Cannondale Front Derailleur Options
03-04-21, 04:26 AM
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Cannondale Front Derailleur Options
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.
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.
Last edited by kross57; 03-04-21 at 04:31 AM.
03-04-21, 05:57 AM
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Do you have a boss on your frame for a downtube shifter, with a cable adjuster mounted on it? Or is it just a cable stop?
You could do what Lance and Pantani did. Friction downtube shifter for front shifting. And switch your left STI to a plain brake lever.
It's far superior for road triples. Far more flexible too. You might find your current mech would then work well.
This would also let you use a lower granny. 28 or 26. That range might be nice.
You could do what Lance and Pantani did. Friction downtube shifter for front shifting. And switch your left STI to a plain brake lever.
It's far superior for road triples. Far more flexible too. You might find your current mech would then work well.
This would also let you use a lower granny. 28 or 26. That range might be nice.
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03-04-21, 06:41 AM
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Just a cable stop. Personally, I would prefer downtube levers, but I need to keep this one as close to stock as possible.
03-04-21, 08:04 AM
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After checking, the Microshift I have now is listed as incompatible with my front chainrings.
I also checked again on the seat tube, which 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.
As far as replacements, someone pointed out that the specs for the FD3403 say min difference between top and intermediate is 11 teeth. In my case it is 10, correct? So, that would not work.
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.
I also checked again on the seat tube, which 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.
As far as replacements, someone pointed out that the specs for the FD3403 say min difference between top and intermediate is 11 teeth. In my case it is 10, correct? So, that would not work.
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.
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03-04-21, 08:20 AM
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Yeah, gotta be 31.8. I used to run a Campy Racing Triple front gear on my R500 and it was brilliant.
03-05-21, 04:15 AM
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I ordered a FD-5504. I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks to all!
