Subject: Re: Shimano Front Derailleur 8/9 speed compatability Posted by: Rob on July 20, 2006 at 16:04:57: In Reply to: Shimano Front Derailleur 8/9 speed compatability posted by Eddie on July 18, 2006 at 08:26:23:

Message: >Forgive me in advance if this question has already been answered in this forum (I searched, but didn't find). I have an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain (XTR chain, XTR rear derailleur, 46T four-arm XTR cranks). I need a new front derailleur due to a frame change. In terms of what's out there for sale, I mostly see newer front derailleurs (M751, for example) "designed specifically for Mega 9." Question: Is a 9-speed front derailleur NOT compatible with my 8-speed drivetrain? I currently have a shimano M739, top swing top pull, but I can't find that vintage for purchase...What are my options, if I want to avoid the cost of replacing other parts of the drivetrain? Thanks for your assistance! The 9 speed front derailleur is more narrow than the 8 speed. I tried a 9 speed front derailleur with an 8 speed system and it was a pain. The adjustment has to be very exact or the chain would rub. The only way I could get it to work well was to use a friction top mount shifter.