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 trainspotters know, forged is lighter and stronger than stamped.

One nice thing about SRAM is that they have relatively few front derailleur offerings. As such, each is markedly different. They’re unlike another derailleur company that insists on making several different front derailleurs, even though the differences between most are minimal.

The SRAM X-9 High Clamp front derailleur is available as a top or bottom pull in 31.8 or 34.9 seat tube diameters. The X-9 will work with 8- or 9-speed gearing and chains. It’s designed to work with triple cranks, though it can work with double cranks as well. Maximum recommended large chainring is 44t. 160g.