I am working on my 1984 Miyata 610 and I need to address the above. I have done the 27" to 700c conversion and will be using a 8 speed 11-32 cassette. The crank will be 50-39-28,for now.
The FD that came with the bike was for "half step" gearing so I am not sure that it would work. I will be using Ultegra bar end shifters.
After reading a bit of Sheldon Brown it seems to indicate that almost any FD for a triple would work. Is this correct? If so or if not what should I be looking for
Again thanks!! Can't wait to get this on the road!!

With bar ends yes you have a bit more leeway just be sure it can handle the 50T.

Tom,

What did you end up choosing for your rear derailleur? IMO, even if they don't "match," I like things to compliment each other. Because you're doing a triple, you probably want to have an ATB/MTB front derailleur- so the choice comes down to what kind of class you've chosen for the rear. My personal favorite front derailleur is the Suntour Mountech. If you ended up choosing the Ultegra RD, depending on the year, the corresponding triple FD would be a good choice. Other really swell silver Shimano triple FDs are the MT-60 and the Z206.

You can also never really go wrong with Shimano's Deore XT or Suntour's XC Pro (or XC Comp). (But not MD- Micro Drive- made for small chainrings.)

I have an Ultegra 6700 that I took off our tandem. My understanding is the capacity for a cassette is 28 but it may work for a 32. When I get the cassette I am going to give it a shot.

After doing a bit of looking- If your bike was stock- the stock FD was the Mountech.

I haven't been able to keep up with all of the threads about this bike, so I don't know where you're intending to go with this. Modern shifting?

IMO, if you're using an RD as new as that- and you're planning on using modern shifting, I suppose you'll need a derailleur that's compatible with your shifters, and in turn, compatible with your chainrings.

A rad idea... Unless you NEED the additional range of multiple chainrings, omit the front derailleur entirely! With today's wide-range rear derailleurs, more and more bikes really don't need the multiple chain rings at all. Additional reliability can be had with cyclocross type chain guards, and the chain line is less complex with a single front ring. The bike is cleaner, lighter, and simpler without the complication of multiple chainrings.

Singlering a touring bike? I understand you typed out your reasoning for the suggestion, but I would still ask- why? Looks like the poster is even shooting for some gearing that would work for touring with a 28-32 mix for inclines when loaded.

Since you have shimano bar ends and a shimano RD, stick with shimano for the FD if for no other reason than at least having all the same company.

Deore models, assuming good shape, are always a good option, though some versions wont fit the look of the RD as Deore FDs usually have a piece of black plastic on the front, so they aren't all metal.

shimano triple front derailleur | eBay - have at it!

I've got a triple "half step + granny" on my Trek 520. It has a ordinary looking 80's model Shimano FD. Has a Shimano Deore RD. Make sure whatever FD you select that the radius can handle 50 teeth. That really shouldn't be a big deal. It's a common size. My favorite cheap ass derailleur equipment is Sora by Shimano. Works just as good as the high price stuff.