Mountain Bike Front Derailleur Black Friday: 2x discounts

A mountain bike front derailleur for Black Friday needs to match four data points of your bike: the number of chainrings and their size, the number of speeds, the mounting method on the frame, and the control, whether cable or electronic. The models on the page are Shimano, from Deore to XTR Di2, mainly for double chainring transmissions, and many are discounted at Vélo-Store throughout November.

What to note about your mountain bike derailleur

First, the chainrings: a front derailleur is designed for a specific gap between the small and large chainring, 36-26 for the Deore FD-M5100, 46-32 for the Cues FD-U8010, which has a capacity of 16 teeth. Next, the speeds: 10, 11, or 12, depending on the width of the chain; the Cues FD-U8010 accepts both 10 and 11 speeds. Finally, the mounting, indicated by the letter at the end of the reference: D for a direct mount on the frame, E for a plate tightened under the bottom bracket. Also, check the chain line, which is wider on Boost frames, and the tyre clearance: the FD-M5100 allows space for a 2.3-inch tyre.

Cable or Di2: comparing discounts with the same suffix

The XTR FD-M9050 and FD-M9070, as well as the XT FD-M8070, are electronic Di2 derailleurs: they only respond to a Di2 command, and Shimano associates them with its synchronised shifting, which operates both derailleurs together. A mechanical model, on the other hand, is operated with a left shifter with the same number of chainrings. Therefore, two stricken prices with the same group name can only be compared with the same suffix: a FD-M9100-D and a FD-M9100-E do not fit the same frame, and a discount on a Di2 model doesn't indicate anything about a cable model, which it does not replace.

Related pages on mountain bike transmission

The page mountain bike derailleurs details adjustments, mountings, and linkages all year round. A new front derailleur works with a mountain bike rear derailleur and chainrings in good condition, along with a new cable among the cables and housings. The mountain bike transmission during Black Friday brings these parts together, and the page front derailleurs for all practices covers road and gravel. An older generation can be found at clearance, the most recent among new arrivals.

The brand of front derailleurs on offer

Shimano brings together its mountain bike front derailleurs from the Deore FD-M5100 and FD-M6000 to the XTR FD-M9100 in 12 speeds, in direct or E-Type mounting, along with Di2 versions of the XT and XTR and the Cues FD-U8010.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which front derailleur to buy for my mountain bike?

Check the reference engraved on the old one, especially its last letter, the number of chainrings and their teeth, and the number of speeds on the cassette.

Is a model for two chainrings suitable for a triple crankset?

No: its cage does not cover the gap between the small and large chainring of a triple. You need a front derailleur designed for three chainrings.

When do the Black Friday discounts on front derailleurs take place?

Black Friday is linked to the Friday following Thanksgiving; Vélo-Store, however, offers its discounts on mountain bike front derailleurs throughout November. Compare the same complete reference: group, speeds, mounting suffix, and control, whether cable or Di2.

My frame has no inserts or plate: what should I do?

Some derailleurs come in collar versions, around the seat tube; Shimano also offers adapters for its Di2 models. Check the diameter of the tube before ordering.

What adjustments are needed after installation?

The height and alignment of the cage relative to the large chainring, then the limits and tension of the cable. A Di2 model follows the procedure in the Shimano manual.