Road Cycling - Ultegra FD question ...

I recently switched from a triple to a double Ultegra set-up. LBS changed the crank, BB, RD, and front return.

Newbie question is: is this all that should have been changed? It seems I have to adjust the FD more now to keep it from rubbing.

Also, the shifting is rougher in that sometimes it seems to clunk around the teeth in certain gears, almost like a clutch slipping in a car, and just seems less prcise in general.

Are these all issues of adjustment?

Thanks in advance! Time for my daily bike ride!!

My FD (Tiagra) does the same thing. The LBS told me I have to feather it in place when I shift. I'm new to this whole road bike thing so I took it as gospel. But I admit it is a lot easier to shift the FD on my MTB.

yeah, i'd say they should have changed the front derailluer too. and also, if you're using STis maybe the front brake/shifter, unless your's already has the trim adjustment (the shift point that doesn't really shift gears). FDs for triples tend to be larger and able to accomodate all three rings.

CHAIN

A triple FD has a deeper cage than a double. It'll work but, yes, it'll be more finicky (the difference between the two chainrings is greater, plus the deeper cage, you get more rubbing).

RichC

Dang - I gave my LBS manager a list of things I thought should be swapped out (including the FD and chain) based on what I'd read in other threads. he said the FD was the SAME and the chain didn't need swapping out, and that he'd done "hundreds" of these conversions ... guess I'll have to go back.

Curious - what does the chane swap do?

Also, the chain feels like it's not engaging on the 3rd and 4th cog - is this due to not replacing the chain?

Again, thanks in advance for answering these newbie questions!

I'm not sure you need to swap the chain. It probably needs to have some links taken out to be shortened though.

You don't need a different chain. I think what the verbose Mr. Shokhead may have been driving at was that your symptoms may indicate chain wear. But since you didn't change out the cassette, it's hard to say.

The chain may have too much slack for a short-cage rear derailleur, too.

RichC

Thanks God for the internet as a research tool - sure enough, there IS a different part for the Triple FD vs. the Double FD.

Thanks guys/gals.

Re: the chain, it's relatively new - in fact, all of the components were, since the bike had about 300 miles on it when I switched to a double.