Bicycle Mechanics - Changing from double to triple chainring

I am trying to chage from a double to triple chainring. I have Ultegra FD, RD, STI's, and a 9 speed cassette. My thoughts are to change the RD, FD, and obviously the chainring. This sounds way too simple. What am I missing? Thanks in advance!

I know I already posted this in the general forum, but I thought the matter would be more appropiate here. Sorry, I'm still getting the hang of this great resource!

Timmy,
You will need to replace your bottom bracket with one with a longer spindle. The crankset you choose should tell you what spindle length you need, probably around 118 or 120 mm. Your LBS can help you with this. You MAY be able to get away with your current rear der. Try the new setup with it. If it doesn't seem to be shifting properly through the range then replace it.
Regards,
Raymond

Let me see if I'm on the right page here...I will need a new front derailer, crankset, BB, and maybe rear der? Anything else?

Also, I am pretty mechanically inclined, but have never really worked on bikes. If I had the tools, is this a project I could tackle on my own, learning by reading and internet, or would I be better off to take it to a bike shop? Will most lbs's install my own parts?

Thanks!

Look at it this way -- unless you already have them, you'll spend 20-30 bucks or more buying the special tools you will need for the job (crank puller and bottom bracket tool at least), which wouldn't be much less than the labor charge to have a shop do it for you. They shouldn't have a problem using your parts as long as they're the right parts.

I have access to a good set of bike tools, would you think I could take care of this on my own, or is it likely I could really screw the bike up having not done this before?

Originally posted by Timmy
I have access to a good set of bike tools, would you think I could take care of this on my own, or is it likely I could really screw the bike up having not done this before?

If you are careful and mechanically inclined, by all means attempt the conversion yourself, particularly if you have a friend who can provide accurate, helpful hints. If you do not try for too wide a gear range, you may be able to use your existing rear derailleur. (My short-cage SunTour Cyclone II rear derailleur has just enough wrap capacity for my 48-45-34 / 13-23 18-speed setup.)

Originally posted by Timmy
Will most lbs's install my own parts?

Yes, but a halfway decent shop would do it for free or at least at a reduced rate if you bought the stuff from them. If you read the directions that come with the parts you really can't screw it up.

I'm sure any LBS will install your parts and just charge you for labor. Don't go in expecting them to install all those parts for 10 bucks. It is more likely to be $40, one hour of labor. Mine will install stuff free if I buy it from them. That makes their prices look pretty attractive in my opinion! I still do most of my own work, but I often get them to order things for me then let them install them, even things I could easily do myself or even would like to do myself but know it will be a while before I get time.

The only part that might give you a little trouble is the bb. They are usually installed pretty tightly. Most other things just bolt on so you can't really screw things up too badly. However, they still have to be bolted on correctly to operate properly, and, in the case of derailleurs, for instance, can be easier to install than they are to get adjusted properly.

Originally posted by Timmy
I will need a new front derailer, crankset, BB, and maybe rear der? Anything else?
Front shift lever?

Are the newer Ultegra STI left levers (like I have) compatible with both 2 and 3 chainrings?

Ultegra, 105, and Tiagra STI levers swing both ways. Dura Ace is double- or triple-specific.

Anyone know if the Suntour Superbe Pro front derailleur can accomodate a triple chainring? (For a Miyata 1000)

Are the newer Ultegra STI left levers (like I have) compatible with both 2 and 3 chainrings?

9-speed Ultegra shifters go both ways, double or triple. (10-speed Ultegras are specific double or triple.)

It would be better to run a long cage rear derailleur with a triple. When running on the smallest chainring and smaller cogs you will have too much chain slack with a short cage derailleur.

The Ultegra 9-speed triple bottom bracket is BB 6503, 118.5 mm spindle length.

Al