Bicycle Mechanics - How can you tell the difference b/n a two and three ring front derailluer?

How can you tell the difference b/n a two and three ring front derailluer? I want to buy a used three ring front derailluer but I dont know how to tell them apart. :rolleyes:

thanks :D

I believe the cage is shorter and the movement is definitely less.
Where are you getting a der that they would not know?
Lbs is better for parts as they know how to inspect.
Or if you see something, not @ Lbs- do a quick search on the net before buying.
You'll get the info on it capabilities, more important in rear as they have max teeth\ travel.
Sometimes mtbreview is nice as riders compare\ rate components.
Good luck w\ the Ti build up. :)

I do have one for 8 rear, it depends on your seat tube diameter as well, I believe mine is 1 1\8. P.M. if it's something you can use.
Sorry-
31.8mm (1 1/4"), the calipers say.

The cage for a three ring setup will be wider and lower on the back side, so it can pick the chain up off the smallest ring.

The cage for a three ring setup will be wider and lower on the back side, so it can pick the chain up off the smallest ring.
e.g. Front Derailleur for Double

The cage for a three ring setup will be wider and lower on the back side, so it can pick the chain up off the smallest ring.
e.g. Front Derailleur for Triple

A picture is worth a thousand words, thanks.

A picture is worth a thousand words, thanks.

:D :beer:

I'm not a mechanic (nor do I play one on TV) but when I went to a triple I kept my old Dura-Ace derailleur on the bike. Seems to work fine with --- dare I say it? --- Campy Record Ergo shifters.

You need to careful with that cross-faith mechanical doctoring, there Steve. A double will work but a triple is much smoother. With the Ergo shifters you have multiple clicks, rather than a few distinct steps so an Ergo will shift just about any front der. You could stick an old Bakelite Huret on there and (If it didn't break when you installed it) it would work fine.

You need to careful with that cross-faith mechanical doctoring, there Steve. A double will work but a triple is much smoother. With the Ergo shifters you have multiple clicks, rather than a few distinct steps so an Ergo will shift just about any front der. You could stick an old Bakelite Huret on there and (If it didn't break when you installed it) it would work fine.Yeah, I know. I'm just too darn cheap to change something that works (for me).

I went from 2 to 3 on my road bike. My lbs sold me a good used ring for 10 bucks, a longer bb axle for 8 bucks and spacers/bolts for 5 bucks. I kept the old front derailer and it works fine. all for under 30 dollars.

Wow.Those pics and your info really help. THANKS!

and i just bought a new 105 triple for $22