My front mech has seized after only a few months of use. It is a Shimano Deore used on an Intense 6.6.
It seized because the main shaft corroded. Now I would argue that using basic steel for such a component is foolish. I am sure that Shimano would disagree because using such an unsuited material ensures component failure and more derailleur units sold, to replace the seized ones, and increases their profits. Why a high quality stainless steel, at the very least, could not have been used goes beyond reason (certainly morality). This shaft is tiny; using stainless steel would not significantly add to the cost of each unit.
I expect many of you would think me foolish and argue that I should have kept it covered in grease. Perhaps I should have, had I known how poorly designed the thing was. I would never design a front mech that needs to be constantly covered in grease; it increases maintenance work time, cost, causes pollution, is messy, and is overall a hassle.
Anyway, I need a replacement front mech and, obviously, I am not keen to buy another Shimano Deore, or any Shimano for that matter if I can help it. Please could you recommend a decent front mech? Preferably one that will not seize/is made using high quality materials. It needs to be compatible with my existing Deore 9-speed shifter.
Thanks.
It seized because the main shaft corroded. Now I would argue that using basic steel for such a component is foolish. I am sure that Shimano would disagree because using such an unsuited material ensures component failure and more derailleur units sold, to replace the seized ones, and increases their profits. Why a high quality stainless steel, at the very least, could not have been used goes beyond reason (certainly morality). This shaft is tiny; using stainless steel would not significantly add to the cost of each unit.
I expect many of you would think me foolish and argue that I should have kept it covered in grease. Perhaps I should have, had I known how poorly designed the thing was. I would never design a front mech that needs to be constantly covered in grease; it increases maintenance work time, cost, causes pollution, is messy, and is overall a hassle.
Anyway, I need a replacement front mech and, obviously, I am not keen to buy another Shimano Deore, or any Shimano for that matter if I can help it. Please could you recommend a decent front mech? Preferably one that will not seize/is made using high quality materials. It needs to be compatible with my existing Deore 9-speed shifter.
Thanks.