kona Lava Dome conventional front mech?

[Bones_dt4]

kona Lava Dome conventional front mech?
i was told that that i should find out whether i need a certain mech for my Kona Lava Dome/
i was told it would likely be an up pull, top throw mech, or something.
can anybody help please

 

[Skeelsie]

If its before 1997 it will be 28.6mm bottom pull.

If its 1997 onwards it will be top pull.

 

[Bones_dt4]

apparently there is different types of mech, the most obvious being top or bottom based on the cable routing but i was told that there is a conventional pull and another type.
Something to do with the way the mech ramps the chain over the gear and something to do with the dishing of the rear gears in relation to the front chain rings.

im really unsure what im on about, was just told to make sure i get the correct sort for my bike..

 

[Anthony]

apparently there is different types of mech, the most obvious being top or bottom based on the cable routing but i was told that there is a conventional pull and another type.
Something to do with the way the mech ramps the chain over the gear and something to do with the dishing of the rear gears in relation to the front chain rings.

im really unsure what im on about, was just told to make sure i get the correct sort for my bike..

You're right to be concerned. Many frames from 95 and earlier have seat tubes that bulge out where they meet the bottom bracket shell, and all bikes from that era were designed for conventional-swing mechs, which clamp onto the frame higher than the big ring. Then in the mid 90s, top-swing mechs were introduced, which clamp onto the frame at about the height of the middle ring. These have the advantage of clamping onto the butted section of the tube, so you're less likely to deform the tube if you over-tighten the clamp. But obviously they won't fit if you have a bulged or externally butted seat tube.

We'd need a photo or details of the colour of the paint and decals to be sure of the year of the frame, if that would help.