Originally Posted by
rosedog09
I ended up with a Microshift FD-M22 from my LBS. I do notice the spring tension is higher, but it seems manageable. I will find out once its fully installed. The Shimano seemed really poorly designed ngl. The limit screws sit on a weak shelf and the metal is really thin.
The Shimano FDs look better designed, in that the linkage is in "double-shear", however this prevents it from mounting flat on my FD adaptor; I'm hoping to use a spacer or maybe just mount it higher. The Microshift instead is a cantilever linkage, not as good a design in that respect, but all aluminum cast parts. The one problem I had was the cable-fixing bolt coming loose. It had a thru-hole for threads, so I replaced with a longer bolt and put a thin nut on the backside to lock the bolt, just thin enough to clear when upshifting, works great. I'm glad I bought a triple FD (originally planned a triple crank), but even though went with compact double 50/34, I like the longer cage as the chain never drags, even when on small/small combo.
My rear derailleur is Shimano Tourney 6/7 speed, bought because it has a claw mount, my bike lacks normal RD mount, works perfect, vast improvement from the original Dahon RD, and a bargain at $13 new at the LBS.