Evening,

Well, I am one problem away from finishing my Motobecane GR restoration. Here's the deal.

I have a 46/30 double TA crankset, and am trying to use my Campy Super Record front derailleur. The shifter can't handle the spread between the 46/30 combo (at least where I have it positioned. Is anyone running this combo successfully? If it is just too big a spread for this DR, can anyone suggest a shifter that can? It's my preference to stick w Campy, but it is also my preference to be able to shift up to the larger chainring, so I'm open to anything.

Thanks for your help.

I would thing the shifter have more than enough pull for a double, almost all can do a triple. So it's likely that travel isn't your problem, adjustment is. When shifting up is the FD hitting it's limit of travel? Are the adjustment screws proper? One other thing that could be an issue, chainline. If the BB and crank aren't well matched the crank may be too far outboard for the travel of the FD.

Just some thoughts.

I think the BB and crank are OK. It's a TA BB, and there is not much excess space between the chainrings and the seat stays. It all worked fine when I had the 42/49 combo that came on the bike. It's when I switched to the 30/46 ( and took the DR off the frame to paint). When I go to shift from low to high, the cage just jams the chain into the side of the 46 ring and binds. Could it be something as simple as I just have the DR too low down on the seattube?

Yep, raise it 5mm or so and see what happens.

I've used NR on triples for years without a problem. Is it not shifting to the smaller or the larger? If smaller, try releasing the cable, adjusting the stop then reinstalling cable. If pulled tight, then the inner stop moved, it will never move in any more because the cable tension is holding it.

I setup height with about 1/8" clearance to the larger chainring. Align the cage to the chain in the center position on the freewheel on the inner ring. Spin slightly from there if needed.

Could be the spread of the chainrings. I'm running a couple 28/42/49s with no troubles.

I will try to take some photos to help explore possible problems. At this point I have to remind myself that I started this with the simple intent to learn not specifically to earn. With that in mind I may just disassemble everything down to the frame and try to solve the mystery. Can always use the tires on another bike.

When I've had problems with FD adjustment, it is often a matter of needing to slightly rotate the FD on the tube ever so slightly. Also, if you are moving the FD higher or lower on the seat tube, be sure to re-zero the cable pull before attempting to set it up. My apologies if this is basic stuff you already know. Feel free to ask questions if it is not clear. Good luck solving the problem.

Ok. Got it fixed. Just had to raise it a bit. Finally, my Moto is done! Thanks for everyones help on this project.

Lets see some pics now.......