Bicycle Mechanics - Front derailer

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cranky
04-15-03, 10:32 PM
Faaar out, man. I just did my first install of a front derailer(shimano M571). And I can't believe how tricky that was! I spent way more time on it than I care to admit here :)

I don't know how much they charge for that at the LBS, but if I had to do that for someone it'd been at least $100.

Bokkie
04-16-03, 12:54 AM
Come on, now. Share the problems you had with us. Don't be shy!
RainmanP
04-16-03, 06:08 AM
Yeah, front der installation is deceptively tricky. With a rear der you pretty much screw it on and adjust it. A clamp on front must be installed at the proper height, proper angle, etc., before you can start trying to adjust it.

cranky
04-16-03, 10:41 AM
Come on, now. Share the problems you had with us. Don't be shy!

Hehehe... Ok.

I think the biggest problem was getting the tension on the cable just right at the start. Following the directions, I'd get it on there, adjust the inner and outer chain ring, but then it would rub on the middle ring. The adjuster on the shifter wouldn't have enough throw to be useful. So it was back to starting over, disconnect the cable, re-connecting it with more tension by pulling the derailer out a bit extra while tightening the screw, and trying again. And in order to re-attach the cable, I'd have to take the darn friggin' tire off because the mounting screw faced the tire!

Tire off, attached the cable, tire on, adjust, adjust, rubbing sound. Rinse and repeat.

It was a great learning experience though :)