I can’t seem to shift to smallest front ring while on smallest rear cog, and if I adjust limits and/or tension until I’m able to, then I can’t shift to largest front ring while on largest rear cog. I’m always prevented from cross chaining either one way or the other. I know it’s not recommended to cross chain, but shouldn’t it at least be possible?
Might the range of the FD be limited because it was originally meant for a 3×8 bike and I’m trying to use with a 9 speed cassette?
by bikinibottomrealest8
2 Comments
No, the front derailleur should work fine with a 9 speed cassette.
The situation you’re describing it’s called cross chaining, which is generally not ideal. Your derailer should be able to do it, but those combinations are an inefficient way to get a gear ratios that is duplicated elsewhere.
Is your new cassette a wider range cassette ? Did you replace the chain?
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help/front-derailleur-adjustment
An 8sp and 9sp cassette have the same width, so that shouldn’t affect the front derailleur.
To me it looks like your front derailleur may be intended for larger chainrings, indicated by the radius of the FD cage being larger than the radius of the big ring.
If this is true it may be impossible to get perfect shifting with this setup, so your options are to either live with the existing shifting performance, or get a triple FD designed for a smaller crankset