zenoq

Hello everyone

I decided to do something about my fitness and bought a used in v. good condition Volpe 2009 bike.
This bike has broken front derailleur Tiagra FD-4503 (fairly common problem with this type). I don't have sufficient (yet!) knowledge of bike components/mechanics here are the related components:
RR: 9 speed, SRAM 11/32, Deore RD-M531
FRT: Triple Sugino 48/38/28
Brifters: ST-4500
Could you please recommend a "decent" FD (clamp mount ~29mm seat tube bottom pull) to work with these components.
Your help will be very much appreciated.

KCT1986

Couple of options to look at, FD-6503 Ultegra & FD-5503 / 4 (105). This series was for a 10 tooth difference between the outer/mid rings (52/42), so not optimal but probably OK. There is also a 4403, but don't know if these suffer failure issues with the spring mount.

Later models of Shimano triple FD in the Ultegra & 105 line were designed for 52/39 outer/mid rings. These may work but can't really know since the spacing between the rings may be different with Sugino.

Crankycrank

A Microshift R9 will work well with your chainrings and 4500 shifters. Solid, uses some steel where the aluminum Shimano derailleurs failed so slightly heavier but more durable, shifts as well as any Shimano, less expensive and readily available new. Has braze on and clamp on options. R9 Front Derailleur 3x9 | microSHIFT I'm also envious of your Volpe. Wish I had bought one when they were rim braked triples. Great do-everything bike.

zenoq

Thank you for your input.
Crankycrank your Microshift R9 looks v. promising.
I also got these suggestions: Sora R3030 and Tiagra FD-4603.
Any comments about these suggestions?
10 speed FD-4603 use a narrower chain than the 9 speed not sure how this would work with a) existing chain and b) with a new 10 speed chain.

Crankycrank

You could use any of these but I believe the Sora has the same problem with the spring stub breaking. The 4603 is probably OK as mixing a different speed or two components is usually not an issue unless there is some kind of pull ratio difference which yours is not in this case. The Microshift R9 triple will definitely fit with no issues and probably a little less expensive but just as durable if not more so than the 4603.

zenoq

At this point the Microshift R9 appears to be v. strong candidate.
Thank you Crankycrank.

delbiker1 

I will not be home for 8-10 days, but I have a couple of 9 speed Tiagra front derailleurs, 4400 and 4500, I would part with for low cost. Pretty sure they are both for double or triple set ups. Other Tiagra components, also available

oldbobcat

Shimano fixed this when Sora went 9-speed. And 4600 is 10-speed, so there's a chain width discrepancy.

zenoq

It turn out I have a bigger problem with my bike: shifters will need a replacement as well (per bike mech)
Shimano Sora 3030 was mentioned to me.
Any thoughts suggestions re above and Sora?

ScottCommutes

Your experience may be different, but my local bike shop is awesome for parts compatibility questions. I take the bike in, and they look at it and figure out what my options are (by checking their supplier's online catalog). Sometimes they have the part in stock, other times it comes in a couple of days. They have no problem selling parts without installation. The price is not bad either because they buy the parts wholesale and simply mark them up to what I'd be paying anywhere else.