tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36151678.post5552973590220420645..comments2024-03-26T04:02:22.355-07:00Comments on Waltworks Bicycles: At long last: a geometry post!Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156620599767391579noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36151678.post-32603510330122066352014-04-25T20:15:09.372-07:002014-04-25T20:15:09.372-07:00I DO dislike front derailleurs, and I've been ...I DO dislike front derailleurs, and I've been cycling for 27 years and a mechanic for 6 of them. A front derailleur is a fairly crude mechanism. It's biggest weakness is that has to move the chain on the side that is under pedal tension, and has the tendency to "suck" the chain into the chainstays when shifting under load. This can obviously damage a carbon fiber stay, and even an aluminum stay, in addition to often bending/breaking the chain. I admit that Shimano chainrings/derailleurs work pretty well most of the time, but front derailleur adjustment is still usually the most difficult part of setting up a bike. There is no chance of chainsuck happening while shifting under load with the rear derailleur, although it is conceivable that one could break a chain under extreme pedaling load. A single ring system allow a rider to shift through the entire range of gears when needed, under load! Obviously, shifting is a skill that is should be learned, but the more idiot proof the system, the better. And a small single ring system gives more ground clearance, to the point where I rarely need a bash guard!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36151678.post-12128558063147515452014-04-24T21:26:39.747-07:002014-04-24T21:26:39.747-07:00Its not front derailleurs hatred, just simplistic ...Its not front derailleurs hatred, just simplistic 1x10 love. I have front derailleurs on a couple of bikes, but after riding a poor-mans XX1, (30t chainring and modified rear cassette 11-40t), I dont think I'll ever go back. The added advantage is less cable clutter, close to a pound in weight savings and better frame geo, in that you dont have to make comprimises on CS length and tire size/volumes. Eric N.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01324817468034556003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36151678.post-28545699012052138682014-04-23T21:26:31.608-07:002014-04-23T21:26:31.608-07:00WRT "does anyone really use front derailleurs...WRT "does anyone really use front derailleurs anymore?"<br /><br />I do...they work great. Haven't figured out all of the front derailleur hatred...maybe people just need to learn to set them up correctly. I can't remember the last time I broke or wore one out, nor had to adjust one. I have one that's been on probably 4 frames, is starting to rust through the chrome plating, and still works like a champ. I think 1x11 is great...look forward to trying someday, and the simplicity is a great thing (although the cost...yikes!). One situation where I might want to eliminate the front derailleur is on one of my short chain stay 29ers, I get occasionally get a tiny amount of tire-to-front-derailleur-cage rub when running 2.4" Maxxis Ardent tires. Other than that, no complaints with my front derailleurs...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com