Reddit mentions: The best front bike derailleurs
We found 38 Reddit comments discussing the best front bike derailleurs. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 23 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Shimano Acera M360 7 and 8-Speed Rear Derailleur with SmartCage, Black
- Shimano Acera M360 7
- 8-Speed Rear Derailleur with SmartCage, Black
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 6.5 Inches |
Length | 4.25 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2010 |
Size | SGS |
Weight | 0.9 Pounds |
Width | 3.75 Inches |
2. Shimano RD-A070 Road Rear Derailleur - 7-Speed, Smart Direct Mount
Tourney RD-A070 Rear Derailleur
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 3.25 Inches |
Length | 5.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | DIRECT ATTACHMENT |
Weight | 0.84 Pounds |
Width | 5.5 Inches |
3. SHIMANO FD-2400 2x8-Speed Claris Front Derailleur, Silver, 31.8/28.6mm
Has moderate spring tensionRigid cage design for improved shiftsSIS 8-Speed compatible
Specs:
Color | Silver |
Height | 3.75 Inches |
Length | 6.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 31.8/28.6mm |
Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
Width | 4.25 Inches |
4. SHIMANO FD-TX50 Tourney Front Derailleur (34.9-28.6-mm 3x6/7 Speed Low-Clamp)
- Mountain double or triple
- Dual Pull Design: Compatible with top or bottom routing
- Shimano Reference Number: FD-TX50
Features:
Specs:
Height | 0.01 Inches |
Length | 0.01 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | March 2012 |
Size | 34.9-28.6-mm 3x6/7 Speed Low-Clamp |
Weight | 0.000625 Pounds |
Width | 0.01 Inches |
5. (PK) 2013 Shimano Claris Front Derailleur Double 28.6 / 31.8mm
- Shimano Claris FD-2400 8-Speed Front Derailleur - Silver, 28.6/31.8 mm
- Shimano article number E-FD2400BSM
Features:
Specs:
6. SRAM0 Sram Red Front Derailleur
- Revolutionary Yaw Technology eliminates trim
- Fast and precise optimized shifting
- Refined materials for stiff and lightweight cage
Features:
Specs:
Color | alloy |
Height | 3.4 Inches |
Length | 5.3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | May 2012 |
Size | Braze-On |
Weight | 0.330693393 Pounds |
Width | 4.2 Inches |
7. SHIMANO FD-2400 2x8-Speed Claris Braze-On Front Derailleur, Silver
- Has moderate spring tension
- Rigid cage design for improved shifts
- SIS 8-Speed compatible
Features:
Specs:
Color | Silver |
Height | 3.75 Inches |
Length | 6.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Braze-on |
Weight | 0.3 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
8. SHIMANO Tourney 7/8-Speed Mountain Bicycle Rear Derailleur - RD-TX800-L (Black)
- Tourney RD-TX800 Rear Derailleur
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 3.25 Inches |
Length | 5.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 7/8 Speed |
Weight | 0.85 Pounds |
Width | 5.25 Inches |
9. SHIMANO FD-M390 Acera Front Derailleur (28.6-34.9-mm 3x7/8 Speed Low-Clamp)
Mountain double or tripleDual Pull Design: Compatible with top or bottom routingShimano Reference Number: FD-M390
Specs:
Color | Silver/Black |
Height | 3.8 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | March 2012 |
Size | 28.6-34.9-mm 3x7/8 Speed Low-Clamp |
Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
Width | 4.7 Inches |
10. SHIMANO FC-M665 SLX Multi-Clamp Front Derailleur
- Shimano SLX Front Derailleur Double TP Multi-Clamp M665
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 3.75 Inches |
Length | 6.25 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2010 |
Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
Width | 5.5 Inches |
11. Shimano FD 3500 Sora Front Derailleur (Black, 31.8/28.6 mm 2x9 Speed)
- 9 speed compatible
- Wide link design
- Moderate spring tension
- Shimano Reference Number: FD-3500
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | August 2012 |
Size | 31.8/28.6-mm 2x9 Speed |
Weight | 0.45 Pounds |
Width | 4.75 Inches |
12. SHIMANO FD-5703 105 Triple Front Derailleur (10-Speed)
Wide inner link designImproved chain guide shape
Specs:
Release date | July 2010 |
13. Front Derailleur Clamp Adjustable Braze On Front Derailleur Adapter Clamp for MT Road Bike(34.9mm)
HIGH QUALITY: This derailleur clamp is made of high quality aluminium alloy, which has the feature of anti-rust, sturdy and durable.FIRMLY INSTALL: This product can be tightly clamped on the front derailleur, which is uneasy to slide. It is very useful and convenient in practical use.SIMPLE TO USE: ...
