Why does clamped on FD still exist?
 

OK this is prob a stupid question so forgive me ignorance but why do modern bikes still have clamped on FD? Wouldn't modern sophisticated manufacturing technology eliminate the need for it? Are there advantages for using the clamped on FD vs brazed? Thanks.

I know, huh? Integrated RD hangers have been the standard for ages; clamp-on FDs piss me off.

The only advantage of clamp-ons I can think of is there's more range for odd-sized chainrings. But having to have the right diameter clamp sucks more than a lack of adjustment range IMO.

Then there's the aesthetics...

In a word, adjustability. You can cover the largest chainring range from 54 down to 42 all on the same frame. Of course, it requires a round seattube so bikes with odd-shaped seattubes always have a braze-on tab .

OK with being Locked into a specific chainring size. ? then its fine..

I wish there were more E-type front derailers, personally.

The ones that connect via the BB ring? SRSLY?

A lot people who have them seem to constantly curse them out for coming loose, and for getting in the way of mods and adjustments etc.. ;)

I've only had one, on Trek 4000, never came loose on me. Built-in chain watcher is the best thing ever, IMO.

FD adjustment was pretty easy. Never really did any mods to that area of that bike so can't speak to that.

You sound like someone who doesn't have to work on a lot of bikes :).

I can see why they were invented, and in some applications they are a good idea, but they have a lot of problems, especially when your FD gets trashed and you have to find a replacement.

Now, what I would love to see are more Schlumpfs, Hammerschmidts, and Pattersons: planetary gear boxes in the BB, although they have their own issues. At least there's no more FD nonsense!

Hmmm, I've worked on thousands of bikes. Will be working on a couple today. I guess replacement is a bit of a bear, what with the crank removal required, so I guess that's a negative. I think I'd gladly take that negative for the built-in chain-watcher positive, as I've only trashed a couple or 3 FDs in my 37 years of cycling.

Another negative would be similar to the direct mount FDs - they're only good for a limited number of chainrings, probably a 4T range in big rings or so.

Yeah, shifting the chain on the tight side blows.

Yes, that is a big drawback unless the mounting bracket could come in various sizes to cover a range of chainrings.

How about some thinkings outside of the box? I'm not thinking about using the exact same braze-on system as they are now. A brand new system can be created to incorporate fine adjustment and compatibility with all chainring size. It's not that complicated. But why fix if it's not broken right?

Cause it works.

Why would a factory/brand pay for another step of manufacturing if it didn't add to the value (read higher retail price) of a bike. A clamp on ft der. works at no extra cost to the factory/brand. (Excepting frame designs like FS or others where the design prevents a camp on. See my first sentence). Andy.

They exist just to tick you off. Or maybe one other reason...other people are OK with them.

Because manufacturers are sensitive to the hassle in grinding it off when you convert the bike to a fixie.

Do you have a specific "improved" design in mind or is this just wishful thinking? If you really have thought of something better, patent the design and live off of the licensing royalty.

My Schlumpf, Planetary,, 2 speed crank shifts while stopped, or bogged down on a hill climb,
combined with the SA 3 speed I can shift both at once, which I Must do between 3rd and 4th, of 6.


BTW, Hyhuu, that improved thing is a band to braze-on adapter, already sold..
but note, the mount to the round frame tube is still a band clamp.

.. have another idea? start a company, making them.

I don't know why manufacturers don't just switch to all braze on FD's and if you need a clamp on just use a clamp-on adapter which work great and are easier to adjust for height.

Seems like it saves on manufacturing costs and confusion when purchasing an FD. I needed a clamp on FD for a bike I was building and since I wanted to possibly use the FD later on something else I just bought an adapter and a braze on FD. I've switched a groupset from one bike to another and it's kind of annoying to have to go buy an FD that will work with the correct diameter, especially for older stuff.

+1 This is certainly the most efficient and cost effective way to mount front derailleurs as the braze-on type is universal. It can be used with a braze-on tab for frames that come with one and mated with a suitable diameter adapter clamp for frames that don't. They certainly make drivetrain alterations and upgrades easier and a bit cheaper.

I guess that's why they also still have chocolate and vanilla.

What's so modern about brazing? Bikes using "modern sophisticated manufacturing technology" tend to have riveted or glued FD hangars, if not clamp-on.

my experience on high end bikes with a braze on fd mount is that the braze on can limit the adjustability. lots of manufactures do not adhere to specs and the hangers are too high, crooked or whatever and the front shifting suffers

On most modern frames the term "braze-on" is just a figure of speech meaning there is a tab fastened to the seattube that the front derailleur is bolted to. It's a carry over from steel frames where the tab was actually brazed on but that's no longer literally true. As you noted, most current "braze-on" tabs are bolted, riveted or glued in place.

Wing shaped frames use them , assumption is Time Trials & Triathalon winning so theyre set up for 53+ t chainrings..