Originally Posted by
cyccommute
It doesn’t make as high a difference as many people think. I am currently running 46 and 48 tooth Shimano Hollowtech II on two road bikes with unmodified road front derailers. Neither is “made” for that small chainring but both function just fine. Shifts are smooth and crisp. I have no issues with the derailer being too long and hitting the frame.
Are these 2-speed derailleurs with triple cranks, or 3-speed derailleurs with double cranks? And are you running these small rings with the derailleurs positioned for 50t or 53t chainrings, or were you able to mount the derailleurs low because they were not direct-mount? Or do you mount the derailleurs high just for the hell of it?