Specs:
Height | 0 Inches |
Length | 0 Inches |
Size | 34.9mm |
Weight | 0.049493777819 Pounds |
Width | 0 Inches |
14. SHIMANO FD-M311 Aultus Front Derailleur (28.6-34.9-mm 3x7/8 Speed Hi-Clamp)
- Mountain double or triple
- Dual Pull Design: Compatible with top or bottom routing
- Shimano Reference Number: FD-M311
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black/Silver |
Height | 0.01 Inches |
Length | 0.01 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | March 2012 |
Size | 28.6-34.9-mm 3x7/8 Speed Hi-Clamp |
Weight | 0.55 Pounds |
Width | 0.01 Inches |
15. SHIMANO FD-2403 3x8-Speed Claris Front Derailleur, Silver, 34.9mm
- Has moderate spring tension
- Rigid cage design for improved shifts
- SIS 8-Speed compatible
Features:
Specs:
Color | Silver |
Height | 6.75 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 34.9mm |
Weight | 0.52 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
16. SHIMANO Claris R2030 8Spd Triple 34.9mm, Adapter for 31.8/28.6 Front Derailleur
Claris FD-R2030
Specs:
Color | Black / Silver |
Height | 6.75 Inches |
Length | 3.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.46 Pounds |
Width | 4.25 Inches |
17. SHIMANO FD-5703 105 Triple Front Derailleur (10-Speed,
Clamp: braze-on<br/>Derailleur Color: black<br/>Derailleur Part Fits: 3x10sp
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | July 2010 |
Size | Braze-On |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 5 Inches |
18. SHIMANO 6800 Ultegra Braze-On 11-Speed Front Derailleur
Delivers both a shorter stroke at the lever and reduced effort with a revised actuation ratioShimano recommends this being used with the ST-6800 shifter and polymer cables (sold separately)New design offers more equal shifting effort across the rangeBraze-On models feature new support bolt for more ...
Specs:
Color | grey |
Height | 3.5 Inches |
Length | 4.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | August 2013 |
Size | Braze-On |
Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
19. Sunrace FD-M2S Front Derailleur Der Sunrace Fdm2s Bp 31.8 Trpl 42t Sl/bk
- Sunrace FD-M2S Front Derailleur Der Sunrace Fdm2s Bp 31.8 Trpl 42t Sl/bk
Features:
Specs:
Height | 3.15 Inches |
Length | 8.05 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.38 Pounds |
Width | 6.25 Inches |
20. SHIMANO Tourney TX55 6/7 Speed Rear Derailleur
- Compatible with 6 or 7 speed cassettes and freewheels
- Direct Mount
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 2.75 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | January 2011 |
Size | 6/7-Speed |
Weight | 0.74 Pounds |
Width | 5.5 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on front bike derailleurs
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where front bike derailleurs are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Oh wow after going back to the amazon link it does in fact say dual pull design
anyway here it is http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063R0ZUO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Do you know of a good resource to figure out how to flip it around or whatever is involved? It didn't come with instructions just a derailleur in a box haha.
Thanks for your help by the way I do appreciate your time!
Sorry about the late reply, but here you go:
Shimano Acera 6/7 speed rear derailleur:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F5EGAA
It has plastic roller gears for the chain! I have not ridden it much, but something tells me when a stick lands in, it won't shred it up like my xtr. You might want to spend more for a better one.
