Cycling UK Forum

will the Shimano RSX FD-A417 7/8 Speed Triple Front Deraillleur 28.6 mm work on Shimano 9 speed system?

Not properly.
I think it may pull the right amount of cable but it won't have enough 'clicks' to enable you to get all the gears. You need a 9-speed (indexed) shifter to get 9 gears.

In practice, as long as you are continuing to use a triple front chainwheel, the derailleur might well be ok. The only difference using a 9-speed rear block is that the chainline will be fractionally more angled in the lowest gear and you might get a little more chain rub in certain combinations. In addition, the slightly narrower 9-speed chain means the front derailleur will need fractionally more swing to move it to the outer and inner rings.

If the derailleur's in decent condition, I'd certainly give it a try before chucking it.


Brian

I agree with what Brian G says. I think the 7/8 speed mech cage is notionally wider, Shimano having added a toe-in at the front of the outer cage plate for 9 speed mechs, to narrow the width for the narrower chain. With an indexed shifter this will cause problems. To overcome it, use mole grips or solid pliers to grip the front edge of the outer plate and bend inwards by approx 2mm. I reckon that will sort it.

Should work fine as long as it's on a crankset with roughly the same sized rings that it was built for.

BTW, I think that frank9755 might have misread the question and thought that you meant rear mechs?

To be fair I would rather use the correct 9 speed one but just cannot find a Shimano 9 speed triple road front mech any wear, and yes I have looked on Ebay for ages now to no avail.
Thanks guys anyway!

Try searching Bike Parts for Tiagra!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shimano-Tiagra-31 ... 286.c0.m14
Any Good?

I did and Ultegra but there are none in 28.6 I need!

Si wrote: BTW, I think that frank9755 might have misread the question and thought that you meant rear mechs?

Correct - please ignore my comments!

According to Madisons site FC4503 should have a multiclamp band, ie it comes with a preformed spacer to fit the smaller tube. It might be worth
asking the seller...
If they are on sale because this part is missing then a friendly bike shop may be able to help out - I would, but I'm using my spacers!

This fits both sizes of tubes:-
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Shim ... -13104.htm

Another possibility?
Use a "braze on" type with a band on adaptor.

Doh! how did I miss that one? I've just ordered from them as well! double doh!
I will get one ordered as soon as I get back from holiday,
Thanks for all your help guys, just need a decent pair of 36 spoked 9 speed 105 or equivalent wheels now suitable for a fast tourer.

The mech should be ok, I'm still using a Suntour XCE from my previous touring bike, which was a six speed triple.
Wheels, depending on the rear dropout width either Ultegra or XT hubs, ask Pete at the LBS to get you some DRC ST19 rims and the appropriate spokes then build your own. It really isn't difficult.