Tricky Tricross front derailleur

[Richard8655]

Sorry to post so often here as a newbie.

Have any other Tricross owners experienced sensitive front derailleurs? Particularly the Shimano 105 on the Tricross Comp.

Having difficulty getting used to it. Seems to require a couple change clicks, especially coming down from largest front chain ring. And a bit of held pressure to go back up.

LBS said couple click attempts along with pressure is required on front due to the chain angle with rear Ultegra. Made some screw tension adjustment on my own that helped a lot.

[2wheel-lee]

I also have a Tricross Comp. My setup performs flawlessly. I don't think there are any problems inherent with the drivetrain of the Comp. Either you're not used to shifting (or the trim function of the levers), or something is not adjusted properly.

[Richard8655]

Thanks. Am aware of shifting functions on the Comp, but not "trim". Shifting appears to be a one click positive action without any intermediate variation, unless I'm wrong and not familiar with this drivetrain technology. Perhaps you can explain.

I did have to adjust front derailleur tension and now reaches all 3 chain rings.

[gobes]

I have a 2008 tricross sport with a tiagra front derailleur and it is the best front shifting bike that I've ridden. I attribute that to good setup at the bike shop where I bought it.

It sounds to me like you just need to have it adjusted well.

[Richard8655]

Yes, works fine now (my own adjustment), thanks. But I can't believe it shifts "flawlessy" for everyone every single time unless acquired by skill gained with experience over time.

I find it needs practiced hand pressure for consistent proper shifting. I think those who see it working near perfectly must be long-time Tricross owners versus newcomers to this bike and drive train.

[dirtyphotons]

did you check the limit screws?

usually that's something i look at when the chain is actually falling off, but out of wack limits can interfere with shifting between rings as well. i had problems shifting on my lemond and tried every concievable cable tension from droopy loose to piano string tight, no luck. about a turn and a half of the outer limit screw did the trick.

park tool has a good article on setting limit screws and i remember seeing a video where leonard zinn shows you how to do it. i'm thinking it was a velonews podcast.

[Richard8655]

Yes, that helped. Thanks dirtyphotons (what a handle!). But I still maintain that front derailleur shifting is touchier than rear, probably on all bike brands.

[2wheel-lee]

Here is some information regarding trimming.

My Tricross came from the dealer shifting horribly, so I took it onto myself to adjust it properly (I have a lot of experience with this stuff - probably more than most average shop techs).

[Richard8655]

Thanks 2wheel-lee, these instructions were exactly what I needed. (I wonder why they don't come with the bike?)

[knobster]

Mine shifts fine, but I do have to pay attention to the shifters. I do feather it sometimes to get it to the place that I want. I think you're right about the experience with it. People figure out how to make their system work perfectly and after awhile, it becomes second nature.