Braze v Clamp

[biker77]

I am looking to buy a new bike. Currently riding a trek 5200 which I really like and has a braze on front derailleur. Any opinions on front shifting for the two types and how much weight should this be given in the overall decision?

Bike will be used to race with a compact crankset.

 

[Michael Brown]

I've used all three combinations:

a braze on FD
a clamp FD
a braze-on FD with the clamp

I noticed absolutely no difference in shifting. I would not give it any weight whatsoever.

 

[brianf7]

I have 4 bikes all different with the band the front mech will only work on 1 frame down tube size so I normaly use a band with braze on mech only because it is more flexable.
I have seen braze on frame fitting snap off and with alloy or carbon its the end of the frame usualy. but then with a band it can be over tightened ond crush the frame.