Bicycle Mechanics - how to remove suntour superbe front derailleur clamp

This superbe front derailleur has one of the seperate clamps that attach to the derailleur by an allen head bolt in the face of the derailleur. The derailleur came off the clamp easily, but I can't figure out how to remove the clamp from the frame. It looks like there is a bolt stud slid through 2 ends of the clamp, and one end has to come over the bolt end to be removed. I don't see a way to do this without serious damage though.

Does anyone know how to do this? I'll get pics up later tonight if needed.

thanks in advance

post a picture

here's a pic. I forgot to mention there are little tabs on the top and bottom, and I have them pryed up already.
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/][img=http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/9d22fd5a03.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4367/img1769ck.jpg

Slide the spacer block out from behind the bolt, that should give you enough room to push the bolt back, and lift the outer end of the clamp past it.

Alternatively, you can disassemble the frame freeing either end of the seat tube and slide the clamp off the end.

I like the frame disassembly idea, but this is a Fuji Opus 3....so I don't think so

There doesn't appear to be a spacer block. It looks like just the bolt. and the bolt won't move. there's a couple mm of space to move the bolt, but it just won't budge

So, I just looked at my Spb Pro FD, but it's of a different design using a typical hinged clamp. But looking at the photo again, I see what might be Philips head slotting in the end of the bolt. If there is, I suspect that it may not be a headed bolt, but a stud threaded into the block under the clamp. See if you can unscrew it.

So, I just looked at my Spb Pro FD, but it's of a different design using a typical hinged clamp. But looking at the photo again, I see what might be Philips head slotting in the end of the bolt. If there is, I suspect that it may not be a headed bolt, but a stud threaded into the block under the clamp. See if you can unscrew it.

wow how did I miss that? sure are threads. Thanks for the awesome eyes!

So, I just looked at my Spb Pro FD, but it's of a different design using a typical hinged clamp. But looking at the photo again, I see what might be Philips head slotting in the end of the bolt. If there is, I suspect that it may not be a headed bolt, but a stud threaded into the block under the clamp. See if you can unscrew it.

That is exactly correct. I miss old Suntour stuff. Sometimes they did this sort of extraordinarily complex stuff just to prove they could.

I wouldn't discard a SunTour derailleur unless I had a really good reason. Like, if it was broken, which doesn't happen too much.

Turning your bike into a fixie isn't a good reason, but that's just me.

If you're changing the crankset to something that won't work with this FD, then, well, I guess that's an OK, if unsatisfying, reason.

:)

I wouldn't discard a SunTour derailleur unless I had a really good reason. Like, if it was broken, which doesn't happen too much.

Turning your bike into a fixie isn't a good reason, but that's just me.

If you're changing the crankset to something that won't work with this FD, then, well, I guess that's an OK, if unsatisfying, reason.

:)
that's nice for sure.

I see what might be Philips head slotting in the end of the bolt.

You got it! I had an '84 Fuji with Suntour Cyclone with the same style clamp.

Alternatively, you can disassemble the frame freeing either end of the seat tube and slide the clamp off the end.
Someone is sure to take this suggestion seriously. I can't wait for their followup posting! :)

Someone is sure to take this suggestion seriously. I can't wait for their followup posting! :)

Yah.....I dunno why no one suggested to just cut the seat tube near the middle with a hacksaw, slide off the FD, jam a piece of broom handle in the tube then go riding......:rolleyes::D:p
Oop's forgot about the Elmer's glue......:D

Chombi