Can you run a Suntour MicroDrive Front Mech on a non-MD bike

[Singletrack74]

Been reading around and I’m trying to work out whether the above will work. NOS mechs have a sticker saying MD ONLY on them, but old catalogues from 92 show only one mech variant for both MD and NON MD?

Anyone know for sure?

Chainset is 24/36/46; so 22T difference, and I believe the MD will handle 24...so why the sticker?

Need to suss this quickly as I’ve spotted one and don’t want to miss out!

 

[legrandefromage]

it should be fine

 

[mattr]

Depends on the arc on the bottom edge of the mech cage.

But, as above, unless it's wildly different, it should be fine.

 

[DoctorRad]

I think they are okay with an outer up to 48 teeth.

 

[Dr Dremel]

Re:

The arc of the cage is the same as far as I can see from holding my spare MD one over the mounted non- MD. The cage is ever so slightly narrower in profile and about 1 tooth shorter. However there is a fine print on the yellow sticker: "Max chainring less than 48T".

Dr

 

[Singletrack74]

Re: Re:

The arc of the cage is the same as far as I can see from holding my spare MD one over the mounted non- MD. The cage is ever so slightly narrower in profile and about 1 tooth shorter. However there is a fine print on the yellow sticker: "Max chainring less than 48T".

Dr

Thanks so much - super helpful. Looks like it should clear the inner ring, which is where I imagine the issue lies if running at the higher end of the cassette too!

Don’t suppose that’s a 28.6 that you fancy selling, is it?!

 

[Dr Dremel]

Re:

No problem, had the same question a while back. Sounds as if you´ll be safe with a 46T ring, if indeed it does work with a 24T.

Unfortunately the spare one is not for sale (it´s 31,8 anyway).

 

[FluffyChicken]

There is an extra push bulge in the back plate iirc too, but for normal 24/36/48 setup it should* be fine. (it was designed around 20/32/42)

*should, but 26 granny may be better to keep the 22 max-min of the MD setup, just thinking about hitting the bottom of the guide ?