Originally Posted by
njkayaker
I suppose the chain could be derailed in the front from the bottom (like it is in the rear) but that would be a poor place for a delicate mechanism.
It is what it is (for unavoidable reasons). It might not be fair to say it's "not elegant". They've had many. many years to get this to the best it can be!
would it work from the bottom? seems like you need the chain in the correct position on the leading edge of the chainring, not after the trailing edge?
i agree that overall the system is elegant, combining the driving chain with the gear reduction, essentially getting it for free in terms of efficiency, which is borne out in the 3-5% lower efficiencies of a belt or chain plus a gearbox. the metal to moving metal contact of the FD seems suboptimal.