Braze on point?

[The Jayler]

Hi guys and girls,
On my Trek 1.5 2008 on the seat tube there are 2 braze on points for a drinks holder and in the middle of these, on the opposite side right next to the rear wheel, is another. Is this for a braze on front deraileur?
If it is, is there any point to a braze on derailieur over a clamp on? I'm in the process of upgrading to Ultegra sl and want a new FD to match.
Cheers for any replies.
Rich.

 

[jamesxyz]

R U sure it's not for attaching a mudguard - that's what I did with mine!!

 

[TheDoctor]

The bracket for a braze-on front mech is on the side of the seat tube, not the back. As far as I can see, the main advantage is that you don't need a different front mech for steel, alloy or carbon frames - a band-on front mech is different for different tube diameters. It's an advantage for component manufacturers, not for users IMHO.

 

[MacB]

Band on mechs do allow you to adjust the overall height of the derailler. If, for example, you wanted to run a MTB triple size rings rather than road triple. The mech only cares about difference between rings and overall range. So with band on you can just slide it down the seat tube a bit.

 

[TheDoctor]

Indeed so - I was trying to think of advantages to a braze-on mech. As you might have guessed, I was struggling...

 

[youngoldbloke]

The way that offers most flexibility is to use a braze on adapter, such as http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/triathlon/10/Shimano_Band_On_Adapter_For_Front_Derailleur/5360018993/
for example. Needs to be the right size for your seat tube of course.

 

[The Jayler]

cheers guys. It is on the back so is therefor ment for a mudguard. I personaly couldn't think of benefit over band on.
Cheers again.