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I'm just wondering when choosing a new front mech for a Rockhopper frame I have is there any point choosing a top swing mech with the clamp lower down as opposed to the conventional ones with the clamp above the cage? Is the the only real difference to do with clearance issues with swing arms on full suss frames or bottle holder mounts? Would I be able to fit a conventional mech on this frame. Only thing I could see is the issue with bottle cage etc. Buts it's a 21 inch frame so pretty long seat tube. I always had this type of front mech on all my older hardtails. Then I have not had one for ages with riding full suss.
As you don't tend to wear front mech's very quickly, certainly not as quick as the rear one, this maybe total hearsay but... I think top swing ones wear out quicker (get slop/play in the mechanism) than conventional ones IM-limited-E...
I have heard that before too. I would prefer a normal one but I'm thinking the bottle cage might be an issue even on a 21 inch hardtail frame
The clamp usually sits between the 2 bottle cage mounts and causes no problems.
Conventional lasts way longer.
I'd say conventional mechs last a lot longer/ are stronger too.
Our tandem ate three top swing mechs and the conventional one i fitted after that's still going strong after more time than all the others put together.
I have no evidence on wear rates.
Both types last me for years.
I still have a conventional LX300 from 1991 still working well.
Top-swing seem to have a stronger spring to shift the chain onto smaller rings, but the mechs always seem to clog up faster than conventional in the mire.
Just looking at the set-up you can see why.
I have some of each but prefer conventional on the mud-pluggers.
PaulD
I've worn out two top swing mechs much more quickly than I expected. I don't understand why they're less durable than conventional mechs.
I should say my experience is based on replacing tons of top swing mechs during my days in LBS!