Help! Gen 1 Mantis Profloater front derailleur issue

[Arran]

One for the Brains-trust:

I've finally gotten around to my Profloater build & was surprised to find that I don't actually have a front derailleur (period-correct or otherwise) to fit it. I have over 100 FD's so this was definitely not expected. The seat tube takes a 34.9 FD & can accommodate either DP or TP versions.

Obviously, i'd really like to fit something period-correct but i've exhausted all of my current options. I.e.:
- Non series-specific band-clamp Shimano DP FD (31.8 but I made a 34.9 clamp for it)
- M900 34.9 DP
- Suntour XC Pro 34.9 DP

I've also tried to fit a range of more modern FDs (designed for 42t big ring, both low champ & high clamp) & none of them fit either!

Does anyone on here have a gen 1 Profloater with full-size rings (46t big ring) & if so, what FD are you running???

TIA for any assistance.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Looking at that id say you needed a low band mech. Did a quick bit of online research and it does look that way:

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/rc-mantis-p ... rides.html

That said, here's one with an m900 mech on:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=347908

 

[Splatter Paint]

Re:

Tricky :?

The only thing that comes to mind are the e-type front mechs that are retained by the bottom bracket. You'd probably still have to adapt one a bit though.

SP

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Some pics of an m900 here:

http://www.vintagemtbworkshop.com/uploa ... 5_orig.jpg

 

[Arran]

Re:

Thanks @ishaw but my frame is a first gen unit & there's greatly reduced space to fit a derailleur under the swingarm gusset. Most frustrating...

 

[Arran]

Re: Re:

Tricky :?

The only thing that comes to mind are the e-type front mechs that are retained by the bottom bracket. You'd probably still have to adapt one a bit though.

SP

E-bracket FD's came out quite a while after this frame was produced & use both a BB band & a frame boss to mount/locate. My frame has a press-in BB & no boss so an e-bracket isn't an option.

 

[Arran]

Re:

I thought someone on here would have the answer to my question...

 

[Moqi]

Re:

per this article the 1993 pro floater used an m900 front derailleur http://www.vintagemtbworkshop.com/1993- ... oater.html. There's a very good picture of the fd fitting. Not conversant with these derailleurs so i dont know what flavours of swing they came in. Just realised the picture is the same as previously posted. Accordingly i searched this site and came up with this http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/v/u ... 9.jpg.html - a 1992 pro floater. As they were introduced in 1992 i suggest you contact Mrkawasaki.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=300

 

[Monolith]

Following - haven't been able to find an XTR 3x8 FD that can fit either.