Front Derailleurs

Front derailleurs typically come configured for the number of chain rings you’re running and number of gears on the rear cassette. The triple front comes with a larger inner cage plate than the double. The difference between a derailleur designed for the # of gears in the back is the spacing between the cage plates. Typically, older cassettes (6,7 speed) used a thicker chain. Newer front derailleurs have a narrower gap between the cage plates accommodating narrower chains for 9-10 speed cassettes. The wider the cage plate, the more versatile as it can accommodate pretty much any chain. However, this will result in less responsive shifting.