Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: Bledlow on 07 March, 2024, 07:04:31 pm

Title: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
Post by: Bledlow 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.

Title: Re: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
Post by: Tim Hall 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.

Title: Re: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
Post by: rr 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

Title: Re: Which front derailleur for 1990s MTB?
Post by: Bledlow 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.