[bbol]

I have a Specialized Rockhopper with above FD. Don't like performance and would like to replace with Shimano (or something of better quality). Front rings 26/32 - rear 9 sp 11-36 with Altus shifters. Has anyone done a swap that works cleanly or could recommend a replacement option? I want to do this quickly without any "mistakes". Chainline spec for microSHIFT unit is 48.8mm. Thanks for any help or rec.

 

[jochribs]

You'll be good to go with this:

https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/altus-m2000/FD-M4020-M.html

The MicroShift derailleur was probably specced to save costs.

 

[bbol]

Present cable internal routing out under BB shell and up behind seat tube. To use this I would have to have exterior cabling zip tied to frame in order to have cable meet the FD insert point in front of seat tube though no? Not sure about that

 

[jochribs]

Are you saying that there isn't a housing stop on the seat tube?

 

[bbol]

Will double check it tomorrow...recall the bare cable itself comes out of a stop under shell directed up the rear side of seat tube then to FD..

 

[jochribs]

If I recall correctly (it has been quite a while since I have worked on bikes with front derailleurs or ran one on any of my bikes) but there was a point when you could route the cable from top or bottom.

That said, I simply went back to the shimano page I linked for you and went to this one:

https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/altus-m2000/FD-M2020-TS.html

https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/technologies/component/details/top-swing-front-derailleurs.html

Have a look around and read up some.