New front mech - 8/9 speed compaitibility

paulnettles

So, somehow I've managed to bend the front mech on my B'twin Sport 1.

Need to get a new one, but which one do I go for?

drivetrain is Shimano 2300, 8-speed cassette, triple chainset, clamp-on. Is the only option the one which Shimano say is 8-speed compatible (fd-2303), or can I get one of the (presumably better) 9-speed compatible ones from the Sora/Tiagra ranges? Does it really matter on a front mech how many sprockets are on the cassette? Or will getting a 9-speed lead to shifting problems as it would be (I presume) a wider cage?

Any and all help much appreciated!

paulnettles

Thanks for your help, everyone. I'll get my coat...

mcj78

Hey,

Had a similar issue with upgrading my commuter from 8 to 9 speed, was thinking of using a nice shiny 105 10 speed front mech & was told i'd be able to get away with the existing 8 speed front mech with the 9 speed chain, but if I used a narrower front mech (10 speed) then i'd probably experience more rubbing issues when using the outermost cogs, so I stayed with the old Sora number. To be totally sure of compatibility i'd replace it with a similar 8 speed triple model, hope this helps!
J

paulnettles

mcj78 wrote:

hope this helps!
J

It certainly does! Many thanks for the advice... going to get the direct replacement, I think. Talked to my LBS about it this afternoon as well, no discernable benefit in getting a 9-speed FD, so going to stick with the 8-speed. And I'll save a fiver, which is nice.

Cheers mate