Please confirm which way my mech swings!

gcwebbyuk
gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
edited January 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Specialized class the front mech on my bike as:

Shimano M581 LX, 34.9mm clamp, bottom swing, dual pull

It looks like:

IMG_0155.jpg

IMG_0152-1.jpg

Surely what I actually have is a Shimano M580 LX, 34.9mm clamp top swing, dual pull?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    yep looks like the FD-M580
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    Thats the third difference from spec on my Stumpjumper:

    Different inner tubes
    Different sized rotors
    And now different front mech!

    Is there any advantage to one type of mech or other?
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 4,069
    I think bottom swing are less prone to seizing when full of crap but I don't think it makes a lot of difference (I have both types on different bikes). If I had a choice I'd go for a bottom swing unit, think they look better, particularly the new XT.

    Didn't have a choice with my hard tail frame, there's a bottle mount in exactly the wrong place which fouls the clamp on a bottom swing mech so I had to go top swing (I think this is the main reason there are two/three types if you include the e-type mech, so that they can accomodate all frame types).
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result