Zaphod Beeblebrox 

I'm considering putting a triple crankset on my Raleigh. I'm currenly using a 1st gen. Suntour Cyclone FD on a double crankset, are there any concerns I should have with switching over to a triple?

unworthy1

it's rated for a maximum tooth difference of 18 teeth, so that could be the limitation. Velobase says that the 2nd generation Cyclones have been used with triples, but don't say that about the first gen., however I think it might work as long as you stay close to a 18t difference.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

18t difference between the Big and Small chainwheel?

So I should be able to get away with a 52-34?

That would solve my problems both personal and scientific. Thank you!

2Fer

First gen. Cyclone derailler with triple SR Apex 52-47-34 Crankset. OEM on 1981 Miyata 1000.
No Problemo...........
2Fer

illwafer

will probably work. the only problem i could see is if your BB is too long and the reach out to the big ring is too much.

nlerner

I've used Gen. 1 Cyclone FDs on compact doubles, and, iirc, they worked fine, i.e., the cage is long enough so that the chain will clear when it's in the small ring on the front and one of the smaller rings on the rear. But my usual back-up is to use an 80s MTB FD with a 28.6mm clamp, e.g., Deore LX or SunTour Mountech. Those were designed for triples.

Neal

beech333

Came stock on old Fuji America as well. No problems here.

Ex Pres 

I'm running a 52/34 double on my BF acquired Ranson (thx Business810) with a Cyclone FD - endless band style. Works flawlessly.

JunkYardBike

The issue would be on a triple with a difference greater than 10 teeth between the middle and the outer chainring. Actually, they perform better with half step triples with about half that difference. I've used a second generation Cyclone on a 52-42-30 setup and it worked, but it was rough sometimes from the 30 to the 42. The problem doesn't occur on a compact double because when upshifting to the large chainring the chain makes positive contact with the 'meat' of the inner cage plate. From something like a 30 small to 42 middle, the narrow end of the FD cage is doing all the work. That's why modern road and MTB triple FDs have such deep inner plate designs - and why I use them if I have the choice.