Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Shimano Front Derailleur Height?

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Shimano Front Derailleur Height?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-10-20, 10:24 AM
  #1  
mrblue
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 648

Bikes: Canyon, Bowman & Colnago

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 132 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 39 Times in 20 Posts
Shimano Front Derailleur Height?

Hello,

The instructions for 105 and Ultegra front derailleurs state one should position the front derailleur cage 1 to 3mm above the teeth of the large chainring. Is there any advantage or disadvantage for how close the derailleur cage is to the teeth?

Thanks.
mrblue is offline  
Old 04-10-20, 11:49 AM
  #2  
tFUnK
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,692

Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 432 Post(s)
Liked 461 Times in 318 Posts
Too close and it won't clear when shifting. Too far and it may not catch the chain plates when shifting, and also if it does shift it may throw the chain off the chainring.
tFUnK is offline  
Old 04-10-20, 09:34 PM
  #3  
Andrew R Stewart 
Senior Member
 
Andrew R Stewart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,100

Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4212 Post(s)
Liked 3,883 Times in 2,318 Posts
Since the cage height above the large ring is adjustable it's simple to try different gaps and determine your own preference. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
Andrew R Stewart is offline  
Old 04-11-20, 01:49 AM
  #4  
cpach
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Mt Shasta, CA, USA
Posts: 2,144

Bikes: Too many. Giant Trance X 29, Surly Midnight Special get the most time.

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 533 Post(s)
Liked 313 Times in 237 Posts
I think the 1-3mm is intended to set tolerance, but basically as close to 1mm as possible assuming nothing catches usually shifts the best when everything is designed to work together.
cpach is offline  
Old 04-11-20, 06:50 AM
  #5  
HillRider
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656

Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times in 742 Posts
Modern cranks typically have shaped teeth and a some are shorter than the others. Be sure you set the gap over one of the full height teeth or they can hit the cage when you turn the crank.
HillRider is offline  
Old 04-11-20, 09:59 AM
  #6  
dedhed
SE Wis
 
dedhed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,517

Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970

Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2747 Post(s)
Liked 3,401 Times in 2,058 Posts
I usually use a dime for a gauge
dedhed is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.