Shifters : Shimano Sora STI, 8 speed Front Derailleur : Shimano 2203 Rear Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra Cassette : SRAM 850 12-26, 8 speed Crank : Bontrager Sport 52/42/30
I want to replace the Shimano 2203 front derailleur. While I have many non-politically correct ways to describe this derailleur. let's just say that is has performed inadequately. My local bike shop said i could replace it with an Ultegra without replacing any other components. After doing a little research (sorry, I am not very component savvy) I am not sure that it will be that simple. Is it just that easy, or will I be forced upgrade other components as well? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
You can replace it with Ultegra without changing anything else, but this is probably the least likely part of your drivetrain to benefit from any kind of upgrade. Assuming the derailleur (or some other component) is not damaged it should only be a matter of proper adjustment to get it to work. My girlfriend's bike has the same f-der and same shifters and it shifts perfectly.
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I have a Trek 1000 with the standard components:
Shifters : Shimano Sora STI, 8 speed Front Derailleur : Shimano 2203 Rear Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra Cassette : SRAM 850 12-26, 8 speed Crank : Bontrager Sport 52/42/30
I want to replace the Shimano 2203 front derailleur. While I have many non-politically correct ways to describe this derailleur. let's just say that is has performed inadequately. My local bike shop said i could replace it with an Ultegra without replacing any other components. After doing a little research (sorry, I am not very component savvy) I am not sure that it will be that simple. Is it just that easy, or will I be forced upgrade other components as well? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, this is a necessary replacement. I have had it to the shop 3 time. It will work for a little while and then start sticking. Guys at the shop recomended replacing. If I go with the Ultegra, (which looks like it is 10 speed specific) will i need to replace the chain with a narrow chain?
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You can replace it with Ultegra without changing anything else, but this is probably the least likely part of your drivetrain to benefit from any kind of upgrade. Assuming the derailleur (or some other component) is not damaged it should only be a matter of proper adjustment to get it to work. My girlfriend's bike has the same f-der and same shifters and it shifts perfectly.
Shifters : Shimano Sora STI, 8 speed Front Derailleur : Shimano 2203 Rear Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra Cassette : SRAM 850 12-26, 8 speed Crank : Bontrager Sport 52/42/30
I want to replace the Shimano 2203 front derailleur. While I have many non-politically correct ways to describe this derailleur. let's just say that is has performed inadequately. My local bike shop said i could replace it with an Ultegra without replacing any other components. After doing a little research (sorry, I am not very component savvy) I am not sure that it will be that simple. Is it just that easy, or will I be forced upgrade other components as well? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Before you spend both money and time needlessly, try adjusting the FD-2203 properly:
IME, properly installed and adjusted, with the proper chainline, etc., your FD will work fine. Note that the Shimano instructions imply you need a specific RD, freehub, etc., but that is not true. Do, however, pay close attention to the installation and adjustment instructions.
Unfortunately, this is a necessary replacement. I have had it to the shop 3 time. It will work for a little while and then start sticking.
It is very UNlikely to be the FD that is the problem. Check the cables, cable housing, the routing plate under the BB, and the front shifter before replacing the FD.
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Guys at the shop recomended replacing.
Will they give you a 100% refund (i.e., parts and labor) if replacing the FD alone doesn't solve the problem?
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If I go with the Ultegra, (which looks like it is 10 speed specific) will i need to replace the chain with a narrow chain?
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You can replace it with Ultegra without changing anything else, but this is probably the least likely part of your drivetrain to benefit from any kind of upgrade. Assuming the derailleur (or some other component) is not damaged it should only be a matter of proper adjustment to get it to work. My girlfriend's bike has the same f-der and same shifters and it shifts perfectly.
You really should make 100% sure it's the derailleur before replacing it. If the shop is convinced it's the derailleur have them show you why. If you want to check for yourself, detach the cable from the derailleur. Move the cage towards the big ring by hand, then release. If the cage returns all the way to the small-ring position without sticking your problem lies elsewhere. (If it doesn't, shoot the pivots with some silicone spray lube or similar and do it again. If a front derailleur gets really dirty it can stick, but that's true from Dura Ace on down.)
If the derailleur's fine, your problem lies with the cable or possibly the shifter. Most likely it's your cable.
If it IS the derailleur, you can probably use the Ultegra 10 without changing the chain, but really any replacement will do. Not necessary to pay for the Ultegra (unless you want to).
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Unfortunately, this is a necessary replacement. I have had it to the shop 3 time. It will work for a little while and then start sticking. Guys at the shop recomended replacing. If I go with the Ultegra, (which looks like it is 10 speed specific) will i need to replace the chain with a narrow chain?
Quoted message said:
You can replace it with Ultegra without changing anything else, but this is probably the least likely part of your drivetrain to benefit from any kind of upgrade. Assuming the derailleur (or some other component) is not damaged it should only be a matter of proper adjustment to get it to work. My girlfriend's bike has the same f-der and same shifters and it shifts perfectly.
Shifters : Shimano Sora STI, 8 speed Front Derailleur : Shimano 2203 Rear Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra Cassette : SRAM 850 12-26, 8 speed Crank : Bontrager Sport 52/42/30
I want to replace the Shimano 2203 front derailleur. While I have many non-politically correct ways to describe this derailleur. let's just say that is has performed inadequately. My local bike shop said i could replace it with an Ultegra without replacing any other components. After doing a little research (sorry, I am not very component savvy) I am not sure that it will be that simple. Is it just that easy, or will I be forced upgrade other components as well?
MUST use a shimano FD designed for a 52/42, not a 52/39, like the ultegra, DA and 105 10s now are. If you use the FD made for a 39 middle , longer cage, it will hit the 42 when in the 52...find a 105/9s, ultegra FD-like 6503/for 9s...which will work fine-we have them, BTW
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Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, this is a necessary replacement. I have had it to the shop 3 time. It will work for a little while and then start sticking. Guys at the shop recomended replacing. If I go with the Ultegra, (which looks like it is 10 speed specific) will i need to replace the chain with a narrow chain?
SEE my post. If you use the 10s one, made for a 52/39, it will hit the middle ring while in the large ring...the bike shop ought to know this....
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You can replace it with Ultegra without changing anything else, but this is probably the least likely part of your drivetrain to benefit from any kind of upgrade. Assuming the derailleur (or some other component) is not damaged it should only be a matter of proper adjustment to get it to work. My girlfriend's bike has the same f-der and same shifters and it shifts perfectly.
