attaching front derailleur

[StoereVent]

Hello everybody,

I have the following question: I ride a 5500C (and like it a lot ofcourse) but have the problem that the "thing" on wich the front derailleur has been attached appears to have a little movement or slack (or whatever the right word may be). Therefor the front derailleur doesn't shift 100%. Any solutions?

Jeroen.

[Matno]

If you're talking about the post that the derailleur clamps to, that's an integral part of the frame. If it's really "loose" that's a major defect. Not sure how that would happen. However, since you're on a carbon frame and it's not a load bearing part of the frame, you could probably stabilize it by adding some sheets of carbon fiber with epoxy. On the other hand, if it's still under warranty, you might try that...

If you're talking about the clamp itself that's part of the derailleur, you just need a new derailleur. $20-30 will take care of that problem. Are you sure all the derailleur bolts are tight?

[StoereVent]

I am indeed talking about the post that the derailleur clamps to, but in my opinion it's not an integral part of the frame. It is more like a thing (a tube) that's placed over/ atached to the frame. I'm pretty sure, althoug I am at work now and don't have the bike next to me. I'll check tonight.

Jeroen.

[Scott]

Hi Jeroen,
I have an Oz-the post is epoxied to a solid bit of stem beneath.  A few of these bikes had a loss of adhesion here, though it can also be brought on by overtightening the f.d. clamp-once you re-epoxy this make sure you tighten only enough to prevent  rotation of the f.d. and accept the small amount of deflection found in the design-being plastic it will always move slightly and no amount of clamp force will eliminate this-you might repost this saying it's a carbon K2 and get more specific answers about the rebonding from those who've actually done this too.

[GET]

I had this problem on my 5500C also.  My solution was to go to an E-type (bottom bracket mounted) derailleur.  This works great.  I simply drilled a hole through the "post" and put a spacer and a bolt through to hold the top part of the E-type.  (If you have seen an E-type, you'll probably know what I mean.  If not, I'll try to clarify.)

P. S.  Before I went to the e-type, I considered turning the bike upside down and injecting some epoxy into the tube.  Use something like liquid steel to make it rigid.