Bicycle Mechanics - what xt shifters front derailer do I need?

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nikos
04-12-05, 07:16 AM
My friend has the opportunity to score me some new upgrades. Im looking into new shifter pods, going from deore to xt, do I need the mega 9? I have a 9 speed set up with deore shifters, deore front der and xt rear. Also, isnt there a few different types of xt front derailers - what diameter would I need, pricepoint has three different sizes - my seatpost is 27.2 if that helps for sizing. I have a cannondale f600. I just want to get the right components for the system I have. thanks

sydney
04-12-05, 07:57 AM
My friend has the opportunity to score me some new upgrades. Im looking into new shifter pods, going from deore to xt, do I need the mega 9? I have a 9 speed set up with deore shifters, deore front der and xt rear. Also, isnt there a few different types of xt front derailers - what diameter would I need, pricepoint has three different sizes - my seatpost is 27.2 if that helps for sizing. I have a cannondale f600. I just want to get the right components for the system I have. thanksFor FD clamp size,you use seattube diameter.Measure it.
Retro Grouch
04-12-05, 10:08 AM
My friend has the opportunity to score me some new upgrades. Im looking into new shifter pods, going from deore to xt, do I need the mega 9? I have a 9 speed set up with deore shifters, deore front der and xt rear. Also, isnt there a few different types of xt front derailers - what diameter would I need, pricepoint has three different sizes - my seatpost is 27.2 if that helps for sizing. I have a cannondale f600. I just want to get the right components for the system I have. thanks

Look at your bike.

To get the front derailleur clamp diameter, wrap a piece of paper around the seat tube and mark the circumference. Measure carefully in millimeters and divide by 3.14. Another way that is just as accurate is to take off the old front derailleur and check the number that's stamped on the inside of the clamp.

Look at how the shift cable runs to the derailleur. If it runs down from the top tube, you need a top pull derailleur. If it comes up from under the bottom bracket, you need a bottom pull.

Now notice where the derailleur clamp is located relative to the front derailleur mechanism. If the clamp is above the mechanism, you have a traditional bottom swing front derailleur. If most of the derailleur seems to be hidden behind the chainring, you have a top swing derailleur. Functionally they work equally well, but your bike might have an ovalized seat tube, or a water bottle mounting bolt located where it keeps you from substituting one for the other. If you want to be sure of getting it right the first time, go with what was there before.