vins0010

I recently picked up a 1980 Trek 412. I've been replacing some of the parts to get it up to commuting/light touring shape. I replaced the swaged crank (with a standard, 105-level 5600 Shimano crank), wheelset/cassette, shifters (now running 8 speed, indexed, 105 down tube shifters), and the rear derailer. I'm also looking at the front derailleur...It is the original Sun Tour Vx (circa 1980) front derailleur. I'm thinking of replacing it with an '87 or so Shimano z-204 front derailleur I have on a different bike. Both are in good shape. However, I know less about front derailleurs than just about anything else on a bike. I want to use the one that would work best but don't want to remove the z-204 from its current home unless it really would be better. The derailleur will get matched to the down tube 105 shifters, while indexed for the back are pretty much friction for the front. Will the two pretty much be the same? And, ahead of time, I'll also offer the disclaimer that any parts removed from this bike are going into a special bag, marked, 412...in case I want to restore it to original equipment someday...

T-Mar

The Vx is a bit older but slightly upscale and lighter (10g). I doubt you'll notice any difference in the performance.

vins0010

Thanks.... I did give it a shot with the old Vx; I was surprised at how well I got it to work with my modern double...