Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 7,154
Likes: 3,102
From: NW Oregon
Bikes: 1982 Trek 930R Custom, '91 Diamondback Ascent w/ XT, XTR updates, Fuji Team Pro CF road flyer, Specialized Sirrus Gravel Convert, '09 Comencal Meta 5.5 XC, '02 Marin MBX500, '84 Gitane Criterium bike
The Exage Derailleurs date back about 3 Decades or more... they are a outdated design for a few reasons... one of those reasons is a TAB that the bottom routed Cable MUST REMAIN OUTSIDE OF when clamping the cable in place.. failure to do so causes most of the same situation described in Stellar Fox's thread opening post.
and the things are a pain anyway. The LX versions from that era are similarly painful.
I have a 300Exage in front of me right now.... probably off of an old rigid framed Specialized Rockhopper, or something similar.
solution:upgrade to a dual pull, low clamp front derailleur from the mid 90s or later (Shimano Acera, Alivio, or Altus).... or get the cable routed correctly, and continue fighting an outdated design that sucked, even when new.
See your local Co-Op Bike Shop for great deals and free advice.
*** that terrible design has persisted into the modern era.. see: "Shimano Tourney Front Derailleurs" found on many walmart-level bikes, worldwide.***
Last edited by maddog34; 02-04-25 at 03:21 PM.