After all these years, it turns out that the front derailleur can still be refined. Besides the wider link that the cage pivots off of for easier shifting, there was metal to be removed and the limit screws to be repositioned for easier access. Many will say “so what, it’s just a front... read more

Shimano XTR 970 front derailleurs are a refinement over the 960 series. The logo has been laser-cut through the cage, the finish matches the rest of the 9707 line, and the back of the cage is more minimal. The two features save you 7g over last year’s design. As with last year,... read more

Style. We'd all prefer more rather than less. Even if we don't admit it, we'd prefer a part that has something to distinguish itself from others, even if the part isn't particularly important. Shimano addressed this concern with their new Deore XT FD-M771 traditional front derailleur. ... read more

Metal stamping. Looking at the 25th anniversary Shimano Deore XT FD-M770 Front Derailleur, we think of that lowly art. Crudely stamped and cheaply plated parts formed form thick sheets of steel adorn many a Huffy, Columbia, and Free Spirit, but high-end front changers are impressive... read more

The distinctive hue of Saint components can be found on the pivot and clamp of the bottom swing front derailleur. The shifting plates are still chrome for durability. This bottom swing derailleur is designed for the 57.5mm chainline created by 83mm bottom brackets?the heart of rigs designed for... read more

At first glance, the SRAM X-9 High Clamp front derailleur looks like the X-Generation with a new finish. It isn’t. The cage looks basically the same, just less metal. There’s more of a difference than that. The X-9 parts are forged, whereas the X-Gen is stamped. As component... read more

At first glance, the SRAM X-9 Low Clamp front derailleur looks like the X-Generation with a new finish. It isn’t. The cage looks basically the same, just less metal. There’s more of a difference than that. The X-9 parts are forged, whereas the X-Gen is stamped. As component... read more