gauvins

The question is: how much difference is "normal" between front and rear derailleurs actuation force?

My previous bike was equipped with Huret Jubilee derailleurs and friction down tube shifters. I have recently built a touring bike with XT 780 (Shimano's "Trekking" group) and must say that I am pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the rapid-fire shifters (much easier to maintain cadence).

I am puzzled, however, by the relative difference in actuation force required to shift between the rear (very light pressure is enough) and front (significant pressure must be applied to climb the chainrings) derailleurs. I don't recall ever noticing such difference with my old bike.

I am currently travelling so I can't ask around or test-ride other bikes. Maybe someone here would know?

Darth Lefty 

Maybe the shifters are gummy. Do a search on how to flush them out and lube them, it can make a huge difference. Or maybe you're just not used to the travel difference. The right shifter can go down three cogs in the same press that the left shifter goes up only one ring.

gauvins

Everything is brand new (and there is no evidence of malfunction).

Jamminatrix

Pretty standard experience if it's your first time with indexed trigger shifters.

Front derailleur springs are much stronger since the inherent design of knocking a chain off a ring to a smaller one requires significant force (since chain is under pedaling load), whereas rear derailleur is just guiding the chain (under idle tension from derailleur itself).

Downtube shifters offer a lot more leverage so it's not as noticeable; and modern derailleur springs are much stronger than older generations, which also make it not as noticeable.

gauvins

thanks