9 spd & 10 spd specific front derailleurs

thomas_cho said:

Hi all,
Okay, I know Shimano sells derailleurs that are described as 9 speed, and 10 speed. But could this just be marketing? Are there really differences in the 9 speed and 10 speed design?

Eg. Can I use a MTB FD in a triple 10 speed drive train?

Is the truth really out there? Mulder....??

Thanks in advance
Thomas

10s FDs have a slightly narrower cage.

9s FDs will work in a 10s drivetrain but not as well as 10s. They need more "overshift" to get the chain moved.

The problems with an MTB FD with Shimano STI will be several. One is that the curvature of the cage won't match well with a chainring larger than 46-48T, depending on the model. Two the indexing won't be very good. You can use an MTB FD with Campy ergo or with friction shifting front as long as the large chainring isn't too large.

Thomas, look at the 770 series Flat Bar Road Front Derailleurs, they may be what you are after.

John M said:

10s FDs have a slightly narrower cage.

9s FDs will work in a 10s drivetrain but not as well as 10s. They need more "overshift" to get the chain moved.

The problems with an MTB FD with Shimano STI will be several. One is that the curvature of the cage won't match well with a chainring larger than 46-48T, depending on the model. Two the indexing won't be very good. You can use an MTB FD with Campy ergo or with friction shifting front as long as the large chainring isn't too large.

John
That is my experience as well, I need more overshift to get the 10spd chain onto the large chainring, but with overshifting and in certain gear combo, the chain drops over the large chainring.

Okay what about using a road 10 spd triple FD, 10 spd chain, with a MTB crankset, largest chainring is 48T? Will that work?

Who makes a 10 speed MTB (compact) crankset? 😉

Thomas, what are you trying to achieve?

10 Speed Front Derailleurs are mainly the same price as 9 and some 8s.