Touring - Front Derailleur question?

Hello...

In the process of converting a double to a triple. I know I need a long cage RD but is there anyway I can get away with using my double FD [ultegra 6600] rather than going with a 6603??

thanks!

I think a new front derailleur is a requirement; I believe the FD needs a wider cage to accommodate the triple. I know people who have managed to successfully use shorter cage rear derailleurs by avoiding extreme gear combinations. I would not advise this, however; seems like a good way to break a chain or damage your drivetrain if you try to shift into the wrong gear combo! BTW, in addition to the FD and RD, you'll also need a triple-compatible shifter, and a crank.

If anyone is looking for a used Ultegra SL triple-crank gruppo, send me a PM. I have a complete set of components sitting unused. Keep thinking I should use them to build up a new frame, but it doesn't appear to be happening...

I'd ask this in the mechanic's forum, and be more specific about the frame, parts you have, and gearing. Depending on the bits and pieces, it can be totally trivial (like on a Crosscheck complete) or a huge pain in the ass.

Here are the FD-6600 and 6603 side by side. The 6600's maximum chainring difference capacity is 15, compared to 22 for the 6603. These numbers are conservative, so depending on the chainrings you settle on (perhaps 28-36-46), you may be able to use the FD-6600 as long as you have friction shifters. For example, I'm using a FD-4403, which has an official capacity of 22, with 48-38-24 chainrings. There is still 1.5 cm of space at the bottom of the cage.

The FD-6600 will not work with indexed shifters. The cage is too narrow.

I would recommend that you do not cheap out on this already cheap part. Having to constantly trim the front derailleur is an aggravating task when you're already tired from a day of riding.

https://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/shim_ultegra_fd-6600_frt_de.jpg

Here are the FD-6600 and 6603 side by side. The 6600's maximum chainring difference capacity is 15, compared to 22 for the 6603. These numbers are conservative, so depending on the chainrings you settle on (perhaps 28-36-46), you may be able to use the FD-6600 as long as you have friction shifters. For example, I'm using a FD-4403, which has an official capacity of 22, with 48-38-24 chainrings. There is still 1.5 cm of space at the bottom of the cage.

The FD-6600 will not work with indexed shifters. The cage is too narrow.

I would recommend that you do not cheap out on this already cheap part. Having to constantly trim the front derailleur is an aggravating task when you're already tired from a day of riding.

https://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/shim_ultegra_fd-6600_frt_de.jpg

Thanks Yan and everyone else....

I decided to go with the 6603 and not have to worry about whether it will work or not. I will be using a road triple of 53/39/30 with an IRD 11-34 in the rear and STI shifters and long-cage RD.


Thanks again!