Originally Posted by Daily Commute

My front chain rings are dying. I currently have 36/48 chain rings and a Tiagra front derailleur on my Surly Cross Check commuter. There are some good deals on 39/52-53 Ultegra and 105 chain rings on Nashbar and Performance. But the Ultegra ring says it works with "105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace." It does not mention Tiagra. My Tiagra front derailleur w/ bar-end shifters is doing just fine, so I see no need to replace it.

I put 4K+ miles a year on this bike in all weather conditions, oven carrying a load.

Other than having to clamp the derailleur a little higher, is there any reason it could not accomodate the Ultegra or 105 part?

I could also upgrade to a 105 or Ultegra front derailleur for $20 or $30, but would those work with my bar-end shifters? I also see no reason to upgrade when what I have works just fine. I am not prepared to spend the $$$ to upgrade to brake-lever shifters.