Shimano Tiagra FD-4403-B/F

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Came with bike - Fra

Favorite Ride:
Cannondale

Bike Setup:
Road.

Summary:
Never worked very well. Constant adjustments. Continually had problems shifting on the front triple.

Spring finally broke. Looking for a replacement.

Strengths:
"Functioned" for five years of recreational riding.

Weaknesses:
Constant adjustment issues.

Spring broke now have to replace entire unit.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Bicycle Connection

Favorite Ride:
anywhere not raining

Bike Setup:
Trek 1500 with Look pedals, and Vredestien tires.

Summary:
This derailleur is ok. It's not bad but it's not great either. The cage is a bit narrow, so you will not be able to get anywhere near a crossover gear. You cannot use a 53-39-30 with this derailleur. You must use the "standard" 52-42-30. It came on the bike and it worked. But I wouldn't buy one. Shimano 105 is inexpensive enough and probably (haven't tried one) better.

Strengths:
Cheap. Works ok.

Weaknesses:
Cheap. Cannot use 53-39-30. Narrow chainline limitations.

Similar Products Used:
Dura-Ace

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
2005 Lemond Reno $800.00 Came with Tiagra group and 105 derailer. It seems that I might have been better off buying a huffy from you know who. Apparently if you cant afford the carbon bikes and high end group components you aren't left with much, yet you will pay 800 dollars for these entry level bikes.

Strengths:
Frame Wheels tires and head set feel very good. I commute and train with this bike I like the way the frame feels and how it handles.

Weaknesses:
Nothing but problems with the Tiagra front derailer. The shifters don't feel smooth and aren't consistant. Weekly visits back to dealer for adjustments.
Chain has dropped from cahinwheel from day one. Seems you cant put any pressure on pedals and can't have fast cadance when you attempt to down shift while climbing. I shouldn't have to buy a new bike and then be forced to upgrade. Shimano should take better pride in the quality its putting out there.

Similar Products Used:
Raliegh mtn bike..shimano deore

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Local Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Kentucky rolling hills

Bike Setup:
Trek 1200

Summary:
One of the more mediocre parts on the Tiagra group. Not fatally flawed, in that I have had no problems with chain dropping or other issues that would be a safety hazard. It simply needs frequent cable tension adjustments. It seems to be that the spring rate is very strong. This makes it impossible for the cable to retain sufficient tension. As a result, shifts to the large ring are slow, and as the cable stretches, chain rub against the guides develops which is first noticable in the highest gear ratio. All that it takes to fix this is a barrel adjustment until sifficient tension is reapplied, ei the chain rub goes away. This was needed about once a week for me. The only real problem, is that you will reach the end of the barrel adjustors capacity sooner, and have to completely retension it more frequently. I suppose the plus to all this is that down shifts are REALLY fast. That tight spring yanks it down as soon as you some much tap the shifter.

Strengths:
Not that bad. Adequate performance for recreational riding. The chain rub issue will be less noticable if are not frequently using you highest gears.

Weaknesses:
Well, not that great. Frequent adjustments needed

Similar Products Used:
I just upgraded to ultegra.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
up hill into the wind

Bike Setup:
Cannondale R800, fizik pave saddle, look carbon stem, seatpost and spacer package, dura-ace shifters.

Summary:
Came on 03' Cannondale R800 road bike, earlier models came with tiagra on the front and 105 on back. The new 800's come with 105 front and 105 back. This product has caused many problems have had it into the shop 6 or 7 times to try to get it shifting properly. Rear 105 works great will be putting a 105 on the front to i \n due time.

Strengths:
Price ( what do you expect )

Weaknesses:
Weight, hard to tune

Similar Products Used:
Shimano 105 , and ultegra