Sram Red eTap FD Question
#1
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Sram Red eTap FD Question
When setting the height of the FD relative to large chainring teeth, 1-2mm (as stated in the setup guide) the chain rubs agains the tab that is part of the outter cage and makes a right angle turn across the top of the chain. I have to set the outter cage around 5mm to clear this tab. Am I doing something wrong? FD shifts fine, just cannot set to SRAM spec of 1-2mm.






#2
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From: San Diego
Bikes: Columbine, Lynskey GR300, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super (4), Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha (retired), Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
Some info on the rest of your setup would help, but I've found that a bit of tweaking (sometimes a bit outside specs) can be required to get SRAM shifting perfect.
#3
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Setup: 2006 Serotta MeiVici, Mavic Ksyrium Wheels, SRAM Red etap 11sp (FD, Rd, Brakes) Dura Ace R9000 Crank 52/36, Dura Ace 11sp cassette and chain.
shifts totally fine with current adjustment as pictured above.
#4
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Bikes: Columbine, Lynskey GR300, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super (4), Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha (retired), Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
I'd just leave it since it shifts fine. With that combination of Shimano and SRAM, you'd need to find someone with that combination to give you a specific answer.
#5
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thanks for your input.
tim
#6
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I can’t imagine a SRAM chainring and chain would be that different in profile. They are a bit smaller I think with a lower small cog tooth count too. But would that help them clear that?
What is that tab even doing there? Is it a safety feature for mountain bikers?
What is that tab even doing there? Is it a safety feature for mountain bikers?
Last edited by choddo; 08-31-25 at 01:21 AM.
#7
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Have no idea what the tab is for that’s causing the issue setting to spec, but still shifts totally fine. May reach out to SRAM.
#8
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FWIW the last time I reinstalled my Etap Red front derailer I set it up exactly as specified in SRAM’s manual. Like, *exactly* with sub-millimeter precision.
it shifted like crap.
So I brought it to my LBS and their wrench did some magic and it worked great. When I asked him what he did, he said “I just moved it until it worked.”
Looking at it and measuring its position now, it seems totally out-of-spec…but it works great!
:shrugs:
it shifted like crap.
So I brought it to my LBS and their wrench did some magic and it worked great. When I asked him what he did, he said “I just moved it until it worked.”
Looking at it and measuring its position now, it seems totally out-of-spec…but it works great!
:shrugs:
#9
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 10
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FWIW the last time I reinstalled my Etap Red front derailer I set it up exactly as specified in SRAM’s manual. Like, *exactly* with sub-millimeter precision.
it shifted like crap.
So I brought it to my LBS and their wrench did some magic and it worked great. When I asked him what he did, he said “I just moved it until it worked.”
Looking at it and measuring its position now, it seems totally out-of-spec…but it works great!
:shrugs:
it shifted like crap.
So I brought it to my LBS and their wrench did some magic and it worked great. When I asked him what he did, he said “I just moved it until it worked.”
Looking at it and measuring its position now, it seems totally out-of-spec…but it works great!
:shrugs:
I did the same as your tech, adjusted until it shifts perfectly!




