On my vintage XT cranks, I want to run 26/36/46 or 48t rings. With a modern LX front derailleur (571 model), the cage gets too close to the top of the middle ring with 46 and 48 rings (it's OK on a 50t).
Looking at the older (early '90s) SunTour triple front mechs, it appears that the inner/outer cages are closer in profile (or "drop"). Anyone happen to know what the preferred chainring gap sizes are for the older (non-micro) SunTour front derailleurs (X-1, XC-LTD/COMP/PRO)?
M. Chandler 25 February 2005 22:55:24 [ permanent link ]
russellseaton1@yahoo.com wrote:
For several years I ran a Deore DX triple front derailleur with the> deep inner cage on 48-45-20 chainrings. The front derailleur was> mounted at least 1/2 inch above the outer chainring. Didn't matter.> Shifted just fine.>
I currently use a Sora double front derailleur to shift 45-42-20> chainrings. Its about 1/4 inch above the outer chainring. No problem> with the inner cage hitting the middle chainring. But its mounted a> bit higher than the experts recommend because the chain will drag the> underside of the front derailleur when in the 45x28 cog. Front> derailleur shifts fine.
Have you ever thrown the chain with the front mechs set so high above the chainring?
I'd suggest you just use the front derailleur you have and stop> worrying about made up problems and ride the bike. Or if the imaginary> problems are too great to overcome, then get a double front derailleur> and mount it as close to the top of the outer chainring as you want.
