FSA Compact derailer: Bikefanclub.com

Anybody else try to use the new FSA compact derailer with Record Ergo Shifters?

Campy says not to use their compact derailer on anything but Campy cranks. But, I've got a Chorus compact working beautifully and easily on a Deda D-Power crank. Another bike has a Centaur regular front derailer working great with an FSA compact crank.

So, overall I don't think that compact cranks are very sensitive to the derailer being used, althought the Campy cage may do a better job of making sure that the chain doesn't drop off the inside.

On the otherhand, I've fought a valient battle to make the darn FSA derailer work. The cable angle (when using the small chainring) has poor leverage - leading to heavy pressure on the shifter. More importantly, the return spring appears to be too strong for the shifter. When using the big ring, the shifter will spontaneously shift back a notch or two. I know that this isn't a frame flex issues because: 1) the frame is plenty stiff; 2) it happens in un-loaded pedaling (like on the repair stand; 3) it happens after only 1-2 revolutions.

So, anyone else experience anything like this?

My thought is that compact derailers aren't strictly needed. Campy compacts work well with any compact crankset and eliminate the need for a dog fange - but really aren't necessary. Shimmyno advises that they don't need a compact derailer. So, does anyone have experience indicating that they need a compact derailer - especially and FSA or IRD?

Let me know

Riccardo