Just an update on my experiments with a new front derailleur and my current 46/40/30 triple setup. I replaced my Ultegra 6503 triple front derailleur with a Shimano CX70 cyclocross derailleur. I want to remind everyone that I use a down tube friction setup for the front shifting.
So far, the CX70 works better than the Ultegra derailleur that i replaced it with. The next thing that I will experiment with is expanding the range of chainrings with this new derailleur. It is only rated to handle a max range of 16t, but I want to see if I can push it to 20t. It looks like there is room in the derailleur cage to handle a bigger range. I will probably go 46/40/26 or 48/40/28.