SRAM Red/Force Front Derailleur

[rhane]

How does one change out the cages on a SRAM Red/Force FD to mate a Force steel cage with a Red "everything else"? I notice there are two pins that appear to be holding the cage onto the rest of the FD - but is removing the pins possible without completely ruining the FD? That is to say, if I want to make a "pro" version of the SRAM Red FD - can I do this at home or is it not possible (i.e. does this need to be something done in the factory where the pins can be properly inserted and sealed in order for the FD to properly work?)?

Thanks for the help.

[larry_ck]

It is possible to drill the pins out of the cage but you need new pins to re-assemble the cage afterwards as they can not be re-used. I have done this so I could drop some weight by installing a Ti spring and Al pins. Pic attached in which you can just see the Al pin I made and the circlip fixing I used to stop it coming apart. In my opinion you would be better off just using the Force front derailleur if it is only the cage you are looking to change out because to my eye when comparing the two derailleurs side by side there appears to be very little difference between the derailleurs apart from the material of the cage and screws.