Originally Posted by
SkyDog75
As for "better" derailleurs, high-end parts aren't typically available for 8-speed drivetrains anymore unless you find used or "new old stock" derailleurs from sources like eBay. New replacements are likely to be of the same "a-series" (Altus/Acera/Alivio) quality level as your original derailleur. They're reliable parts, though, especially for something simple like a front derailleur.
Your other advice is solid but not this. There is no need to stick with an "8 speed" front derailer. It doesn't matter. A 9 speed or even 10 speed front mountain bike derailer should work just fine. You can mix and match as necessary.
Originally Posted by
dr_lha
Tourney is lower quality than what you had on their before, FYI.
While the Tourney is a bit too low in quality...Acera or Alvio would be a better choice...Shimano's front derailers don't improve with cost. If anything they get more finicky as you get to the higher levels. Alivio or Deore are good front derailers that are relatively easy to set up and keep running properly. The higher end stuff like XT and XTR (this holds with road front derailers as well) are horrible! Shimano sculpts the higher end derailers like they are Michelangelo and the derailer is an 17' foot tall piece of Carrara marble. It's way over the top and makes the derailer difficult to adjust properly so as not to be rubbing in lots of combinations.
Originally Posted by
Troul
It's not freely moving without the cable attached. Cable attached does not make it retract any different. There is slight wiggle in the metal body port side to star board side.
at this point, for the cost of a new piece and the wasted time thus far being frustrated with a rather simple adjust that I've had no problems with for any other derailleur, I just want to replace it.
Any recommendations for a better front derailleur?
Since you want to replace it, I would change brands entirely. Shimano's front derailers are generally awful in my opinion. They just try too hard (see above). Sram's triples are far superior to the Shimano's in function and in set up. It doesn't matter which level you want...X5 to X9...they all work flawlessly and with more positive action than anything from Shimano, even with Shimano shifters.