socal619

My Tiagra front derailleur just broke (a chunk of metal actually broke off) and I need to replace it. I just have some general compatability questions, so I can be sure I get a part that fits.

Its a braze-on, so obviously the replacement will have to be the same. I have a triple chain ring and a 9-speed set up. Am I pretty much limited to the same type of front derailleur? Can I install a FD intended for a double, if I never shift to the small chain ring and plan to change to a compact double? Does the FD have to specifically say it's made for a 9-speed? What about compatability with other brands like Campy or SRAM?

Thanks in advance.

Al1943

It would be best to replace it with a Shimano 9-speed triple derailleur (other than D-A). The answers to your other questions fall into the "well, maybe" gray area.

vpiuva

A double may not have the "throw" to reach the outside (largest) chainring like the correct triple would.
Any 8, 9 , or 10 speed would work. Do not mix mountain bike front derailleurs with road shifters and vice-versa

I've mixed a Campy FD with a Shimano brifter with absolutely no problems. (mixing 10s w/ 8s no less)

Now if you're going to change to a compact do that and the FD change at the same time, otherwise you'll have to change the FD again.

WNG

Another deciding factor is whether your FD shifter is indexed or friction.
Friction....you have a lot of options to get many combos to work.

Indexed only....from limited, to ***** out of luck.

Curious, how did it break? Front derailleur failure is rare. Any pics?

socal619

I'm not sure when it broke, possibly on my last ride, though I didnt notice. I rarely ever shift the front anyway. I havent ridden in a week, since my back has been killing me. Don't think anything could have happened while the bike was sitting there against my couch.

The part that broke was the piece that gives resistance to the spring, giving it tension. Now the spring isn't attached to anything and just spins around freely. There is no tension on the cable anymore. I don't know how big the part is that broke off, but I can see the metal where something broke off. I didn't figure it out until I was going for my ride today, I noticed the chain rubbing the cage on the FD and tried to adjust it a tick. It shifted to the big chainring and then I got no resistance on the shift lever. Oh well, guess I'm riding my fixed gear 'til I get an FD for the roadie.

blamp28

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ra+Fd4500.aspx
Check the drop down box for braze on. $37.99

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...erailleur.aspx
105 for only $40.99 better choice.

socal619

Alright, so looking at the choice of frond derailleurs I noticed that the Tiagra is the only one that specifically says 9-spd. 105 and up all say 10 spd, will I have any problem with chain compatabilty and what not? I'd really like to upgrade as long as I have to replace it, but I don't have the money to replace the whole group.