Braze on front derailleur with adapter or just buy another front derailleur?
01-02-16, 10:34 PM
#1
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6841 Post(s)
Liked 731 Times
in
465 Posts
Braze on front derailleur with adapter or just buy another front derailleur?
I'm considering a 105 5800 11 speed groupset to upgrade an older bike. Ribble/Merlin have only braze-on front derailleurs in stock but my bike takes 31.8mm clamp-on FD.
I could get the groupset with braze-on front derailleur and use the braze-on to clamp-on adapter. The adapter adds $10-$15 to the price.
Is there are reason why I shouldn't just buy a clamp-on FD and sell the unused braze-on FD that comes with the groupset? Performance has a clamp-on 105 FD for $30. Competitive has them on sale for $25. That isn't much more than the adapter and still relatively inexpensive. I'm thinking it is worth it to just spend a few extra dollars and do it right.
Are those adapters any good? Do they cause any problems with position of the derailleur?
I could get the groupset with braze-on front derailleur and use the braze-on to clamp-on adapter. The adapter adds $10-$15 to the price.
Is there are reason why I shouldn't just buy a clamp-on FD and sell the unused braze-on FD that comes with the groupset? Performance has a clamp-on 105 FD for $30. Competitive has them on sale for $25. That isn't much more than the adapter and still relatively inexpensive. I'm thinking it is worth it to just spend a few extra dollars and do it right.
Are those adapters any good? Do they cause any problems with position of the derailleur?
Last edited by TimothyH; 01-02-16 at 11:00 PM.
01-02-16, 10:44 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
You should be fine using the clamp on derailleur. They are the same part with a different mounting mechanism, no big deal. I wouldnt use the adapter, it may work or it may not. Just sell the braze on front derailleur on ebay and you will offset most of the cost.
01-02-16, 10:46 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 37,694
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
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5261 Post(s)
Liked 1,580 Times
in
906 Posts
Functionally there's just about zero difference, so it's a question of your preference and the economics.
I like braze on with adapter because it offers more flexibility if you transfer a group to another frame, but as you point out FDs are cheap enough anyway.
There is one subtle advantage to braze-on with a band. On some steeper frames, it allows some latitude to move the FD back without rotating it. This can sometimes buy you a slight improvement in problematic systems.
I like braze on with adapter because it offers more flexibility if you transfer a group to another frame, but as you point out FDs are cheap enough anyway.
There is one subtle advantage to braze-on with a band. On some steeper frames, it allows some latitude to move the FD back without rotating it. This can sometimes buy you a slight improvement in problematic systems.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“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.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“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.
01-02-16, 10:59 PM
#4
Senior Member
I use both kind of FD and both works fine, never had any issues regarding position. I do appreciate a braze-on FD more when I move groupset between frames with different seat tube sizing or even to a new frame without any adapter. And I heard that a chain catcher/spotter for a clamp-on FD is more hard to find, not that I use any.
01-02-16, 11:07 PM
#5
old fart
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PA-US
Posts: 379
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 119 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
There's another advantage for the braze-on adapter, however no less "subtle" than the one already listed by FBinNY:
it would save you $$ if you decide to install a K-Edge chain catcher as the "braze on" is much cheaper than the "clamp on" one.
it would save you $$ if you decide to install a K-Edge chain catcher as the "braze on" is much cheaper than the "clamp on" one.
01-03-16, 05:41 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
The best answer is to use the braze-on FD with clamp-on adapter (or without the adapter if you ever move that FD to a different bike with braze-on fixture). That is your most versatile solution and why it is largely replacing the dedicated, integral clamp-on model. Also that solution is usually lighter than the clamp-on FD, especially if you select a CF adapter band.
01-03-16, 08:15 AM
#7
Decrepit Member
The best answer is to use the braze-on FD with clamp-on adapter (or without the adapter if you ever move that FD to a different bike with braze-on fixture). That is your most versatile solution and why it is largely replacing the dedicated, integral clamp-on model. Also that solution is usually lighter than the clamp-on FD, especially if you select a CF adapter band.
01-03-16, 07:14 PM
#8
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6841 Post(s)
Liked 731 Times
in
465 Posts
The vote is 5 to 1 in favor of the braze-on.
Thanks all.
Thanks all.
01-03-16, 09:02 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 3,014
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 337 Post(s)
Liked 284 Times
in
200 Posts
I have an adapter with braze-on 8spd Chorus fd on my spare bike. Works like a charm, no trouble with adjustment, trim etc. probably even adds flexibility being able to adjust the band more than a brazed fd.
01-03-16, 09:12 PM
#10
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,911
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1160 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
217 Posts
Another vote for using the braze-on der, I have used one on a C'Dale R500T since 2011, with no problems. It just mimics the band on the purpose made units (the braze on,) and is a good way to save a few pennies.
Bill
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
01-03-16, 09:55 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,334
Bikes: 89 Schwinn 754, 90 Trek 1100, 93 Trek 2300, 94 Trek 1400 (under construction), 94 Trek 930, 97 Trek 1400
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Using a clamp-on adapter with a braze-on derailleur adds additional adjustability, and flexibility. Some bike manufacturers use clamp-on adapters and braze-on derailleurs on new production bikes (including Trek and Felt).
You don't have to pay $10-$15 for a clamp-on adapter. I've recently purchased two used braze-on front derailleurs (with clamp-on adapters) for $2-$4 from eBay Sellers. I didn't need the derailleurs, I bought them for the clamp-on adapters. both of the derailleurs were originally on Trek road bikes (which is what I will probably use them, eventually).
You don't have to pay $10-$15 for a clamp-on adapter. I've recently purchased two used braze-on front derailleurs (with clamp-on adapters) for $2-$4 from eBay Sellers. I didn't need the derailleurs, I bought them for the clamp-on adapters. both of the derailleurs were originally on Trek road bikes (which is what I will probably use them, eventually).
