Which front derailleur for '98 Fire Mountain

[jebon]

Hi!
I'm building a '98 Kona Fire Mountain (pictured) I researched to the conclusion that I need a 28.6 mm, top pull, low clamp for the front. Can anyone please confirm that this will work?

Also the crank set I have is an XT Hollowtech Octalink. Does anyone know if this will fit? (It's currently sitting on another bike)
Thanks, Jess

 

[hamster]

Both should be fine. Personally I prefer the high band front mech, as it collects less mud, has fewer linkages and doesn't seem to go slack and rattle. However it can foul the bottle cage braze-on depending on the chainring sizes you run.

It has a 68mm BB shell for when you come to buy a BB.

 

[jebon]

Re:

Thanks. Looking at this on ebay. Seller says it's top pull...? Could you look at it please?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272977080280

 

[hamster]

Looks spot-on!

 

[PeteC]

The ebay ad you posted above is for an older model, might be an m735 or thereabouts judging by the gold XT lettering... not that it really matters, it would work fine if it's the right pull and band width.
But if you're aiming for the FD that came on there in 1998, you should look for a FD-M739 or FD-M738 with the same specs.

 

[jebon]

Re:

Thanks a lot. I went for an LX instead. FD-M565

 

[jebon]

Re:

The progress...
Waiting for a set of LX brake levers/gear shifters. The ones mounted don't fit the cassette. Last purchase will be cables and handles. Looking forward to finishing it.