diarmuid

Hi

I'm in the final stages of building up a Surly LHT frame for touring and am confused over what front mechs work with friction shifting.

I'll be running 20-34-46 up front, 8 speed cassette, XT rear mech and
Shimano 8 speed bar ends (friction on the front).

I've never used friction before and im not sure if this means i can
use any front mech or whether the usual considerations in selecting a
derailleur apply i.e. in this case searching for a front mech with 26T
capacity.

I ask because nearly every current MTB front mech i've checked is only
rated 22T capacity, only a few older models have 26T capacity and are
very difficult to find. (front mech capacities listed here for anyone interested:
https://www.fa-technik.adfc.de/Kompon...fer/index.html).

I'm hoping the consensus is any MTB/Road front mech will work as i
came across a nicely priced 8 speed shimano sora mech today.

Thanks for reading

Diarmuid

maddmaxx 

Friction will work, but the 34-20 is a pretty big gap.

Bill Kapaun

Friction will give you "infinite" trim positions, so in that respect, one might consider it better than indexed.

HillRider

Right, but even indexing can handle it and for friction it's a no-brainer. Just don't expect super fast shifts. I have a bunch of road cranks regeared to 52/42/26 or even 53/42/26 and the 42 to 26 (or 26 to 42) shift works fine with both STI and Ergo indexing shifters and one bike with friction barend shifters.

cmcanulty

That chart is awesome, really hard to find that info, thanks!

diarmuid

Thanks to you all for the replies

cmdr

One word of caution, if you are using an older crank i.e. one without shift ramps and pins and a newer FD you will have shifting problems. If you use an older crank get an older FD; one with a flat back cage plate

cmcanulty

Also set the height as close as possible to large ring, like 1mm clearance and that will help

Chuckie J.

I agree. Great chart. My German is limited to "frou" and "shizer" What do some of the headings mean? In particular: "m" and "TM"