Braze-On vs. Clamp FD?

[tongue_tied]

I ordered a Ultegra FD and I guess it's a braze-on. I really didn't even know there was anything else. Now, I do know :)

Should I have gotten a clamp instead? I'm riding a Blue RD-1, carbon frame/fork.

[Pedal Wench]

If your bike doesn't have the braze for it (looks to have a clamp-on FD) you can order an adapter that clamps onto your seattube and the FD clamps to that. http://www.bikeman.com/Braze-On_Adaptor_Clamps.html

[tongue_tied]

Is it more worthwhile for me to just return it and get the clamp model? The clamp was $10 cheaper than the braze-on.

[MartianDestiny]

If you can, I'd return it and get the correct one. Be sure to make sure the size is correct; there are different clamp diameters for different seat tubes.

[tongue_tied]

Man, I feel completely and totally inept.

So, this is my bike. www.rideblue.com RD-1. It says the FD is FSA Energy Band Mount 34.9.

So, okay, I need a 34.9.

So, I'm trying to order this. http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10052_10551_1076693_-1_64000_20000_65500

And it gives me two different drop down options? 1 1/4? 1 3/8? What the hell do I need?

I wish I knew more :(

[Becky]

You need the 1 3/8", which equals 34.9 mm. To convert from inches to millimeters, multiply the number of inches by 25.4.

[tongue_tied]

thanks for everyone's help!

[Pedal Wench]

Depending on your situation, you could keep it and get the adapter. I intentionally did this because I have multiple bikes- some braze-on, some clamp on. By getting the braze-on FD, I can swap it out to a different bike if I need to - I move components around a lot. :)