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, the seat tube mounted derailleur is a multi-clamp design so it can easily fit on any bike, and the e-clamp works off the bottom bracket.

The FD-M970 XTR Top-Swing front derailleur comes either with a traditional seat-tube mounted multi-clamp for all common seat tube diameters, or as FD-M970-E with Shimano’s E-design clamp that works off the bottom bracket shell. The total top-low capacity is 22t, the top-middle min capacity is 12t, and the max top gear teeth is 44t. The cable can be routed either from the top tube or down tube. 125g/142g (e-type). MSRP $129.99.