Front derailleurs

Front Derailleur

When it comes to choosing a front derailleur from Velomio, bike enthusiasts need to consider several important factors. The purpose of this bike component is to shift the bike chain on bikes with more than one chainring in front. You will find many different models and makes on the market; however, they all share the same functionality and basic design.

Things to Consider when Buying a Front Derailleur

Are you looking for a front derailleur MTB or a road bike or wondering whether the front derailleur on your bicycle is the right one? If you are, you need to consider several factors, such as:

• Interface or clamp diameter of the front derailleur
• Whether it is compatible with your crankset
• The direction of your bike’s cable pull

You also need to ensure that your bike’s front shifter is working properly. An indexed shifter, for instance, should click a few times as you push its lever backward or forward. A friction shifter’s lever, on the other hand, simply needs to glide backward or forward freely. It should also stop at either end of its range. A place like Velomio will have shifters for all sizes.

Mechanics of a Front Derailleur

A front derailleur bike comes with a cage around its chain. This cage or box attaches to a parallelogram, or linkage system, which is similar to the one in a rear derailleur. If you are planning to purchase a bike with a mechanical-type derailleur, for example, it will have a cable that will hold and move the linkage.

When you release the cable, a wound spring located in the linkage will move the cage in the opposite direction. Bikes with an electric derailleur, however, come with a motor designed to move the cage. While riding a bike with a front derailleur, you will be able to shift only when you are pedaling.

When you shift outward, for instance, your bike’s chain will flex to the right and start to rise from your pedaling. Most modern chainrings come with features and shift ramps to pick up the bike’s chain as it moves outward. Similarly, the inward shift action works in the same manner. The cage will push the chain from behind and continue pushing inward until it starts to fall off the larger ring. The smaller ring then catches the chain and engages it.

If you are having a difficult time finding the right front derailleur for your bike, Velomio will give you some awesome ideas.