How exactly does the shifter for an Ultegra FD work?

[sergen]

I've noticed riding my new bike over the last week that there seems to be something strange about the way my shimano ultegra levers operate the FD. I have a triple chainring on the bike and 10 speed 12-25 on the back. I notice that when I change from one chainring to the next I sometimes need to give the FD lever a secondary click.

For example, if I'm in 52x17 and want to change into 39x17 in preparation for an approaching increase in gradient, after clicking the lever to take me onto the 39, I sometimes need to give it a second 'mini-click' to get the chain to avoid rubbing against the chain cage. Please note that this 2nd click is not a full click, which would take me onto a 30x17 - the only way I can describe it is a 'mini-click' that keeps me on the same chainring but helps avoid chain rub against the chain cage. Is this normal? How exactly are you supposed to use the 'mini-click' system?

[Chuck731]

I notice that also on my 9 speed ultegra.

[gclark8]

It is OK, its the trim feature. It allows one to use the small (2) or middle(3) chainring for the full range of the rear cassette. My 443 shifters have it too.

You should have received Shimano written instructions for the shifters with the bike.

[Insight Driver]

I notice that also on my 9 speed ultegra.

Shimano FD shifters have an adjusment click. The extra click will move the derailleur a little bit so the chain won't rub when you shift into higher gears on the rear cogs. Gclark8 gave you the correct information. Back in the day of friction shifters you would move the lever a bit when you heard the chain begin rubbing when you shifted the rear to a higher gear.