Author Topic: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?  (Read 413 times)

Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
« on: 07 March, 2024, 07:04:31 pm »
I have a 1998 Kona MTB, now used for country lanes & the like rather than serious off-road stuff. It's a nice bike, under the shabbiness, & fits me (or I fit it) very well, so I want to keep using it.

BUT - the front derailleur's knackered. Can't complain: I've had my money's worth. The drivetrain's a 1998 vintage* Deore 7-speed triple, & I don't know what current front derailleur would go with it.

Any suggestions?


*Apart from the obvious wear-out-quickly bits that go round, which have been replaced multiple times.
"A woman on a bicycle has all the world before her where to choose; she can go where she will, no man hindering." The Type-Writer Girl, 1897

Tim Hall

  • Victoria is my queen
Re: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
« Reply #1 on: 07 March, 2024, 08:48:47 pm »
Low end (altus?) Shimano still does 7/8 speed triple and isn't too spendy but does the job.
There are two ways you can get exercise out of a bicycle: you can
"overhaul" it, or you can ride it.  (Jerome K Jerome)

rr

Re: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
« Reply #2 on: 07 March, 2024, 11:57:57 pm »
What size chainrings? I have a used LX front, that did well on  42/32/22 but I had to upgrade to XT when I installed 44/32/22

Re: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
« Reply #3 on: 14 March, 2024, 11:13:22 am »
44/32/22 - so if the old LX was unhappy with 44 it'll probably not work. Thanks for the reply, though.

Altus should be good enough. Looks like a good suggestion. Ta. Quite a few 7/8 speed on sale online, I see, & I'm dropping by a bike shop this afternoon so I can see what they've got.
"A woman on a bicycle has all the world before her where to choose; she can go where she will, no man hindering." The Type-Writer Girl, 1897