Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano front derailleur compatibility with my shifters- 9/10 sp?

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bbulmann
09-18-12, 01:45 PM
Hi!
I'm fixing up/building up my Jamis Quest Femme and need a new front derailleur. I have ST-R700 shifters (Ultegra level 10 speed) and a FC-700 crank (also Ultegra level 10 speed, kind of an Ultegra predecessor). Rear is all matching 10 speed as well (6600). I happen to have a 6500 front derailleur which was made for Shimano 9 speed systems. Does anyone know if I can use this derailleur or should I buy one specifically for a 6600 or 6700 10 speed groupset? I found some compatibility charts online but didn't really help with the 6500... maybe front derailleurs aren't so picky?
Thanks!

bluenote157
09-18-12, 02:11 PM
It should work. I was running an 8 speed shimano 105 fd on my 10speed setup.
veggie
09-18-12, 03:47 PM
Front derailleurs are not picky, as you said. A road double FD, regardless of make, will work just fine. There is no pull ratio compatibility issues between brands like with a rear derailleur.

Al1943
09-18-12, 07:34 PM
Key question-- is it a double or triple crankset? Triples are more particular.
bobotech
09-18-12, 10:49 PM
I was kind of wondering about this issue myself. I happen to have a couple of older somewhat decent Suntour front road derailleurs. Is their pull ratio the same as more modern Shimano road front derailleurs? In other words, would those old Suntour derailleurs work fine with modern indexing STI shifting, say 7 to 9 speed era components? These Suntour derailleurs are for doubles, not triples. Just kind of would not mind making use of them if the need arises.