Front derailleur specs/rec's for an oZ

[Carbon_Kiwi]

just cause it's really the only part that has had no attention in a long time, so i'm thinking of upgrading from xt to xtr. so are they top/bottom pull/throw and what diameter? oh, and any recommendations? just checking out cambria and there's an awful lot of different xtr models [let alone other manufacturers...]

[Sprucey]

Hi Carbon Kiwi,

if memory serves me correctly you need a 31.8mm top swing, bottom pull.

The top swing mech has the mounting band next to the mech itself - a conventional swing has a higer band that won't fit on the vistigial mounting stub on the Oz.

The new XT (760 2004 series is both top and bottom pull and multi fit (28.6/31.8/34.9 with supplied shims) - just make sure you choose the Top Swing version.

Why bother with XTR? Due to design, Top swing mechs don't last as long as conventional (which go for ever!) - I would stick with XT.

Best regards,

Sprucey

[Old Proflexer]

if it works - don't fix it

OP

[Simon]

Like most I've upgraded,in fact I don't think there's anything I haven't changed on my carbon 4500 which I've had from new since 1999, the one thing I've not changed, and it has never ever given me any trouble is the LX f/mech it came fitted with,until it does it stays,Simon. [smiley=nod.gif]

[Scott]

31.8, top swing, bottom pull, XTR model FD-M950 8 speed on my Oz has dropped the chain once here in New England, home to most of the rocks in the world and all of its roots  And yes there is a vestigal quality to the f.d. stub!

[Carbon_Angus]

unless you can get some value or perfomance over an XT, IMHO it'd be a waste of money to upgrade that area.

but maybe i am out of the loop as far as latest front der technology

[smiley=beer.gif]

[Carbon_Kiwi]

yeah - as usual lots of excellent replies here  
will take all your comments on-board, many thanks...

[Matno]

maybe i am out of the loop as far as latest front der technology [smiley=beer.gif]

The "loop" is: XTR had a special design (parallel plates) which was not different enough to justify the cost (even to Shimano!) Their newer XTR front mechs have gone back to the older, simpler design (a la XT). Go figure.

[Old Proflexer]

the LX f/mech it came fitted with,until it does it stays,Simon. [smiley=nod.gif]

same here - i'm still running the original lx 8 speed, even with the nine speed setup - shift's great.

OP

[Thunderchild]

Lx on my Oz with over 800 miles on it last year.  Put an LX next to an XT and see what the differences are...just about nothing.  I posted this a while ago when I built my Oz,  remember to raise it ~10 mm higher than the manual says.  Has worked wonders for me.  Then again, the cost difference between an LX and XT is not a lot either.   [smiley=yawn.gif]