Frozen front mech

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,

I had the same symptoms years ago on a Shimano mech of similar quality (300LX MTB). Essentially it seemed to corrode inside one of the pivot shafts and this rusted it solid.

Might be where you live, I tend to apply one drop to each of eight pivots on both derailleurs periodically, otherwise its only standing bikes in garden from new that suffer this.
Eye dropper filled with gear oil is best applicator.

[Binkyboy]

Bit late I know, but check the return spring isn't broken/cracked/unseated.

[Gattonero]

Bit late I know, but check the return spring isn't broken/cracked/unseated.

The return pring on a FD is quite strong, unlikely will break or corrode to the point of freeze the part.
Going off its seating points is unlikely too, but that can be sorted by using a suitable leverage, like a barrel adjuster, or a long M5 bolt drilled ø2.5mm inside.

To lube the recessed areas, I have a small flask of Finish Line Wet (the green one) with an extension straw made from a used Bic pen inner

[Hackfall]

Sora replacement arriving today. Still left the old one soaking. No movement at all. Its deeed i tell you

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my SM-A300FU using hovercraft full of eels.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Never say never

[Hackfall]

By way of an update. The old mech never could be freed. Now have fitted a band on sora 9 speed mech. Works fine with my veloce 9 speed levers and shimano 9 speed rear gearing. I need to tweak the High setting as its going too far and if i am not careful will take the chain off. Just a tweak tonight i hope if i get time. Century ride in the dales tomorrow nice to have my old steelie usable for it.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my SM-A300FU using hovercraft full of eels.