Front Derailleur help please
#1
Thread Starter
awaiting uci approval
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix RC 06
Front Derailleur help please
I'm trying to fix up a friends bike and cannot get the front derailleur to shift.
The bike was bought second hand so I can't be sure exactly what's on there and what should be on there. It definitely has ultegra rear derailleur, 10-speed cassette, and 10 speed 105 shifter (the rear shifting is fine). The front had a much older crank than I would have expected and wasn't as spec'd for the new bike; I replaced that with a modern double crank. The front shifter feels like it has three clicks but it's a little sloppy and I can't tell if it's just 2 clicks and a trim. The front derailleur is an FSA energy (looks like about a 2006). The cage looks wider when compared to a new Ultegra.
The cage doesn't seem to pick up the chain; it doesn't move far enough. Is it possible that the derailleur is for a triple and is there a way to get that to work on a double?
Many thanks,
Tom
The bike was bought second hand so I can't be sure exactly what's on there and what should be on there. It definitely has ultegra rear derailleur, 10-speed cassette, and 10 speed 105 shifter (the rear shifting is fine). The front had a much older crank than I would have expected and wasn't as spec'd for the new bike; I replaced that with a modern double crank. The front shifter feels like it has three clicks but it's a little sloppy and I can't tell if it's just 2 clicks and a trim. The front derailleur is an FSA energy (looks like about a 2006). The cage looks wider when compared to a new Ultegra.
The cage doesn't seem to pick up the chain; it doesn't move far enough. Is it possible that the derailleur is for a triple and is there a way to get that to work on a double?
Many thanks,
Tom
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,438
Likes: 9
From: Oklahoma
Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50
All 105 shifters are double/triple compatible, there are no differences within a generation (like 10-speed). A triple front derailleur can work with a double crankset but not as well as a double front derailleur. Yes the triple FD will be wider rail-to-rail.
My best suggestion is to use the derailleur adjustment instructions found at https://www.parktool.com. Be sure to do each step in proper sequence. Be sure the derailleur is low enough and properly positioned.
Instructions are also available at https://www.shimano.com.
Cleaning out the insides of STI shifters with WD40 often improves shifting performance. New shift cables and cable housings can also improve shifting.
Al
My best suggestion is to use the derailleur adjustment instructions found at https://www.parktool.com. Be sure to do each step in proper sequence. Be sure the derailleur is low enough and properly positioned.
Instructions are also available at https://www.shimano.com.
Cleaning out the insides of STI shifters with WD40 often improves shifting performance. New shift cables and cable housings can also improve shifting.
Al