I'm not sure what the cage length is but if you get another, you'd probably be best off with a medium cage, but you might need a long cage. Check this for more info: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=205890
Here is the cassette: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BY7ZP2
I got the 13-30, but I think i'd recommend the 13-34 for the lower gearing.
Will I be happier with the shimano acera?
Its made of steel like my old one and I like the idea of nice shifting on my refurbed bike. Then again I also like money and your recommendation for the matching tourney cheapo model. Let me know what you think.
no problem. Glad I could help.
here is a bit cheaper one.
The part number on the claris derailleur is FD-2400 if you want to look for it elsewhere since it doesnt seem to be on prime.
They are even cheaper on ebay if you are looking to really pinch pennies.
Gl and feel free to pm if you need help.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-8-Speed-Mountain-Derailleur/dp/B00O7XMG1C
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Like that one?
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There are a couple of others that want me to chose between 'direct attachment' and 'with riveted adapter' like this one:
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https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-RD-A070-Road-Rear-Derailleur/dp/B007Q4PBNO/ref=asc_df_B007Q4PBNO
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Thanks.
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Watching youtube videos about how to replace and adjust a derailleur right now...
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(edit: also https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-RD-TY300-Derailleur-Compatible-Upgraded/dp/B01GO02W5K/ )
don't a friggin get an X9 for that bike... its like putting a corvette engine a tercel. doesn't make sense and won't even work. your bike had a tourney rear derailleur which is the most entry level shimano has. upgrade a bit to this acera for $20 and call it a day. It'll shift better than what you're used to and won't break the bank. it will work with your existing stuff as well. simple as removing the busted one and installing this. watch some videos and you can get it done easily.
It threw the chain four times during a relatively easy 25-mile ride, and it's having trouble keeping H/L and rotational adjustments. I was initially looking at the Force but Amazon's 3rd party price for the last Red FD model just made it a better buy.
So that's the issue then the frame is designed for a derailleur that attaches to a braze-on mount not one that clamps on with a band clamp like in the photo.
So you want to buy a different front derailleur like this
https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-FD-2400-2x8-Speed-Claris-Derailleur/dp/B00CABQRVS/ref=lp_6389289011_1_26?s=outdoor-recreation&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1565001047&amp;sr=1-26&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1
(shows band clamp type in the photo but you can select braze-on type from the pull down option)
If you haven't tried the derailleur you have like that it might still work, would be worth seeing, you probably do need one desinged for double chainset though
ok last thing http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q4PBNO/ or http://www.amazon.com//dp/B007Q4PGPM/
whats the dif with Smart Direct Mount or Smart Mount with Bracket
Hrm, this might be tricky. I've never seen or heard of that brand of derailleur.. And of course I can't find a direct same model replacement available for sale online to make this easy.
A quick search yielded this: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-FD-M390-Derailleur-28-6-34-9-mm-Low-Clamp/dp/B0069330PE
It's listed to support 3x7(or 8), is a dual-pull design and has the same clamp band range as the original. That being said I cannot vouch for its true compatibility with the rest of your drivetrain because of my unfamiliarity with Falcon.
I'm not the best when it comes to working on my bike but have been trying to learn on the way. I thought taking the big gear off would make it easier to set up my derailleur and I would do away with any noise in granny gear. I took into shop and they worked on it a bit, but same result. I wouldn't mind going to a double-specific derailler. Is this the one you were talking about... Derailleur ?
What is the advantage of going to the double specific?
Lots of people are going to tell you to just reuse your old triple FD, but a new double FD is like $25. Just get the right damn piece and save yourself the potential dropped chain and hours of headache trying to get it to work right.
Oh, and the other thing to be aware of is to NEVER SHIFT INTO THE THIRD RING AGAIN. I've seen people try to find that "hyperspeed" and end up breaking the shift lever. If you do shift into that gear, then manually detension the cable before clicking the release button. Anyone who sold Treks ~8 years ago can remember the debacle when Trek specced triple shifters with double cranks.
