HardyWeinberg

Hello;

I have a 3x9 tiagra front derailer (4403) and the thing the spring pushes against snapped off, so I need to replace it. They don't seem to make 3x9 tiagra anymore.

Could anyone suggest if my best bet to get the bike back to working the way it was would be to hunt down a tiagra 3x9 off ebay, or rather to try a mtn bike derailer? Or go down a step to sora or whatever 3x9 FD shimano still deigns to make?

The chainrings are 48, 36, 24. Seems like most mtn bike derailers wouldn't like a big ring that big, and naturally most road derailers wouldn't like a small ring that small.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

ps-> I have seen the 3x10 tiagra in stores and on the one hand it looks flimsier than the 3x9 I have, but on the other hand my less flimsy looking one has nevertheless stressed and snapped so it's not so bombproof either.

trailangel

Alpina-D Front Derailleurs

wschruba

The IRD Alpina is a decent quality derailleur for use with a compact triple. You may run into issues with rubbing if you don't have a middle-trim position.

dsbrantjr

Have a look at Microshift's offerings: microSHIFT -The best control system

HardyWeinberg

Thanks! Re middle trim, front shifting is friction.

Bike Gremlin

MTB FDs often manage 48 T big ring. Many models made for 48-38-28.

If you have friction shifters, any FD will work well, as long ans it's a triple, and has cage built for your chainring size (check that).

Detailed list of FD compatibility considerations is here:
5) Bicycle front derailleur compatibility - Cycle Gremlin

cyccommute 

I've suggested Tiagra in the past but, unfortunately, I don't suggest them now because I've had a number of them fail in just the same manner as yours has.

The Microshift is a pretty good replacement. It's not very expensive and, so far, hasn't failed.

The IRD Alpina is okay but it has some warts. First it's only available in a braze-on fitting. It comes with a clamp...although the one I purchased didn't...which makes set up a bit more complicated. Even after it's been set up, the derailer is more finicky than the Tiagra. It's just not as easy to tune and it has some rubbing issues like the higher end Shimano road derailers do. It also doesn't play that nice with smaller chainrings. It has to be set a little too high for my tastes with a 46 tooth outer ring. It's okay but not perfect.

Like Slaninar says, you could use mountain bike derailers since you have friction shifting. If you go that route, I would suggest staying away from Shimano's higher end derailers for the same reason that you should avoid their higher end road derailers. The more expensive derailers are much more finicky to set up and use than their cheaper versions.

If you really want the bees knees in mountain derailers, go with Sram. Their mountain derailers are far superior to Shimano's. Even the more expensive ones are easy to set up and have a good positive shift. Their 10 speed ones play nice with 9 speed systems and shouldn't have problems with friction shifters.

HardyWeinberg

I went with the alpina after all, it didn't come with a clamp so I ordered one at the same time so it wound up costing ~$60, not a bargain. But it was a breeze to set up and seems to work fantastically just spinning around the block. Will wait to hear back how my son finds it on the course of his rainy commute. Thanks everybody!

fietsbob

Just focus on the 3 ... the 9 is in the back & completely separated issue.


FD made for 48t big rings are called 'Trekking', as the 48t is on their trekking parts list.

Bill Kapaun

Not when a bit of adjustment might noticeably reduce chain rub in some cross chain positions.

fietsbob

Solution : Avoid cross chain.