jchabalk 

Hi there - I'm switching from a road setup to a touring setup and am hoping to keep my front derailleur, a FD-6603 Ultegra SL (10-sp triple). I keep reading the specifications and seeing words of caution.

I'm moving to 9-speed chainrings (48-36-26) which is right at the listed 22t capacity of the derailleur.

I've found this too regarding the derailleur:
"Will work on 9-speed systems if used with 10-speed chain "

Which just doesn't make any sense to me at all.

FDs are pretty much the cheapest part of this equation so i don't mind getting a new one if there's some reason i should. And if i should could you recommend a suitable replacement? I'm using 9-sp dura-ace barcons, pull from under the BB...

thanks in advance!

AEO

you can use a current generation tiagra, or previous generation 105/ultegra/DA which are 9sp.

they recommend using a 10sp chain with the 9sp system because 10sp FDs are a bit narrower than 9sp FDs which can cause undesirable rubbing. while the 10sp chain has the same inner width as a 9sp so it's no big deal.


since you're using barcons, which I assume are friction, you have infinite trim and don't have to worry about the FD rubbing like indexed shifters and can use both 9 and 10sp chains.

9sp chains will last longer than 10sp chains and are a bit more durable, that's for sure.

DMF 

A FD "sees" only the chain. 9 and 10-speed chains are different widths, so a 10-speed dérailleur is designed for a 10-speed chain. A 10-speed chain will work with 9-speed cogs. So there you are.

If you feel you need a 9-speed chain (and for touring I would), then a 9-speed FD is the way to go.

Jeff Wills

Since you're using bar-end shifters, any question about cable-pull compatibility goes out the window, but...

The FD-R453 front derailleur is designed to use the longer, "MTB" cable pull. This means it takes less pressure to accomplish the shift. This may or may not be important to you.

meb

The 22t capacity is conservative, so I wouldn't worry about it unless you are going to press for 26 tooth differences on some segments.
The Ultegra cage is optimized for a 52/53 tooth big ring, so shifting would slightly weaker with that fder than other comparable quailty fders. But it;s a mild enough effect I'd probably live with it.