Weird Cyclone front derailleur
12-12-07 | 09:18 PM
#1
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Sterling VA
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Weird Cyclone front derailleur
I'm reassembling the Dawes Super Galaxy and am having problems shifting into the small chainring. I've backed the adjuster screw all the way out but the derailleur stops short before contacting the screw.
There is a pivot that looks slightly like a dual headed hammer (a T). The adjuster screws contact either side of the top of this pivot. When the derailleur folds up into it's normal state the outer side of this T hits against t another arm and stops further closing movement.
This is very odd - has anyone seen this behavior, and what's the fix? I checked and it seems I didn't install the axle backwards; the chainring side is a full cm wider than the other side. The dérailleur looks like this one:
There is a pivot that looks slightly like a dual headed hammer (a T). The adjuster screws contact either side of the top of this pivot. When the derailleur folds up into it's normal state the outer side of this T hits against t another arm and stops further closing movement.
This is very odd - has anyone seen this behavior, and what's the fix? I checked and it seems I didn't install the axle backwards; the chainring side is a full cm wider than the other side. The dérailleur looks like this one:
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See my Hyperlite 411 it's the photo model on OutRiderUSA web page
See my Hyperlite 411 it's the photo model on OutRiderUSA web page
12-13-07 | 12:38 AM
#2
Who cares, just ride it!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 989
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From: Melbourne
Bikes: 1992ish Davidson Impulse, 1981 Apollo Gran Sport SS, 2006 Salsa Las Cruces, 2010 Soma Double Cross
There are no hidden tricks to the Suntour Cyclone f/derailleur. They are simple, solid, and work great, at least in my experience. I have one on my touring rig and it handles the half-step plus ridiculously small granny gear quite well.
Backing the screw right out, but the pivot not hitting it doesn't suggest anything other than the screw being too far out. After all, the derailleur has a certain amount of maximum travel - all the screw does is limit that travel.
The trouble shifting down to the smallest ring could be due to a number of other things - too much tension on the cable, incorrect position of derailleur laterally and/or vertically, incorrect position of chainrings relative to the derailleur, or even a worn return spring. Firstly, I would make sure you have the bottom bracket spindle in the right way (like you said you checked), as if the spindle is drastically non-symmetrical and you installed it backwards, it could make the chainrings sit too far in in relation to the derailleur cage. Check the angle of the cage - it should be fairly parallel with regard to the chainrings. The height looks okay by your photo, so the last thing to check is the tension on the cable. Push the shifter all the way forward while in the smallest ring and then take the slack out of the cable - don't absolutely yank on it, just pull it taut and tighten the bolt. If still no go, then perhaps it is a case of a worn-out spring, though I rarely ever see front derailleurs with springs so worn that downshifting is troublesome - this tends to be more a symptom of rear derailleurs.
If you still are having troubles, then I can offer you no more. Maybe someone else will pick up on something I've neglected to mention.
-Leigh
Backing the screw right out, but the pivot not hitting it doesn't suggest anything other than the screw being too far out. After all, the derailleur has a certain amount of maximum travel - all the screw does is limit that travel.
The trouble shifting down to the smallest ring could be due to a number of other things - too much tension on the cable, incorrect position of derailleur laterally and/or vertically, incorrect position of chainrings relative to the derailleur, or even a worn return spring. Firstly, I would make sure you have the bottom bracket spindle in the right way (like you said you checked), as if the spindle is drastically non-symmetrical and you installed it backwards, it could make the chainrings sit too far in in relation to the derailleur cage. Check the angle of the cage - it should be fairly parallel with regard to the chainrings. The height looks okay by your photo, so the last thing to check is the tension on the cable. Push the shifter all the way forward while in the smallest ring and then take the slack out of the cable - don't absolutely yank on it, just pull it taut and tighten the bolt. If still no go, then perhaps it is a case of a worn-out spring, though I rarely ever see front derailleurs with springs so worn that downshifting is troublesome - this tends to be more a symptom of rear derailleurs.
If you still are having troubles, then I can offer you no more. Maybe someone else will pick up on something I've neglected to mention.
-Leigh
