Shifter-fd problem

[grizzlebeard]

a problem of my own making, as usual:

This is about my wife's +/- 2010 Marin Fairfax ALP...it's a flat bar, 3x8 speed...

The left trigger shifter (Shimano ST R225-L) came apart on her ride to work; she collected most of the pieces, but a critical bushing is missing (and maybe a spring...)

So I tried to find a replacement for the shifter, and ordered a set of what seemed to be a close match: Shimano ST EF51. However, the new left shifter has too much pull for the FD--which is a top clamp, bottom cable, model R-443--even with slack in 1, it wants to shift into 3...

The front shifting system was never all that great, so I could be persuaded to replace the FD. FWIW, the RD is a Sora, and the new right shifter works great.

Suggestions for a new FD? or stick with it and find a replacement for the original shifter?

Thanks!

 

[alfeng]

AFAIK ...

The R-443 front derailleur is considered a ROAD front derailleur designed for "Road" bikes which were equipped with FLAT handlebars ...

I do NOT know if it is interchangeable with ANY other Shimano front derailleur (e.g., an 8-speed 105 front derailleur) ...

Shimano MTB & Shimano Road front derailleurs have never been considered to be interchangeable.​

I believe your new shifters are MTB shifters ...

Consequently, that is the source of the incompatibility ..
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MANY, but not all, Shimano MTB front derailleurs are now suitable for either top-or-bottom pull applications ...

You will either need to pony up the $20+ for a new, SHIMANO ACERA-or-better 8-speed front derailleur OR spend more than 5x as much to change the bike to one with DROP handlebars + appropriate shifters ...

In the past, the difference between a plebeian Acera front derailleur and an XT front derailleur of the same vintage was the CLAMP ... the former hand a stamped steel clamp, and the XT had a "polished" alloy clamp ... the actual cage was essentially the same.

BTW. Be sure that whichever Shimano MTB front derailleur you choose that it has the correct/same-as-your-old clamp size.

It is IMPORTANT to match the shifters, chain, and front derailleur designation when assembling a Shimano indexed drivetrain.

Most Shimano REAR derailleur are interchangeable ...

With Shimano Road rear derailleurs suitable for Cassettes whose largest cog is 30t-or-smaller ...

And, most of Shimano MTB rear derailleurs being usable with Shimano's full range of Cassettes where the largest Cog is 36t-or-smaller ...​

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