Front Derailleur Replacment
 

I would like to replace my front derailleur. The rear derailleur is a Shimano 105 nine speed. The current front derailleur is a triple chain Shimano without a model stamped on it. (I was told it also was a 105, but I have my doubts.) Could I replace the front derailleur with any Ultegra triple, (I’m looking at the 6503,) or are they other considerations I have to take into account in order to insure compatibility?

Thanks!

The 6503 will work.

9-speed Ultegra and 105 Triples are functionally interchangable.

Sure, you can replace it with an Ultegra front derailer. Just make sure it's meant for the same size chainrings (I believe most of the Shimano road triple FDs are meant for 52/40/30), and has the appropriate clamp size to fit your seat tube.

But frankly... why? :) I ask because a lot of people are unhappy with their front shifting performance and decide that a new FD is what they need. It's usually not gonna get you anything at all... Careful adjustments are almost certain to help you much more. Indexed front shifting is notoriously finicky, and requires careful positioning of the derailer and adjustment of the limit screws to work right. A well-adjusted low-end FD will shift much better than a badly adjusted Ultegra!!!

Here's the Park Tool guide on how to adjust your FD: http://parktool.com/repair_help/howf...railleur.shtml You'll find no shortage of bikeforums threads on the topic :)

9 speed shimano triples with the exception of DA are 52/42/30

Thank you Sydney, HillRider and Moxfyre. I sincerely appreciate the responses. With all the attempts I have made to adjust the front derailleur, shifting still “stinks.” I found the Shimano 6503 on Price Point for $39.00. For about $50.00, ($39.00 plus shipping,) I guess I’ll see if an upgraded derailleur really will make a difference. Thanks again!