Best Front Bike Derailleurs in 2022

Last update: November 19, 2022

Can I use a MTB derailleur on a road bike?

You can use a mountain bike derailleur on a road bike, but you may need to make some adjustments. The main difference between mountain bike and road bike derailleurs is the cage size. Mountain bike derailleurs have a larger cage to accommodate the larger chainring sizes found on mountain bikes. Road bike derailleurs have a smaller cage to work with the smaller chainring sizes found on road bikes. You may also need to adjust the tension on the derailleur spring to account for the different chainring sizes.

Can you mix front and rear derailleur?

Yes, you can mix front and rear derailleurs, but it is not recommended. Mixing derailleurs can cause shifting problems and decreased performance.

Do all front derailleurs fit all bikes?

No, not all front derailleurs fit all bikes. Each type of bike has its own specific derailleur mount. The three most common types are clamp-on, band-on, and direct-mount. Clamp-on derailleurs attach to the frame with a clamp that goes around the seat tube. Band-on derailleurs have a band that goes around the seat tube and is held in place with a bolt. Direct-mount derailleurs attach directly to the frame.

Do front and rear derailleurs have to match?

No, front and rear derailleurs do not have to match. You can mix and match derailleurs to suit your needs. For example, you might have a Shimano rear derailleur and a SRAM front derailleur.


SHIMANO Altus 7/8 Speed Mountain Bicycle Front Derailleur - FD-M313 Review:


I made the decision to refurbish a bicycle I had purchased from Costco in 2008 a few months ago. A Schwinn with Shimano components all everywhere. It served as my primary source of transportation for a while before I acquired a car, and after that it spent a lot of time outside, which was bad for the body and its parts. I replaced almost everything else after sanding everything down and repainting the main frame.My bike has a top-pull front derailleur, so I needed to find an identical replacement. I chose to remain with Shimano since its components are robust and dependable. This derailleur can pull from the top and bottom. It functioned the same as the old one after minor adjustments, and I am happy with it. I wish there was a black choice because the rest of my bike's components are black, but I won't be too picky.



SHIMANO Tourney 7/8-Speed Mountain Bicycle Rear Derailleur - RD-TX800-L Review:


On my "lipstick on a pig" construction, I applied this. I upgraded an older Sears mountain bike from the late 1990s (Free Spirit Octane).This appears to be Shimano's new inexpensive lineup for July 2015, based on what I've read (tx800 series). It arrived well-packaged, as with all Shimano equipment. I used this to increase the rear's gearing from 6 to 8. Because my bike frame lacked a more modern detachable rear derailleur mount, I ultimately had to utilize a derailleur adaptor. It is a rear derailleur with a conventional setup. I have no problems about setup; just make sure you adhere to the instructions.This derailleur was fantastic in terms of movement and precision. It was quite simple to dial in precisely after I had it set up. This derailleur's adjuster features a detent so you may make one or two clicks at a time to fine-tune it. The cogs had sealed bearings and were extremely smooth. Overall, this rear derailleur is amazing for the price I paid and what I received in the mail. Shimano's new Tourney TX800 series offers a lot of accuracy and value. Impressed, I would purchase again.



SHIMANO FD-5703 105 Triple Front Derailleur (10-Speed) Review:


Shimano doesn't make an 11-speed triple, but this one will do.I switched to a 105 cassette with an 11-speed rear derailleur, which shifts flawlessly but requires an 11-speed chain. The 10 speed FC-5703 shifts flawlessly when equipped with a front derailleur and ST-5703 shifter.Because the 10 speed chain is a little bit wider, 11 speed cassettes cannot be used with it. The 11 speed chain may be modified to shift flawlessly because it is somewhat narrower.



Shimano Acera Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur Review:


Excellent derailleur; Acera matched my prior SRAM rear derailleur like a glove. I did first buy an Altus, which I was told would function flawlessly, however the cage length was far too small for my bike. Despite the fact that this is still a lower-end Shimano item or component, I anticipate using it for a while. Because one reviewer purchased a used item that broke and had poor quality, the reviews are all inconsistent. Although I also purchased mine used, I have had no problems at all. Even if it wasn't ideal, I like to buy used items nevertheless since I consider myself to be more of a green thumb who loves to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—at least to the extent that is practical. Someone referred to the inquiry "What's the difference betweenis (Acera) and the Altus? " that was posted on Amazon. One commentator said that the Acera or Alvino are better options for serious riders whereas the Altus is a lower-end derailleur that you frequently see on mountain bikes. Although I completely concur, I believe that Acera and Altus are both good low-end alternatives to, example, Tourney. In the Shimano family, the Tourney component family is the lowest and least expensive. Alvino is something I could have easily purchased, but if this derailleur breaks down, I might upgrade to Alvino.I take biking seriously, but not for competitive riding or anything of the sort; simply to stay in shape. Now that my bike is operating, I simply need to fine-tune the derailleur and it truly works wonderfully. This is fantastic and well worth the cost. I'm now thinking about the front derailleur that goes with this one. I'll upload a picture later.



