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Convert Front derailleur cabling from bottom pull to top pull


loki's picture

By loki - Posted on 18 March 2010

I'm thinking of converting my front derailleur from bottom pull to top pull. Well not actually converting the derailleur as that already supports both, but converting the cable routing on my bike.

However there are no cable mounting points on the top of the seat tube to secure the cable.
Is there any way of doing this? Any aftermarket clamps available that would clamp to the seat tube?

I see a lot of dirt under my bottom bracket where the existing cable is routed and believe the top pull would keep the cable out of this dirt. Or am I wasting my time doing this?

Suggestions anyone?

Thanks
Jon

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Rob's picture

The 'after market' product you require is... erm... 2 cable ties Eye-wink

You put a large one around the frame, and thread a small one under that and round the cable. Pull the large one real tight, if you want the cable to move freely, leave the small one a little loose, otherwise make it tight.

There are small stand-off type bits of plastic available from an LBS, but really... a couple of ties as described above is just as good. Eg:

P.S. Moving the cable may or may not be a good idea. Depends on how easily it will be to route I guess. Both my current bikes have completely open cable (no outer) under the BB to the FD and can't say I find it an issue as there's really no-where for dirt to collect.

Antsonline's picture

Why not just change your cable to Gore or Nokon cabling - they both run a sealed cable system that means once the cable is in place, it is completely protected from all elements.
I run them on my mtb and road bike, and its magic. fit and forget.

Morgan's picture

I know you can run a completely sealed cable into a RD but don't top pull FD's need a cable stop on the frame, for the cable outer to pull against and create the tension, or has it been that long since I owned one?

If not, tell me which FD I can buy 'coz I'm thinking of putting one on my cable-stop less bike.

If so, there must be a clamp on cable stop out there you can buy, otherwise it'd be a trip to the welders methinks. Those stick on things only hold the cable in place, they don't take any force (trust me, I have some).

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