Front mech requires too much force, please help!

[Fatmat]

I.e. lowest = small front & largest rear / highest = big front & smallest rear, I know you know this but worth mentioning for clarity

 

[Mickeyspinn]

Well I know it's maybe not how Mr Shimano wants it but if it feels smoother less tight and things aren't bending....guess it's good to go!
Seems odd the way it should be...
Ahhh ....I think you want to use the indexing as it should be...downshift the lever till all clicks are done loosen cable and pull it through again....you might find you can return the cable routing to how its intended actually! You might be reaching the point of very little pull on the cable as you have it set up! Whilst the cable is undone also tweak the relevant adjuster screw to allow the derailleur cage to move inwards...a smidge...till the chain doesn't rub

 

[Fatmat]

 

[novocaine]

different tack here, but your mech is fine, your BB spacing is wrong. you need a spacer behind the driveside BB cup to move the crank out, this will lift the mech of it's end stop.

 

[Mickeyspinn]

different tack here, but your mech is fine, your BB spacing is wrong. you need a spacer behind the driveside BB cup to move the crank out, this will lift the mech of it's end stop.

Ah ha.

 

[Fatmat]

Ok, now using the full shifter range, this has helped a lot, the chain is seriously close at either end of the scale but technically not touching anything. Yes I did wonder about the position of the crank to the frame, I’ll add a photo, not familiar with type of BB but I’ll take it apart and see if I can get a spacer in there as this could solve the cable / force issue as it still won’t shift properly if routed as per the proper way (red straw route in previous photo - 10 mins and let you know what the BB looks like when off the frame!

 

[Joe*Pro]

Am I right that alignment should be middle front ring/cog, with middle rear ring/cog ?

mine needed 3x 1mm BB spacers at £1 each for better alignment with the new BB.

 

[Mickeyspinn]

Am I right that alignment should be middle front ring/cog, with middle rear ring/cog ?

mine needed 3x 1mm BB spacers at £1 each for better alignment with the new BB.

In my mind yes...I always do the math first then use a straight edge to check!
With that pic tho to me...something is different to how it was intended?

 

[Fatmat]

 

[Fatmat]

I’m guessing the spacer needed to go closest to the crank and leave the BB as is, it’s a 24mm spindle