gxaustin wrote:Mechs can be top pull and either bottom swing or top swing. Or bottom pull and either top swing or bottom swing.
BTW the only confusing thing about top swing and bottom swing is how anyone could possibly get it wrong.
Well I defer to your greater knowledge.
So for my benefit what are the advantages/attributes of top swing versus bottom swing?
Would I be correct in thinking that my Shimano Ultegra mechs are top swing?
My Simplex front mech is linear BTW.
The "top swing" is done for Mtb's where the space is rather limited due to short seat-tube or the linkages of the rear suspension and so on, then the cable routing, as well.
Just think of where the clamp is and then where the cage moves: in a Mtb "top swing" derailleur the clamp is lower than the cage, so the latter "swings on top of it". You can see it well in this image, look at the linkages:
While the road bike derailleurs that we all know, if you see it from the front (or rear) you see that the clamp is higher than the cage, and the latter "swings under it".