SHIMANO Altus Mountain Bike Front Derailleur - Multi-Clamp Review:


A Miyata frame from the 1990s that lacked indexed shifting, had a clogged bottom bracket, and worn-out chainrings was rebuilt, and it is now a city bike with modern Altus components. When used with an Altus triple 48/38/28 crankset, this low clamp FD has a wide pivot bar and forgiving tolerances that truly surprised me. Here is my complete list:Altus 28x38x48t 170mm Square with Guard 7/8spdJIS-68x123mm Shimano BB-UN26 cartridgeFront derailleur by Shimano FD-M310 Aultus (28.6-34.9-mm 3x7/8 Speed Low-Clamp)Rapid Fire Shifter, Shimano Acera SL-M310, Left (Black, 3-Speed )Mountain bike shifter made by Shimano, model number SL-M310, right pod, part number ESLM310R7AT.Altus 7/8-Speed Rear Derailleur, Silver, Shimano RD-M310I now own a bike that shifts flawlessly and rides like a brand-new hybrid for around one hundred.



SHIMANO 105 FD-5700 Braze-On Front Derailleur Review:


Installing it is simple. compares favorably to the prior iteration (which snapped after 5 years - 3000 km). The spring alone feels tighter. perhaps because it is brand-new I'm completely content otherwise.Update after a year: The spring is so stiff that it broke my 5600 left shifter, necessitating the purchase of one or more shifters. Avoid if at all possible.Update: After adding 5700 shifters, it now functions flawlessly, even significantly better than with a 5600 shifter and 5600 derailleur combination. The cable tension needs to be properly adjusted. Otherwise, your shifter will be damaged.



Shimano Tourney TY300 6/7-Speed Rear Derailleur with Dropout Claw Hanger Review:


This was purchased to replace the non-indexing bent rear dérailleur on a Panasonic road bike that I exclusively ride on rollers and has been around for around 30 years. wanted to avoid spending a bunch. At this budget, don't expect Dura Ace (I didn't either), but it does all I need it to. Both installation and adjustment were simple. On a vintage, mid-range road bike, the lengthy cage seems out of place, but that's just my opinion. Would buy again without hesitating. There are no instructions included, but there are a ton of YooToob videos online if you need them. Make sure you buy the right option for your application before making a purchase.



Shimano Front Derailleur FD-A073 Review:


I pulled out my 1980s 10 speed for the summer. On my first ride, I had trouble shifting and quickly discovered the front derailleur was hanging free because the front derailleur clamp had broken. I was fortunate that it did not catch in the chain and cause additional issues. I turned to the internet and Amazon for the derailleur because I had no idea what to do and no close local bike shop. I had previously ordered from Niagara Cycle Works and felt confident that they would make the necessary swap if there were any problems. Depending on the most popular tube diameters, the derailleur was equipped with everything you would need when it swiftly arrived. If your chain lacks a master link, you will need to break it, so be ready. It was comparatively simple to align the derailleur. Because mine pulled from the opposite side of the main frame and this one doesn't, it doesn't pull exactly like the original one did. But it does function. Only the height off the sprocket teeth and the cable itself needed to be adjusted. I'm happy with the purchase and would suggest it. I know I would buy again.


Does speed matter for front derailleur?

When it comes to derailleurs, speed generally isn't a factor. The main concern is compatibility with the drivetrain. Most modern drivetrains will work with any derailleur, but it's important to check before you buy. The speed of a derailleur is measured in terms of max speed, which is the number of teeth on the largest cog it can work with. For most road bikes, this is 11 speed, but some newer models are 12 speed. The max speed of a derailleur isn't generally a limiting factor, because most people don

How do I know if a derailleur will fit my bike?

There are a few key measurements you need to take to determine if a derailleur will fit your bike. You'll need to measure the width of your rear axle, as well as the distance from the center of the axle to the frame dropout. You'll also need to know the size of your bike's chainstay. With these measurements, you can then consult a derailleur compatibility chart to see if the derailleur will work with your bike.

How do I know the size of my derailleur?

There are a few ways to determine the size of your derailleur. The most common is to measure the cage length, which is the distance between the pulleys. Another method is to measure the width of the jockey wheel. Finally, you can also reference the manufacturer's specifications.

How many gears does a bike really need?

The number of gears on a bike is often a matter of personal preference. Some people find that they never use all the gears on their bike, while others find that they use all the gears frequently. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the number of gears on a bike.

Is it good to have a front derailleur?

A front derailleur is a wonderful addition to your bike because it helps to keep your chain in place while you are riding. It also helps to protect your chain from getting caught on objects or getting tangled.

What does the front derailleur do on a bike?

The front derailleur is the component on a bike that is responsible for moving the chain between the different front gears, or "chainrings." The front derailleur is mounted on the frame of the bike and is operated by a lever that is connected to the shifter.