Gevenalle, formerly Retroshift, just released the BURD Front Derailleur/Chain Guide for cyclocross. Like their BURD rear derailleur, the “Blatantly Upgraded and Rebranded Derailleur” is a hacked, top-of-the-line Microshift component that they rebuilt to better serve ‘cross racers who demand reliable shifting in brutal conditions. The derailleurs, along with their standard pull, long pull, and hydraulic shift levers; and cassette spacer are giving cyclists an affordable and reliable – if not particularly pretty or light – alternative to Campagnolo, Shimano, and SRAM.
The folks at Gevenalle replaced the lightweight carbon Microshift cage with a smaller, rigid steel piece of their own design, and made some other secret tweaks, to make a derailleur that will best suit the relatively small gear range but huge shifting loads that differentiate cyclocross from road drivetrains. Gevenalle also claims that the FD is ideally suited to single ring chainguide use, thanks to limiter screws that allow the reinforced cage to be dialed in exactly where you want it.
Price, specs, and their service plan after the break…
The BURD front derailleur costs $49, and if you do succeed in damaging it, Gevenalle will rebuild it for only $20 including return shipping in the US.
Complete Specs:
- Compatibility: 10 Speed Campagnolo, Shimano, and SRAM, or Single Speed
- Available for Braze-on and 34.9mm Clamp (31.8 with included adapter)
- Bottom Pull
- Chain Line: 43.5
- Capacity: 14 tooth maximum difference between chain rings
- E.g. 34/42, 34/44, 36/46, 36/48
- Claimed Weight: 84 grams (braze-on)
