[gthcarolina]

Putting new front der on a bare frame. Components I have are a mix of XT and XTR. Front der requires top pull. Is there an advantage to top swing vs bottom swing or vice versa? I am more used to bottom swing and think it looks better but want to go with best performance.

 

[Shayne]

Do A Search Of This Forum

This topic has been discussed several times.

My personal preference is for bottom swing in terms of durability and performance.

 

[danielhaden]

Traditional front derailleurs will break down most mountain bike shifters due to the extra effort/extra force they require to operate.

The new style derailleur works much better and starts at price ranges of $7. The nicest of this type are the Deore and Deore LX. The LX is actually able to shift much larger chainrings than it was designed for, and it is error-free.

 

[Ratt]

Traditional front derailleurs will break down most mountain bike shifters due to the extra effort/extra force they require to operate. .....

Huh? I have '02 shimano triggers i just transfered to a new frame with a new bottom swing front derailleur that works fine. It can off the only bike i owned for that time period (until the SS in Nov '05), ridden about 3-4 times a week, abused for the last 2 years with no fresh cable housing and HARD effort to shift because of it. Alls was fine after new cables installed.