FD - Braze on or Calmp on?
 

Any advantages/disadvantages bewteen them, or is it pretty much a toss up?

Braze is cheaper in the long run if you like to change frame every few years as you can just buy the clamp adapter you need for a frame rather then a whole new FD. As for performance I have not felt a difference in them. Any new FD I buy is for Braze then I get the correct clamp or put it straight to the frame depending on what I get/have.

Thanks CPcyclist. Looks like you are the go-to guy to night. "Cheaper in the long run" is speaking my language, especially if there isn't really any performance/weight penalty.

They both perform well but your frame purchase decision should not be based on whether the frame has FD braze-ons or not.
I transferred my braze-on Campy Record front derailleur from one frame to another frame without the braze-on tab by using one of these:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...mp20Adapte.jpg

Something to consider: I was thinking about a Veloce group for a steel frame that needed a clamp-on FD, but Campy doesn't make a Veloce clamp-on 28.6 mm FD, so you end up having to use a Record FD, or a shim or one of those clamp-on adapter things. Devil's in the details.

Cheers.

Clamp-on is more adjustable. Some people have reported problems using a braze-on with a compact crank since the braze-on mount is too high.

I kind of like using the Nashbar adapters. They are only $2.50, and accept Campy ders. After clamping them on, you can easily adjust the height up or down.

+1 To Patriot if you want you can get a "real" Shimano or Campagnolo adapter but who is going to notice it put the money toward carbon some where else. I don't think I've ever spent more then $5 for on at the LBS. The last one I got was for an older steel road bike that was a 28.6 seat tube so they are out there.

Very, very good point. Does that apply to bottom brackets too? That's one component that's buried in the frame and no one knows whether you're running a DuraAce or a $10 generic Taiwanese BB...:D

The BB actually does something you will notice others may not but you will....




Thanks for poking me in the side HeHe I am laughing so hard right now. HeHe

you also need to distinguish whether you are talking about the frame or the derailleur. I believe CPcyclist is suggesting that you buy a braze on FD, and the appropriate size clamp to put on a frame without a braze on for the FD. I think this makes sense and it's what I have on my 2 road bikes.

If we're talking frame choices, all else being equal, I would prefer not to have a braze on for the FD. One reason being that if you go compact, it may be difficult to get the FD at the right height with a braze on. Without a braze on, the FD, or the clamp for a braze on FD can always be moved to the right height.