The Standard Bike Repair Winter Project called “Build More Shelves” is Working
Pictured behind the bikes, next to the plant and above the washer and dryer is four shelves housing our Front Derailleur Collection. Front derailleurs come in many different variations.
More Shelves Means More Space for Useful Stuff to Put on Bikes
For Example: Finding the right derailleur can be a frustrating experience. When replacing a broken derailleur or building up a retrofit bike, the following 11 specs need to be considered:
- Is there room for a front derailleur? Some dual suspension frames require “E-type front derailleurs” which wedge themselves between the bottom bracket and BB shell of the frame.
- Where is cable coming from? The pull of the cable will come from the top or bottom. Some newer derailleurs can be pulled from either direction
- If the front derailleur is attached to the seat tube, what is the width of the seat tube? Standards include: 28.6, 31.8, or 34.9mm
- Front derailleur cages are designed for specific widths of chain. How many cogs are in the rear cassette? Rear clusters come in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 speeds.
- The curvature of the front derailleur cage is supposed to match the maximum amount of teeth that the derailleur is designed for. Road bikes typically have bigger chain rings, thus mountain and roadie front derailleurs are often not interchangeable.
- What is the throw of the front derailleur? Cranks come with 1, 2, or 3 chain rings.
- Depending on the cyclist, it can be important as to what brand and variation of the other components. Some people just want one that works, other people prefer a higher quality one that may look better or be lighter.
- If you have more than one derailleur that could fit, which one weighs less?
- Is it a racing road bicycle or mountain/hybrid bike? The jump from one chainring to another is different various styles of bikes. How great the jump in teeth sizes will determine the depth of the front derailleur cage.
- Front derailleurs can be clamped from above or below. Sometimes, it doesn’t make a difference. Other times, the shape of the frame will force you to pick a very specific derailleur.
- Some bikes have a welded attachment on the bike for front derailleurs. These are called “braze-on” front derailleurs.
Now that we have Shelves above the Washer/Dryer, we can Dedicate Space to Front Derailleurs
When it is “Time to Order Parts for the Week”, an eye-ball of “What is There” and “What is Missing” is quick. We don’t mind if the part is used or new. As long as the component works and fills the gap in inventory, we are happy to have “Just One” in stock.
If you need a front derailleur, we sell them for $12. Call Ryan at 720-837-8984 or come by 1823 Marine Street for a tour of the used and new parts.
