Front Derailleurs - The Spawn Of Satan

[Spoked Wheels]

Triples are a doddle to set up, all you need to remember is that the middle ring position is set by cable tension only. Get the centre ring position right with tension and the outer and inner are set by the stops. It is quite usual for the cable to appear 'slack' when the chain is on the inner ring but the mech can't move inward any further due to the limiter stop. As long as when the middle ring is selected the mech is central on the centre ring (it'd help if you set the rear mech in the centre of the cassette too, 5th on a 9speed) then the indexing is fine.

This is good advise. I would only add that you make sure the mech is parallel to the big chainring and the distance between the top of the big chainring and the bottom of the outer mech plate is between 1 - 3mm for a shimano derailleur.

When fitting a new derailleur or altering the chainring sizes you need to watch out that the difference between the outer and middle ring is compatible with the derailleur. Some cannot go below 10T differences, others, 11T, 13T and even 14T. If you do then you will notice the derailleur inner plate touches the middle ring when you go onto the big ring. You can move the derailleur up a little but that might affect the quality of shifting.

 

[andyfraser]

Everything looks fine with the cage: height is good and it's parallel with the chain ring. The quality of shifting is good. I think I just need to fiddle about with the tension until I get it right.

I'm glad the cage is ok. Having had to adjust it on another bike I have to say it's my least favourite job; trying to line everything up by eye, hold it all in place and tighten the bolt without anything moving.