Specialized Ruby and front derailleur issues

[eofelis]

I have a 2007 Specialized Ruby expert. This is the Ultegra 10sp triple kit with a 105 front derailleur and the carbon FSA cranks.

When the fd is in the big ring position my leg hits it when my right foot is in the down position. Has anyone else had trouble with this?

We are thinking of trying a different fd and are going to check the Q factor also. I do not have this problem at all with the 9sp Ultegra triple on my other bike.

[ehirsch83]

it sounds more like a fit issue then anything else, I would advice having a professional fit done:)

[tzvia]

It sounds like maybe the front derailleur may be out of adjustment to a point it is out so far it is in the path of your foot?

With the front shifted to the largest ring, how far out is the outer plate of the derailleur? Looking down at it, the outer plate should be parallel with the chainrings and be out only far enough for the chain to just miss rubbing on it when in the smallest gear in back. You use the screws on the derailleur to limit the furthest throw in and out, and the tension on the cable controls at what point in the shift the derailleur moves it to the higher or lower chainring and where it sits when in the middle of a triple.

A different derailleur would not correct it as the outer plate would have to be in about the same place provided the adjustment is correct.

You may have to look at the shoe/cleat (or toeclip?) position. If using cleats, you may have it set too far to the outside of the shoe, placing your foot inboard of where it needs to be (Q factor). I would first do a quick look at the derailleur position first and go from there. If it looks correct, the Q factor would be next. Maybe a fitting would be in order then as ehirsch83 has already mentioned.

[eofelis]

Thanks for the suggestions. The Boy has checked and adjusted all the obvious things on this bike. He's got 10+ yrs in the bike business and fitting bikes, and has meticulous fit on his own road bikes, so we are confident that the fit is ok.

We measured the Q factor on the Ult 9sp bike and the Ruby seems to actually have a wider Q factor, by a few mm.

We did notice that the 105 fd seems to be stamped deeper on the outboard side than an Ultegra fd. We are going to try an Ult fd next. It may not need to be positioned quite as far out to clear the chain.

I'm using older Ultegra spd pedals. He put 2mm spacers (washers) between the pedals and the cranks to see if that would make a difference. I do have a tendancy to turn my right heel in a bit while pedaling, but we adjusted my cleats and I don't hit the crank with my ankle. I'll check the cleat position again and make sure they are not too far to the left side of that foot.

[TrekWSDmechanic]

The wider Q factor on the Ruby might be part of the issue. If you think about it, that means that the FD has to travel a further distance in order to reach the big ring.

The main issue is probably that it's a triple. Triple FD's are notoriously difficult to adjust, and from a mechanical standpoint, they have a pretty tough life.

Have you ever considered a compact chainset?

[Cataboo]

I have that problem with my triple 10 speed... fsa carbon crank and its got an ultegra front derailleur... I don't hit it all the time, so I mostly just ignore it.

[eofelis]

I just put an Ultegra fd on the bike. (Well, the Boy did...) and it seems to be 95% better. I brush it just a bit sometimes. The Boy still wants to try a DA 9sp as the shape seems more streamlined to him.

Catriona-have you tried putting some 2mm spacers (washers) in the pedal spindle to get a bit more room?

[Cataboo]

I haven't tried it, but I'll give it a shot - I just figured my calf's too big :)