New front derailleur very stiff

[TB2411]

Hi
I bought a Shimano tourney front mech online to replace the damaged one on my daughter's bike. When it arrived I tried to move/pivot it by hand. It wouldn't budge, so I assumed it was faulty and bought another! This time shimano nexave, same problem, so I assume it's something I don't know rather than 2 faulty derailleurs.

I've only replaced a front mech once before, this was a shimano claris on my own bike a few years ago and didn't have any trouble. I remember being able to move it by hand before installing it.

Can anyone help please? What am I missing?

TIA

[fausto99]

They are very stiff and difficult to move by hand unless you clamp one end in a vice IME

[peetee]

Lots of Shimano mechs are supplied with a plastic choc that needs removing from the parallelogram.

[freeflow]

you mean chock.

[Brucey]

the 'chock' is usually like a little plastic lollypop eg





it is meant to hold the FD in about the same position as it would be on the big ring, and is there to help with setup.

cheers

[Eyebrox]

These lower end Shimano derailleurs move freely once they're attached. Incredibly difficult to yank apart using both hands when unattached.

[peetee]

you mean chock.

I do. Damn spell chocker.

[freeflow]

That should be speil chicken