Exage and 200GS FD's. Interchange??
 

I just got an old MTB with a triple front and 200GS, and I think the FD is shot. Can I swap in an Exage FD without any issues?,,,,BD

Probably. Shimano mtb front deraillers of the same era should be compatible in terms of how far they move per amount of cable pulled.

For the record, nearly all shimano rear deraillers produced since the advent of indexed shifting are compatible with each other (with the exception of pre-9-speed Dura Ace). But you could use a 105 rear derailler from 1987, originally packaged with 6-speed indexed down-tube shifters and freewheel, with 10-speed STI shifters and cassette.

Front derailler compatibility is much less contiguous, with different standards for road and mountain stuff, changing at various points over time.

I'm trying, but I'm ALL kinds of trouble with it shifting. The issue (on both derailleurs) is that doesn't seem to travel enough on the first shift, to hit the middle ring.( going large to middle) the chain only scrapes the derailleur. If I adjust it to where it will hit the middle ring, then it will not travel to hit the biggest ring going up, and jumps all the way down to the first ring while going down to the smallest. Going big to small, the first shift won't get the chain to the middle, but the second jumps it all the way down to the smallest. Hard to explain.....sigh.,,,,BD

Now I know why I like single fronts, lol.

Could be the shifters. I recently reconditioned a bike with an Exage group. Everything works well, except the shifter refuses to give enough pull to shift to the largest ring. It's highly doubtful your FD is shot...if it doesn't move, there's a problem. If it moves freely and the stops are properly set, it's more likely to be a problem with the shifters.

+1 on the likelihood of the problem being in the shifters and not the derailleurs. The derailleurs you mention should interchange with no problem. What kind of shifter is it? Early indexed front mtb shifters left a lot to be desired in my opinion, particularly the lower end ones. You might try a WD-40 flush of the inner workings of the shifter-

Low line Shimano hubs aren't alone in coming from the factory a bit too tight. A few months ago I built up a bike with brand new Campy Chorus hubs and they needed a bit of bearing adjustment as they were a bit too tight as received. New hubs from any maker and any quality level should be checked before thay are put into service.

I think you meant to put this in the "Shimano hub" thread. :D

1) Yes
2) Index triple FDs are a PITA to set up even when everything is working right. Go to the Park Tool website and check out their instructions.
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You can adjust the shifter? So far I can either have it to where I can use the top two, or bottom two, but not all three. It's like the first shift from big to little doesn't go far enough. There's no slop anywhere in the shifter. Very loud positive clicks, just not enough travel on the first notch. If the shifter can be adjusted (independent of cable length) I would love to know how. They're STI (Shimano total integration) So replacing the shifter could get pricey.(Not to mention hard to find, right?),,,,BD

Looking more like single front conversion time. Great riding bike, though!!!

Any options for a replacement rear shifter, with no brake lever? I would rather the levers match.

You can adjust the shifter, but the real trick is getting the FD just right on the big chainring and chain and getting the cable position perfect.
I had a hell of a time setting up the triple front on my Miyata Triplecross until I looked at the Park site; after that, all It took was time. Now it's spot-on, and with a kinda wierd setup-Exage 500CX cranks, Biopace 50/38/28 rings, and Exage 500LX FD. 7-speed 105 DTs on Kelly take-offs.
Ditto with my Fuji ATB.
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I just got through with a quick read of the parktool article on FD's. It actually made sense, lol. I will try it Saturday. I rode it all the way to work and back on the largest ring without even straining. As flat as it is here, the only hills are freeway overpasses.,,,,BD