FD clamp-on vs. braze-on with adapter
02-10-12 | 09:18 AM
#1
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Bikes: 2000 Merckx Titanium EX with Dura-Ace, 1993 Merckx MX Leader with Campy Chorus, 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 with Ultegra, 1989 Cannondale ST 400 with Shimano 600, 2009 Trek 1.5 with Ultegra, 1991 Raleigh Technium with 105, upgraded Diamondback Sorento MTB
FD clamp-on vs. braze-on with adapter
Hi. Can anyone tell me if there is any practical reason to prefer a Shimano clamp-on FD vs. a braze-on FD with a clamp-on seat tube adapter? I'm looking to upgrade my 3x9 FD (piece-of-junk Sora) to a Tiagra, 105 or Ultegra but finding one with an integrated 34.9 mm clamp has been challenging. Thanks for any insight!
02-10-12 | 09:45 AM
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Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
The only advantages of a clamp on FD vs. a braze-on with adapter are weight, lower cost, and a clean line cosmetically. On the flip side braze +adapter has a bit more adjustability, and can be transferred to another bike with different diameter tubing for only the cost of a band.
I think that it it weren't for OEM demand for clamp-ons, the factories would make only braze-ons and sell bands greatly simplifying their manufacturing processes. 4 models of FDs + 3 bands vs. 12 permutations of FDs.
I think that it it weren't for OEM demand for clamp-ons, the factories would make only braze-ons and sell bands greatly simplifying their manufacturing processes. 4 models of FDs + 3 bands vs. 12 permutations of FDs.
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Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
02-10-12 | 10:12 AM
#3
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Bikes: 2000 Merckx Titanium EX with Dura-Ace, 1993 Merckx MX Leader with Campy Chorus, 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 with Ultegra, 1989 Cannondale ST 400 with Shimano 600, 2009 Trek 1.5 with Ultegra, 1991 Raleigh Technium with 105, upgraded Diamondback Sorento MTB
Thanks. That's what I suspected.
02-10-12 | 11:06 AM
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One additional thing you can do if you fit a band/braze-on
is to adjust the angle relationship
of the FD and the seat tube. so a bit of wedge shims between the 2 works..
and you can add one of K-Edge's slick chain catchers on the same bolt .
is to adjust the angle relationship
of the FD and the seat tube. so a bit of wedge shims between the 2 works..
and you can add one of K-Edge's slick chain catchers on the same bolt .
02-10-12 | 11:22 AM
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Bikes: 2000 Merckx Titanium EX with Dura-Ace, 1993 Merckx MX Leader with Campy Chorus, 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 with Ultegra, 1989 Cannondale ST 400 with Shimano 600, 2009 Trek 1.5 with Ultegra, 1991 Raleigh Technium with 105, upgraded Diamondback Sorento MTB
Hmmm. Hadn't considered the chain catcher. Thanks.
02-10-12 | 02:45 PM
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Once you have the adapter, derailleur upgrades and updates are cheaper since braze-on derailleurs cost less than clamp-ons.
A second benefit is that you can remove the derailleur for cleaning and reinstall it in exactly the same place if you don't unbolt the adapter since height and angle are defined by the adapter.
A second benefit is that you can remove the derailleur for cleaning and reinstall it in exactly the same place if you don't unbolt the adapter since height and angle are defined by the adapter.
