656 front deraileur question

[supernova1987a]

hi guys, it's the 656 guy again. After a lot of tinkering the bike is close to completion. The only problem now is the front deraileur. I upgraded to a rapid fire and 8-speed cassette in the back, but the XT front derailleur begins to rub really bad when the front is on the smallest cog. I think the derailleur I have works with only 7 speeds.

It needs a bottom-pull, top swing. I'm a bit nervous about going out there and get a late model dull pull, top swing derailleur, because the clearance is very right, the derailleur is practically touching the swingarm without load.

Is there anyone out there who had the same problem? What derailleur should I use? And a dumb one, what's the tubing size? I'm sure it's not a 34.8, it's thinner than that I reckon.

[Simon]

31.8

Bottom pull

Conventional swing

8 Speed (if you can find one)

All I've ever used on both my 856's with a 42t 32t 22t chainset.


Simon.