In defense of the Simplex front derailers, they shift well as long has they don't have to deal with too big a jump and are set up correctly. Maybe they won't crack so readily if they're not over tightened. I'm forced to use one one on my Jeunet because it's the only FD that will work with the Simplex chain guard. It's the fancier one with the chrome clamp and aluminum plug, but the plastic body is the same as the common Prestige. It shifts just fine.