bschense

Can someone tell me what would be a current, inexpensive front derailleur to replace the Shimano 200GS on my mid-90's Trek 820?

Thanks!

fietsbob

Someone in the Bike shop you go into, can see, I cannot.

why? they often just need oil, and are blamed for problems the control cable creates.

oddjob2

While you haven't described the symptoms, if it's not a slack cable, or derailleur stop adjustment, my money is on the piece-o-crap grip shifter. I had more than one left side grip shift fall apart in my hands on vintage entry level treks.

A replacement 3 speed SRAM grip shift is about $18 + installation, or DIY. If you have an REI nearby, they may have one. Or get a 3 X 7 set of Shimano Tourney trigger shifters and put the problems behind you, also about $18, but then both FD and RD will shift more accurately.

Myosmith

If you are sure the problem is the derailleur and not adjustment issues or the shifter, Shimano Tourney/Altus is the cheapest, but I'd go with Shimano Alivio for another $10-$15, just better quality all around. The good news is that lower end MTB FDs are relatively cheap. I just put a Shimano Deore 9sp FD on my Trek 700 for $20 purchased at my LBS.

bschense

Thanks for the advice. I've got Tourney shifters and a used 200GS FD on order. I'll post how it works out.