Amazon reviews for the 105 triple front derailleur look good, though.
Looks like you’ve a derailleur that’s for a braze on mount. So yeah, you’ve bought the wrong one I’m afraid. But you can buy mounts that you can put a brake on derailleur on. Make sure you get the right size though. Like this.
In broad strokes there are five things you need to consider, in order of importance:
1 - How does the derailleur mount to your frame? If you have a hanger with a threaded hole below the dropout you use the "normal" modern style like so
Otherwise if your dropouts (mostly older frames) don't have a hanger you need to use one like this or get an adapter.
2 - (Again broad strokes, there are exceptions) you need to consider the brand. Don't mix Shimano with SRAM.
3 - You need a derailleur for the number of cogs in your rear cassette / freewheel. A 10-speed mountain rear derailleur won't work with 9-speed mountain shifters, for example. There are, again, exceptions but that gets very complicated very quickly.
4 - You need a rear derailleur capable of taking up all the chain slack your gears will create. The rear derailleur not only shifts the rear, it also uses that long dangling cage with two pulleys to tension the chain. The amount of chain used when in the big chainring up front is a lot more than the amount of chain used when in the small. The rear derailleur doesn't shift those front chainrings, but it does take up the slack. You need a rear derailleur which can take up all the slack your chosen drivetrain can generate. (BigChainring-SmallChainring)+(BigCog-SmallCog)=How much slack a drivetrain generates. The longer the "cage" the more chain slack a rear derailleur can tension, but the worse it shifts (in theory) and the more likely it is to get hit by trail obstacles (because it hangs lower). That's why most people run the smallest cage they can. Cages come in three general length categories: Short, medium, and long. MTB cages are almost always medium or long, and road cages are almost always short or medium.
5 - Clutch or not. Clutch derailleurs are (in theory) harder to shift but they don't bounce around as much off road, preventing the chain from bouncing as much on rough terrain, decreasing the chance of the chain popping off the front chainring.
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As far as "what's better than what": Longish article on Shimano and SRAM's heirarchies
The shifter (on the handlebar) was your issue, not the derailleur. if you don't want to clean out the shifter (it's easy, I promise!), you could use these shifters with this derailleur.
That's a long cage, which you probably won't need looking at your bike.
See this link for more information on cage length.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q4PBNO/ might be better. Read the above link though and work out what cage length you need.
The good news is that Shimano 7 speed is mostly compatible with 8 speed, so you can buy slightly more modern parts....
Claris 46/34t crankset, $35: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C45HO0I/
Claris FD-2400, $20: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CABQZQ0
Claris RD-2400 GS, $24: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CABM7XK/
KMC X8.93 Chain, $12: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MXQHPG/
Is the shifting indexed (single click for each gear) or friction? If it is friction, get whichever suntour or shimano derailleur is cheapest online. It should be one without the hook also called a derailleur claw. A used one would be less than $20 online, or you could get something new like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product//B000F5EGAA/ref=twister_dp_update?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
If you want a direct replacement, I suggest this: Shimano FD-2403
Even though it's newer-gen and from Claris instead of Sora, it should be compatible. It keep the same pull ratio as the FD-3304 and the same cage sizing, since it's an 8 speed triple. Also available in both a 34.9mm band and braze-on (not sure which you have, as you mention both).
As nrp2a mentioned, any 9-speed FD (road or mountain!) works as well since it also has the same pull ratio. The cage will be slightly more narrow, likely leading to slightly more rubbing as you shift through the cassette, but it shouldn't be a big deal. 9 speed stuff is gonna be a few bucks more though, if that matters to you.
>Claris
can't find this exact model on amazon.de, only amazon.com, for which I will have to pay import fees. Found this: https://www.amazon.de/SHIMANO-FD-R2030-Umwerfer-3x8-fach-Mountainbike/dp/B06X9KK5W8/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=shimano+3x8+claris&qid=1564245073&s=gateway&sr=8-4
and this:
https://www.amazon.de/SHIMANO-FD-R2030-Umwerfer-Schnelle-Mountainbike/dp/B06Y4LZ161/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=shimano+3x8+claris&qid=1564245073&s=gateway&sr=8-7
though both say that they are for "mountain bikes" is it ok to buy any of them?
