E
03-09-06, 11:57 AM
Avoid indexed shifting in front. It eliminates or at least greatly compromises your ability to feather the cage to avoid chain rub, and it restricts your derailleur choices.

You need to worry about bottom-pull versus top-pull routing of your front derailleur cable, about clamp-on versus braze-on mounting, about clamp diameter (if clamp-on), and about cage geometry (bottom edge curvature and height difference between inner and outer faces, both of which are functions of the chainring sizes it is designed to accommodate).