top swing or conventional front mech

Top Cat65
Top Cat65 Posts: 5
edited November 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
Can someone explain the difference between top swing and conventional front mechs, as I am building a HT and don't know the best one to use?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    there is not a best. there is a what your frame is designed to fit. but as a rule of thumb the shorter the swing plates the better the mech. but first what is the frame.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Top Cat65
    Top Cat65 Posts: 5
    The frame is a Merida Magnesium Pro, with new XT chainset.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Ok just had a look and as i never get the terms correct without checking.... i will start with what we can see. IE the position of the band in relation to the cage.

    the current Merida Magnesium Pro has a high positioned band, which is generally noted for not shifting as well as the mech with the lower band position.

    Now we have to ask why did Merida spec this mech? was it a good deal to use the same on all of the models? or is it not posible to fit the version (better) with the lower band position.

    you need to have a look and a think about what will fit. thats the great thjing about bike shops you can see if it will work before buying.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

Categories