Front derailleur for 2004 Specialized Hard Rock
 

Hi, all -

I have a 2004 Specialized Hard Rock on which the front derailleur finally has bitten the dust. any suggestions on where to look for a replacement? What specs do I need to be sure to keep in mind (there are 3 front gears, 7 on rear cassette)? The old derailleur is a Shimano Acera, but that doesn't seem like enough info ...

A few photos available, in case that helps ... (but I'm not allowed to attach, since this is my 1st post)

Thanks!

Steve Stasheff
Rockville, MD

Do you want to upgrade or replace what you currently have?

There should be a model number on the back of the derailleur if you want the same one. Other than knowing it is a 3 speed, you also want to note whether it is top or bottom pull as well as the clamp size. The clamp size is often written on the inside of the band.

Shimano lists 2 current Acera triple front derailleurs, both are top "swing" 3X9, AFAIK will work on 3X7. One is TS3 the other TS6, I don't know the difference. Shimano, as is common, doesn't provide a lot of specs. One can use the model # from Shimano site & google it...often retailers provide more specs. Just to be sure you might want to measure the chainline & also note # of teeth on chainrings since front derailleurs are designed to work best for a certain range, ie difference between # of teeth on large & small rings.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html


https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/produ...era-m3000.html

2 type MTB FD 1 for the compact 42~44t and another now called Trekking, is for a 48t..

steve, any good bike shop thats been around for a while will know and have a reasonably priced (probably 20 bucks) fd that will work perfectly fine.
They will know what type will be an easy switch for the busted one.