The Shimano XTR M9025-E Front Derailleur is for frames that require an E-type (no plate / low clamp) front derailleur specifically. You see, Shimano's new M9000-series XTR drivetrain brings along with it a new front derailleur architecture and pull configuration called Side Swing, wherein the cable is routed from the front on frames that can accommodate such routing. For those riders of frames that can't, however, you're in luck, as the M9025-series of front derailleurs brings the same lighter, stronger front derailleur cage, faster shifting, and reduced effort to the game for frames with traditional cable routing.
