Compact Cranks on Kestrel Talon - new FD or no?

Triathlon Forum
1

I just switched the cranks on my friend’s kestrel talon from a 105 triple to a FSA compact (double, 50/34). I lowered the current front derailleur (105 triple) on the “braze on” slotted attachment on the frame and it shifts fine with the bar end shifters. She’s interested in getting new front and rear derailleurs to get rid of the triple-specific ones.

has anyone had any issues using a standard shimano front derailleur (for doubles) on a kestrel talon with compact cranks? i.e. is there enough travel in the “braze on” slot to allow the derailleur cage to get close enough to the chain ring? There is the new “compact specific” front derailleur out there (by IRD, I think). Is there any benefit to going with this derailleur? What are the differences between the compact specific front and a standard shimano front? Is it just cage depth, or is there something more?

Thanks for any feedback.

J

2

I’ve done fine with a normal front derailleur (for double chainring setups) and a compact crank set. However, I don’t see much of a reason to upgrade if it’s working fine with the derailleur she’s got now. Most problems you hear about are due to poor adjustment (front derailleur or chain length) or not using a little bit of extra care when shifting into the smaller ring.