Can you use an E-type front derailleur on any bike?

ThisI wanted to lower the gearing on a cyclocross bike by using a mountain bike crankset. I couldn't find a derailleur that would work with the frame. In this video I'll discuss if an E-type MTB derailleur might be the answer.

[drework]

Hi, thanks for this video !! As you say, there are not a lot of information about this subject. Do you have the reference of the older style E-type front derailleur ? I could use it to fix my own problems with front derailleur...

[gepbalta]

I had the same problem with my gravel/bikepacking bike. I solved it with a pair of custom made (42/26) chainrings for my GRX crankset.
Pros: narrower Q factor and wider range.
Cons: those custom rings were really expensive.

[pygmalion]

I`m trying to install a front derailleur right now. I thought this might give me some insight into how could solve my problem The down tube is too big and no cable stops to mount the cable and has a BSA bottom bracket. I love a challenge. Thanks for the video I was able rule out that as a solution

[StanEby]

Very interesting. I'd like to enroll in your bike mechanic school. All the best.😊

[cthulpiss]

I know that your particular frame has non-typical downtube diameter, but what about using say FD-M985E with some standard clamp adapter to add rigidity ?

[dongoat]

I have a 2023 trek fuel ex gen6. Its an all rounder mtb and i do a lot of road as well before going to my fave bike park. I so badly wanted a front derailleur but i dont know what to install and if its possible.
Most of the people ive talked to dont like the idea. It might take time but im sure i will nstall one someday.

[rogergauss]

I have the same issue setting up one of my bikes to do the Mt Washington hill climb event. I just left the front derailleur off and stayed in the small ring. I would like to find a workable solution that would let me shift the front rings though.

[jimmypoe]

I am changing my trek roscoe to a more road worthy/bike packing set up. Ive added a Jones loop bar, which i love, and going from 27.5x 2.8+ wheels to 29x2.25. i also am changing out the suspension fork for a rigid fork, to save weight. I like the 10 speed deore with 11-42 cassette, but the fronk crank has only 28t. Good for mountain biking, not so good for the road. The max chain ring it can take on the 1x is 32t. Still not good enough for the road. Im considering doing a 2x set up. I want a 30t small ring and a 40t or greater large ring (maybe GRX). My problem is that the frame is set up for a type-E front derailleur (it has braze ons), but the type E can only do, at best, a 28/38 crank. Something about the side to side movement of the front derailleur. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[ninjaxd]

Never once in my entire life felt anything but distaste for front derailleurs.

Functionality is negligible at best and a liability just as often + they look like garbage and can be heavy and add unnecessary complexity.