kross57

I am working on a Cannondale R400 Triple. I believe its a 2001. I'm having trouble with the shifting on the front cogs.

The original deraileur has been replaced with a Microshift R10. I'm thinking I should go back to something like the original shimano. I need a clamp-on for a 28.6 tube that will handle 3 rings in front (30/42/52), 8 in the rear (12-25), and work with the Sora STI Dual Control brifters. Rear derailleur is a Shimano Sora RD-3300 Long Cage.

My choices seem to be the Claris FD-2403, the Sora FD-3403 or the Sora FD-R3030. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

blamester

If you can describe the problem with the shifting we may be able to help.

shelbyfv

Are you sure about the 28.6? IME, Cannondales were often 31.8. Anyway, you need to check that the new FD is OK with the 10 tooth difference 52-42. Some are designed for 11T (50-39) and will hang up on your middle ring. I think the two Sora you listed may need 11T so you might need to look for older models.

kross57

Aha!

Yes, you are right. The seat tube is 31.8 not 28.6.

I have tried every adjustment I can think of, and there is always a problem with the chain rubbing on the inner or outer plate in some (or many) gear combinations. Tightening/loosening the cable or adjusting the limit screws doesn't do it.

Yes, the specs for the FD3403 say min difference between top and intermediate is 11 teeth. In my case it is 10, correct? So, no good.

For the FD-3030, the "max ring teeth" is 50, whereas mine is 52. Again, no good.

Any suggestions on other models? I am now looking at the Shimano FD-5504, FD-5503 and microSHIFT R539. These seem to be compatible.

shelbyfv

This https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Shimano...K&LH_BIN=1will work, surprised how expensive they've become Note the inner cage does not extend as far down as the current Sora and your R9/R353. If you wanted to experiment, you could dremel the inner cage of your R353 to match the pic of the 5500. You could then lower the FD to the proper height which might resolve your issues.

Andrew R Stewart 

One reason the OP has a problem is the miss match of a 10 spd ft der on an 8 spd crank and cjhain. The 10 spd cranks place their rings closer together thus the ft der cage doesn't need top move as far and if asked to cover the wider 8 spd ring spacing there will be rubs.

We try to stock the FD-R3030 for these situations and have gone to the Micro Shift R8 as a back up. Andy

oldbobcat

No wonder. The R10 is for 10-speed drivetrains, that us a narrower chain. You need a unit that works for 3x8. 2403 and 3403 will work. 3030 is for 9-speed, which uses a narrower chain. There's also a Microshift R8 for 3x7/8.

kross57

OK, now I'm confused. You are recommending the r3030 or the 3403. However, the specs for the FD3403 say min difference between top and intermediate is 11 teeth. In my case it is 10, correct? So, no good.

For the FD-3030, the "max ring teeth" is 50, whereas mine is 52. Again, no good.

I am now looking at the Shimano FD-5504, This for a top to intermediate difference of 10t, which I have. Also the max difference is 22t or less, and I have 22. Yet, this is for 3x9, so would I see too much chain rub?

Andrew R Stewart 

oldbobcat is correct WRT the FD3030 being a 9 spd spec, my mistake. It was the FD3403 we tried to stock for 8x3 needs (and IIRC is now unavailable from Shimano hence the R8 fall back choice). Andy

shelbyfv

Here is another source for the 5504. https://www.bandlbicycles.com/produc...-speed-628.htm I may be wrong but I think the R8/R253 may have the same issue clearing the middle ring, spec'd for 50-39-30. Looking at the pic, the inner cage looks more like the newer Shimano than the older ones that will clear your 42T middle ring.

kross57

I ordered a FD-5504. I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks to all!