CannedGoods

I've never worked on FDs before, and the Shimano FE on my newly acquired 1980 Schwinn Traveler is locked up (and I don't think it will come loose, even with the cable released). So, I'm wondering if I can (is it possible? advisable) to use the Shimano 60 from a 1978 Super Le Tour (pic of the 60 available here: https://tinyurl.com/5r8q6o)?

I'm figuring in two year's time between these bikes and components, there's a a degree of interchangeability, but I want to be sure. Thanks.

redxj

You shouldn't have any trouble switching derailleurs between the two bikes. With friction shifters you can swap between different brands of everything all day long without any trouble. With indexed you need to sometimes be more careful. I am guessing the current front derailleur is froze up. Remove it and soak it in a cleaner/degreaser of some sort. Dry it and then spray it with some chain lube, and see if you can get the cage to move back and forth. A lot of non-functioning derailleurs can be fixed by a good cleaning and some lube. A lot of dirt and grime can accumulate over the 28 years it has been around. The only reason I could see to replace a front would be if the spring was broken and that would be the cause of it not springing back (check the position of the limit screws too).

CannedGoods

Thanks! I'll see if I can get it loose again. But it's good to know I can swap out FDs if necessary.