ultegra mechs for compact chainset

slimreaper

Hi
I have purchased some 10 speed ultegra shifters (6600) for my allez sport, and I am not sure which front and rear mech I need.
The Shimano europe website does not give any info on the front mech that is any use. Some of the others, ie dura-ace etc give you a capacity. Is this the max difference between the two chainrings? I currently have a 50/34 compact.
Also, the 6600 rear mech short cage, says max front difference is 14 teeth. Therefore would this not work with my chainset (16T difference)?
The Tiagra front and 105 rear mechs (2006) work fine on my compact setup despite originally having a 52/38.
Its all a bit confusing for someone as simple as me!
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Andy

johncp

I'm no expert but I have used standard front and rear mechs on a compact (50/34) with a 12-27 cassette with both Tiagra (old model) and Ultegra (current model) and had no trouble with either. I think as long as you don't try to use 50-27 or 34-12 and make sure the chain is the right length you should be fine.

topdude

Hi, a short cage rear mech like the 6600 will work fine with your 34/50 compact chainset and a cassette up to 28 teeth as long as you adjust the chain length correctly.
I think any double front mech will also be ok for your 34/50 chainrings as it only has two positions and the cage easily copes with the smaller chainring, just like your current Tiagra setup.

slimreaper

Nice one.
Thanks guys.
I will get buying then.
Cheers
Andy