Shimano XTR FD-M986 Dyna-Sys Direct Mount Front Derailleur

Shimano's Direct Mount makes derailleur setup about as easy as it can possibly be. And if you're installing this Shimano XTR Dyna-Sys Direct Mount Double Front Derailleur FD-M986, then you'll be off and hammering with nary a concern for adjustments or maintenance. How do we know all this? Firstly, we know how easy Shimano Direct Mount derailleurs are to install and set up. Then, we know all about XTR's legendary performance and durability. Thirdly, we also know that you'll be running an XTR Race Double Crankset with this derailleur, and those are meant for hammering right?This XTR Dyna-Sys Direct Mount Front Derailleur is labeled as FD-M986 because it's a traditional styled (bottom swing) front derailleur. It's nearly identical to the clamp-on M986 part, save for the lack of a clamp. Instead this one has a flat surface with an upright rib on the back that corresponds to the groove in the flat Direct Mount you'll find on your seat tube. One bolt holds it all together and your only adjustment will be up and down in relation to the chainrings. Since there's no way to twist the derailleur around the seat tube, it goes on lined up perfectly with the chainrings and your shifting should be spot on once the cable tension and limit screws are set. The limit screws are angled outward to facilitate adjustment for convoluted rear suspension designs as well.The Shimano XTR Dyna-Sys Direct Mount Double Front Derailleur FD-M986 is specifically designed for use with Shimano's XTR Race Double Crankset and XTR 10-speed HG-X chain, and the maximum chainring size is 42 teeth. The big difference between this derailleur and the triple-compatible version is that this one has a shorter cage. Using it with an XTR triple crank would result in the chain dragging across the bridge at the bottom of the cage in many of the rear cogs when you rode in the 24t small ring. It can be used with top- or bottom-pull cable routing.