I guess I forgot to mention that I actually intend to use the Tiagra FD, not the 105, since I've heard the Tiagra is better for a triple. Does anybody have any ideas on that?
I played around with my road bike awhile back and put a 11-34 on it with a Shimano Deore rear derailleur. It is equipped with 105 components. The 105 front dearraileur worked well because I did not change the 52/40/30 crankset. The 105 shifters also worked fine. I only ran it this way for a short time before switching it back to the original 11-27 and 105 rear derailleur. However, I did put the Deore and 11-34 on another road bike equipped with Tiagra components, and it works well.
I agree with most folks about the versatility of the Tiagra front derailleur. The Tiagra 4503 triple is getting harder to find. I just purchased one just in case I might need a replacement in the future. Chain Reaction Cycles in the UK @$26 pus $10 shipping. Still a pretty good deal, especially if this is what you really want.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=21805
We have 4 touring bikes in our family, all built up using the Tiagra 4503 front derailleur. All four of the bikes are running 44/32/22 cranksets, and the Tiagra works very smoothly. I can adjust the derailleur so there is no chain rub even while cross chaining (not-recommended) at both the high and low ends.
This is the setup used on all 4 touring bikes: Tiagra 4503 FDs, Sugino DX 500-44/32/22 cranksets, LX rear derailleurs, XT 11-34 9 speed cassettes, Sram chains, and Tiagra shifters.
PS. Jensen Cycles have a good deal going on the Shimano LX right now. I may also pick up one of these "just in case".
http://www.jensonusa.com/Rear-Derail...ear-Derailleur