MTB front derailleurs - MTBIKER.shop

There are various factors to consider when choosing the right mountain bike front derailleur to ensure compatibility, performance, and durability. Here are some key factors:

Material and weight: Consider the material and weight of the derailleur. Higher end models may use lighter materials such as aluminium or carbon fibre to reduce overall weight. However, durability is also an important factor to consider.
Compatibility: Make sure the front derailleur is compatible with the transmission to ensure the entire drivetrain works. Check what type of mounting your bike frame supports.
Budget: Derailleurs are produced in different price categories. While higher-end models may offer advanced features and materials, there are also reliable options at lower prices.

In recent years, single-gear drivetrains have increased in popularity in mountain biking, reducing the need for derailleurs on many modern mountain bikes.

How do I know if the front derailleur is compatible with my mountain bike drivetrain?

If you want to find out if a derailleur is compatible with a mountain bike drive, you need to pay attention to the following features:

Drivetrain brand: Look at the brand of your drivetrain components, such as Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo. Different brands have specific requirements for the compatibility of their derailleurs.
Number of speeds: Determine the number of speeds of your drive. It can be a two-speed or three-speed system. Make sure that the selected derailleur is compatible with the transmission, its number and size of gears.
Mounting type: Determine the type of derailleur mounting suitable for your bike model. There is mounting to the seat tube using a clamp or mounting to a specially designed mount on the bike frame.
Cable pull type: Derailleurs can have either top or bottom pull cable routing. Top-pull derailleurs run the cable from above, while bottom-pull derailleurs run it from below. The cable routing type should be consistent with the cable routing design of the frame.

Read the derailleur manufacturer's specifications and instructions to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.

What types of mountain bike front derailleur mounts are there?

There are several types and mountings of front derailleurs:

Clamp mount: The most common type, where it clamps onto the seat tube. Allows easy installation and adjustment on different frame sizes.
Bracket mount: Some frames come with a special bracket that is specifically designed to mount the derailleur. The derailleur screws directly to this bracket. Mounting to a frame mount provides a cleaner look and allows for more precise adjustment.
E-Type mounting: E-Type (or Bottom Swing) derailleurs mount directly to a special bracket attached to the frame's bottom bracket. This construction provides additional stiffness and improved shifting performance.
Direct mount: Also known as Side Swing, mounts directly to the frame with two screws. This type of mount places the derailleur parallel to the seat tube.

It is important to note that the specific types of derailleurs and their mounts may vary depending on the bike manufacturer and drive system used.

Check out our video How to adjust your front derailleur for fast and fault-free operation