Thanks all for providing info. A seeming original equipment band type FD is in use on a recently acquired '88 Cannondale ST700.
I was curious if I needed to use the same type if I ever needed or wanted to replace it, or if a clamp type was also appropriate?
The seat tube is 31.8mm. Were band type FDs more often employed on aluminum bikes? Perhaps aluminum bikes are more likely to have unusual seat tube diameters and or shapes as mentioned.
Unrelated, the ride is definitely more jarring on this bike (despite its steel fork). I'm trying to remedy with fit adjustments, lower tire pressure and potentially wider tires