Replace Clamp-On FD with Braze-On?
 

Hi guys,

Quick question. I currently have a Shimano Tiagra 4500 34.9mm Clamp-On FD. Can I replace with with a SRAM Force FD that is Braze-On 34.9mm? Will I need an adapter to make this possible?

EDIT: I found this.

http://www.amazon.com/FSA-34-9mm-Der...aze+on+adapter

Looks quite simple.

Thanks,
deCycles

Yes, it's called a braze-on adapter clamp. You'll need a 34.9 one of course. Should be cheap, easy to find. Less than $10 for sure.

If your bike now has a band mound FD, than it almost surely lacks a braze-on fitting to accept an FD. You can either use a band mount FD, or a braze-on FD with a clamped on braze-on adapter

Your question is further evidence that you are not well enough informed to be spec'ing your own bike without knowledgeable assistance. It shows that you lack even the most fundamental knowledge about bikes. I don't say this to insult you or put you down, but to strongly suggest that you'll need help installing the Force group you've been asking about.

Given that you'll need a local expert, or mechanic, than I suggest you consult with that person BEFORE buying a group that may not suit your needs.

Feel free to disregard this advice. It's your bike and your money, but you'll be doing yourself a serious disservice by going ahead on the skimpy patchwork knowledge you're accumulating via your questions on the forum. The issue isn't the questions and answers, but that we can't see you or fit you properly via a forum, and you have no idea of the other questions that may be pertinent.

For my part, I don't know whether I or others here are helping you or doing you a disservice by enabling you to make what could turn out to be poor decisions regarding your component choices.

14 day return policies are a life saver eh? :P

No worries, if for whatever reason something does work out then it'll be going back to the manufacturer no questions asked.

I don't plan on installing anything personally. My local bike shop agreed to install everything throwing in a tune-up for free. The manager said he would even show me how to do everything so this will be super cool.

If all I need is an adapter then that information is sufficient. If it is incompatible then I will look for a different FD. The question lacks knowledge but nevertheless is looking for a simple response lol. Thank you FastJake.

"if for whatever reason something does work out then it'll be going back to the manufacturer"

Taking advantage of return policies to cover your lack of knowledge or good planning is kind of unfair to the manufacturer and leads to imposition of return fees and "no return" policies which hurt all of us.

If a part has been installed they can no longer ethically sell it as new and thus take a palpable financial hit in exchange for their kindness in accepting the return. The result is often increased prices which again hurts everyone.

Please think twice before engaging in such irresponsible behavior.

Okay since everyone started taking offense to my "inconceivable actions" I hauled my bike to the bike shop and got the same response already given by FastJake. "Yeah man, All you need to do is buy an adapter, I have one here for 15$, and it will make it so you can use a Braze-On front derailleur on your bike's frame."

Thanks everyone for your kindness... Christ I am new to cycling mechanics so be a little more helpful like FastJake and less destructive.

You're missing the point. Whether you need a braze or clamp front derailleur is a straightforward issue,which calls for a simple answer. No issue there. But this whole thread has you asking for advice about fit and gear selection, where there are multiple variables and
no straightforward answer.

What I and some others are saying, is instead of asking strangers who lack any basis for these judgement calls, you use a local resource who can make sure the choices are right for YOU.

Now, it turns you have a shop, who'll do the work, and is willing to advise. I suggest you use those resources to the max and review your other decisions so you end up with what you need. But as I've said before, it's your bike, so do as you wish.

FBinNY is right on (at least in responding to what I've been able to glean from the OP's posts too). He's not trying to denigrate, so don't take it that way.