SRAM X0 >>> Cross/Fitness Hybrid ???

[Thumper1958]

Hey All,

I have a rather strange bike set-up problem that I'm trying to work the bugs out of...
I have a new '06 Specialized Sirrus Pro that I'm outfitting with SRAM XO trigger shifters and an X0 rear derailleur (med cage).

Why you may ask...? I have a moutain bike already, and I need a bike to do some road miles and "drop-style" handlebars give me a bi tof grief (broke my neck about 20 years ago and drops cause muscle cramps).

Anyway, the problem is this:FSA Gossamer MegaExo Triple (52x42x30) Cranks (stock on the bike)

06 SRAM X0 trigger shifters

Shimano FD-R443 front Derailleur (stock on the bike)

SRAM 970 cassette 12-26

SRAM pc991 Hollowpin chain
...these parts just don't want to work together...first click of the shifter moves the derailleur from the small to the big ring totally skipping the middle. I've fiddled with adjustments on both the shifter and the derailluer to no avail.
I know this is a strange combo, but I really like the SRAM 1:1 set-up (have it on my mountainbike) and I can't quite figure out the problem.

Yes I know that I'm mixing road and mountain components, but I still think that it should work...I've also thought about changing the left shifter to an X0 gripshifter (Speedgoat sells singles).
By the way the rear derailleur works fine....

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Kevin

[John M]

Hey All,

I have a rather strange bike set-up problem that I'm trying to work the bugs out of...
I have a new '06 Specialized Sirrus Pro that I'm outfitting with SRAM XO trigger shifters and an X0 rear derailleur (med cage).

Why you may ask...? I have a moutain bike already, and I need a bike to do some road miles and "drop-style" handlebars give me a bi tof grief (broke my neck about 20 years ago and drops cause muscle cramps).

Anyway, the problem is this:FSA Gossamer MegaExo Triple (52x42x30) Cranks (stock on the bike)

06 SRAM X0 trigger shifters

Shimano FD-R443 front Derailleur (stock on the bike)

SRAM 970 cassette 12-26

SRAM pc991 Hollowpin chain
...these parts just don't want to work together...first click of the shifter moves the derailleur from the small to the big ring totally skipping the middle. I've fiddled with adjustments on both the shifter and the derailluer to no avail.
I know this is a strange combo, but I really like the SRAM 1:1 set-up (have it on my mountainbike) and I can't quite figure out the problem.

Yes I know that I'm mixing road and mountain components, but I still think that it should work...I've also thought about changing the left shifter to an X0 gripshifter (Speedgoat sells singles).
By the way the rear derailleur works fine....

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Kevin

I think that your front shifting problem may be because the R443 front derailleur was designed to be used with the Shimano flat bar shifters, which pull the same amount of cable with each click as their STI levers made for drop bars. According to Sheldon Brown's site, this is different from the Shimano MTB front derailleurs, and consequently, shimano mtb FDs are don't work well as with their road shifters and vice-versa.

The bottom line is that the SRAM trigger shifters will work well with Shimano MTB FDs but probably not as well with road-type FDs such as the 443 that you have. It seems that some possible solutions include:

1. Using a shimano shifter on the left side

2. Switching to the left gripshift which works more like a ratchet rather than a true index shifter.

3. Using a friction-type front thumb shifter. (You can get a Paul's thumbie mount and use a friction bar-end front shifter).

[Thumper1958]

Thanks so much for the awesome responce!

I only have one other question, if I chose to use a MTB FD, will it function with my current crankset? (52-42-30). I do have a SRAM X-Gen FD that I'm not using, but it does seem just a bit "beafy" for my application....

Thanks again!

Kevin


I think that your front shifting problem may be because the R443 front derailleur was designed to be used with the Shimano flat bar shifters, which pull the same amount of cable with each click as their STI levers made for drop bars. According to Sheldon Brown's site, this is different from the Shimano MTB front derailleurs, and consequently, shimano mtb FDs are don't work well as with their road shifters and vice-versa.

The bottom line is that the SRAM trigger shifters will work well with Shimano MTB FDs but probably not as well with road-type FDs such as the 443 that you have. It seems that some possible solutions include:

1. Using a shimano shifter on the left side

2. Switching to the left gripshift which works more like a ratchet rather than a true index shifter.

3. Using a friction-type front thumb shifter. (You can get a Paul's thumbie mount and use a friction bar-end front shifter).

[John M]

Thanks so much for the awesome responce!

I only have one other question, if I chose to use a MTB FD, will it function with my current crankset? (52-42-30). I do have a SRAM X-Gen FD that I'm not using, but it does seem just a bit "beafy" for my application....

Thanks again!

Kevin

One problem with MTB front derailleurs with road triples is that the curvature of the FD cage doesn't fit that well with the 52T large chainring, however it may work. I used a Shimano STX front derailleur with a 105 road triple crankset on my wife's bike a few years back without too much problem. It had a little trouble getting the chain up to the 52T chainring, but the overall function was acceptable. Of course that was when most MTB triple cranks still had 46 or 48T large chainrings. If the clamp size is correct for your frame, I would try it and see how it works. If it is does you are good to go, if not, you are not out any money, just a bit of time. Good luck.

[Thumper1958]

Thanks Again!


I'll post a responce once I get everything good-to-go.

Kevin