DGULL, From what I've read about the Microshift parts, they're good quality and the ratcheting FD lever should be compatible with any FD, like the older Campagnolo. The pull ratio for the RD is compatible with Shimano 7S-10S road, excepting 10S Tiagra, and 7S-9S mountain RDs. If I were considering another touring bike build, I would strongly consider Microshift.

In the olden days a 1/2 step + granny crank set worked to close up ratios on 5S and 6S touring bikes. I like to use a fairly close ratio rear cassette and a triple crank set to achieve the same thing. My triples are primarily used as doubles with a bail out granny. If you're planning an expedition level touring bike I suggest using a triple crank set.

Brad

PS If any of the data I read is incorrect, please correct.

Wow, what a resource! This should save me from posting so many questions, or at the very least, help me cross-check and understand answers more easily.

Bianchi 10.jpg

Tiagra 10 speed shifters & compact crank. XT rear mech & CX front mech. 12? /32 cassette. All play very well together on my commuter / gravel bike.

Tiagra 4600, the older version, should work fine.
The new 4700, not so much.

Both are 10 speed. The OP is considering mixing the 4700 one with MTB RDs.

Thank you all for the help / advice.

I have gone for a more straightforward setup consisting of

Shimano 105 5700 10sp Shifters
Shimano FC-R460 chainset (46.34t)
Shimano 105 FD
Shimano XT M771 10sp MTB cassette (11-36t)
Shimano RD-M592 Deore 9sp RD

Gives me 25 - 112"

I'll see how it goes and re evaluate if necessary.

If anybody sees any reason why this would not match together (sufficiently) please let me know where i've gone wrong!

Thanks,
Dan

DGULL < I recently resurrected a '88 DB Apex Rigid frame Mtn Bike. I took it from a 7-spd triple to 10-spd triple with the following components that sound very similar to what you're doing;

SHIMANO Deore LX RD-T661 MTB Bicycle 9-speed Rear Derailleur SGS
SRAM PG 1050 10 speed cassette 12-32 PG1050 12/32
Shimano Ultegra CN-6701 10 Speed Super Narrow Road Bike Chain

Shimano Deore M590 9 Speed Triple Chainset 175mm 48.36.26 (BB included)
Shimano 105 5703 Triple STI Shifter
Shimano 105 5703 Triple 10sp Band On Front Mech
Mavic XM 317 Wheelset 26" MTB Rim Shimano Deore Hub

Origin8 Stem MTB Quill Adapter 22.2/28.6 Black
FSA Gossamer New Ergo Road Handlebars, 31.8, 44cm

The only issue that I haven't yet fully worked out is the FD is a little picky about getting into the inner 26t ring.

Pictures posting as soon as the rain stops...