correct method to set up front tiagra derailleur

[a boardman]

I installed a hand bar bag which adjusted the tension on the cables, (which i did not know till i was out)
so i adjusted the adjustment bolt which helped but not fully,

So i have now removed the bag, and got a rucksack, but I cannot get the front derailleur set back correct.

I removed the cable and set the lower limit with the chain on large rear gear,
but then reattaching the cable is the issue,
do i pull the cable tight then lock it off whilst on small front gear,
do i move the chain and derailleur to the big front gear and then attach the cable pulling it tight.
do i attach the cable with the adjustmen screw on min and then adjust the tension with that

it seems that no tension on the cable the derailleur will automatic go back to the lower gear (like no cable),
but not enough tension will not enable the gear to move over to the top,
and too much tension means will not go back from big to small.

would the park big blue book help, do i need a forth hand.

what is the best method,

this is my round trip to work, so could do the gears set right.

[TheInternet]

You don't say exactly which you have, but if you can find the model number for the front derailleur you should be able to find the Shimano documentation to assist you:

FD-4503 (Triple)
FD-4500 (Double)

No doubt there's a simple method that covers all varieties, but I used the above in the first instance.

[RRS_Staffs]

a boardman said:

do i pull the cable tight then lock it off whilst on small front gear,
do i move the chain and derailleur to the big front gear and then attach the cable pulling it tight.
do i attach the cable with the adjustmen screw on min and then adjust the tension with that

Yes
No - blimey have you even tried? The spring is super strong
Yes

I think

Its not that tricky and with some patience and an assortment of swear words you should be fine

My coice would be to put the mech on the small cog on the front, which as you say it will default to with the spring tension
Then carefully feed the cable and tension it just a little bit with pliers whilst you tighten the lock nut
Finally trim it with the barrell adjuster as necessary but this should be modest

Proper advice here:

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/front-der...

Best of luck