That metal bit is a braze-on, that is how the derailleur attaches to the down tube. Most front derailleurs come with choice of clamp style or braze-on style.
That is definitely a double front derailleur; triple FDs have more steel on the inside face to push the chain from the small ring to the middle ring.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003RLHDUO?vs=1
FD-6800 looks like it has a screw
That should work?
You're looking for the Suntour xct jr. crankset. You will also need a front derailleur and front shifter. You will likely need a new chain as the old one is too short, and the shifter may not come with housing. Expect about $100 total including labor for a bike shop to do it. The other option is to talk to the shop and see if they will do any type of return value towards the XTC jr. 24 Disc which already has the triple and comes with a suspension fork.
The cheap wal mart bikes can be okay as long as you aren't looking to ride offroad, and replace the shifters/rear mechanicals with proper parts.
That doesn't meant spending a ton of money, the older 7 speed shimano freewheels can be found on Amazon for $15 or so, and so can the derailleurs.
The problem with the freewheels on the walmart bikes is you often see they'll be "slick shift by DNP" freewheels which have a reputation for lasting for about 50 miles then dying. I think I've read they're also made from old shimano tooling, which is worn out so they never shift right no matter how much you adjust them.
Do you really have the derailleur hanger? You should post the pic of broken one so that we can make sure.
If you do have the derailleur hanger, I think you can use something like this. Shimano Tourney.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-TX55-Speed-Derailleur/dp/B003ZM9RDQ/ref=pd_sim_468_10?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B003ZM9RDQ&amp;pd_rd_r=X7ESM3A6V3YXM80YCV7T&amp;pd_rd_w=k6Gma&amp;pd_rd_wg=hsYVC&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=X7ESM3A6V3YXM80YCV7T
This is a direct replacement.
Here is how to replace it
There are a few details that matter for your derailleur.
If neither of the above apply to you, then you can buy just about anything else out there.
If you don't have indexed shifting, or if you do, and you have less than 8 gears in the back, then you can get away with really cheap cables. WalMart and Amazon sell a Bell-branded kit with everything you need for $6.
Take note of the cable routing as you take the old parts off, and use the old housing sections as a guide to cut the new ones (even if you need to make some changes). Also, read this first. You don't really need special tools, but you will need to do some clean-up work on the cut housing ends with a file.
>None of the modern bikes I listed for comparisons’ sake had disc brakes. All had linear pull, just like the ‘00 Specialised.
The bike you link to has disc brakes
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>well you can just cut your sentence there. It’s a steel crankset. It’s cheap, it’s shitty, and it is heavy.
How is it shitty? How much heavier are the cranks on the modern bike vs the older bike? 4lbs difference in bike could be the coil suspension fork alone. Additionally, both the OP's bike and the Pitch are "Forged Alloy". Guess what? Probably the same stuff. The components you get on a bike like the Pitch aren't as shitty as you seem to think they are.
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>Modern Geometry
You realize that with aluminum, specifically, they have modified their manufacturing techniques in the frames to be more compliant where it matters while remaining stiff where power is transferred? I rode an aluminum road bike from 2000 for 17ish years. My butt definitely knows the difference between it and the modern CAAD bikes that Cannondale is putting out. Just because you aren't aware how the modern changes to MTBs affect construction doesn't mean they don't exist.
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>That is a change from the past where MSRP was used as an advertising gimmick to get the rider to think they were getting a great deal- when it really never actually came off sale.
This hasn't changed. The OP bought a year old model, which can bring a bike down 30% in cost. I've only bought one bike (high quality kid's bike) at full value, and have probably bought 7/10 of the bikes new from a shot that I've purchased new in the past decade.
You are only picking out any possible negative comparisons to fit your narrative and haven't provided any actual contradictions to my points, just a lot of hate.