Campy Record Rear Derailleurs - Which?
- Thread starter Ted B
- Start date
Thanks for the very helpful visuals, as that is what I needed to know.
I ordered my 2004 Record group with an 11-23 cassette, and judging by the carbon weave, I have the short cage. Should I opt for a different cassette for climbing (e.g. 13-26 or 13-29), I presume I will need the medium cage unit....?
I ordered my 2004 Record group with an 11-23 cassette, and judging by the carbon weave, I have the short cage. Should I opt for a different cassette for climbing (e.g. 13-26 or 13-29), I presume I will need the medium cage unit....?
Ultimately you will have to decide what will be need in a rear cassette which will be determined by what type of riding/climbing you intend to do as well as your level of fitness, and the grades and elevation of the rides you will do. On a personal note, I am also riding a bike with '04 Record (2x10 equipped with a short cage) and have a 12-25 cassette in back. This set-up has worked flawless for me!
The maximum cassette config Campagnolo recommends for the short cage is 13-26. Beyond this, the medium is recommended assuming one is using a double. For a triple set up with the lowest gear being 29 at the back, the long cage is recommended.
Maybe a short cage MAY *and thats a big MAY* work on a 29 but it is not recommended because of the severe articulation of the derailleur on a 53x29 combo. But having said that, I dont think anyone in their right mind will ever use such a combo because the chain angle will almost always result in a derailed chain.
Footnote: The effective gear for a 53 x 26 will give you 55.0. The same effective gear (about 55.4) will be found using a 39 x 19 combo. The latter will be more efficient even if the effective gear is the same simply because the chain angle will be less severe.
Maybe a short cage MAY *and thats a big MAY* work on a 29 but it is not recommended because of the severe articulation of the derailleur on a 53x29 combo. But having said that, I dont think anyone in their right mind will ever use such a combo because the chain angle will almost always result in a derailed chain.
Footnote: The effective gear for a 53 x 26 will give you 55.0. The same effective gear (about 55.4) will be found using a 39 x 19 combo. The latter will be more efficient even if the effective gear is the same simply because the chain angle will be less severe.
The medium cage barely handles the 29T when on the small ring. But it's because the upper pulley is pretty much sandwiching the chain between it and the cog (if that makes sense). I can't imagine the short cage would be a good idea. I have both on my two bikes, but I've yet to slap the 29T wheel on the shorty.
The short cage may work on a 13-29 cogset for as long as it is not used as a 53x29 combination. Why? because:
1) severe chain angle (it shortens chain life; risks chain derailment. At this angle the chain may just rub on the inner plate of the front derailleur - u dont want that).
2) a 39x21 will do the same job and is more efficient.
3) a 53x29 will essentially stretch the full articulation of the cage (this may shorten derailleur life; stretch or shorten cable life)
1) severe chain angle (it shortens chain life; risks chain derailment. At this angle the chain may just rub on the inner plate of the front derailleur - u dont want that).
2) a 39x21 will do the same job and is more efficient.
3) a 53x29 will essentially stretch the full articulation of the cage (this may shorten derailleur life; stretch or shorten cable life)
Only a moron would do that anyway. But I see plenty of them. Chain derailing is more BS than reality.Trimming takes care of derailer rub.And yes just not doing it is the right thing.Keep preaching it bro...But, the real reality is you should not be in the big/big even with a mediun or long cage.End of story.
I really appreciate all this useful insight, and there is a reason why I asked...
My present ride is a Bianchi EV4 with '04 Record, Hyperons, Selle Italia SLR. I am using a 11-23 and have the short cage unit. This setup is incredibly light (15.6 lbs) and equally stiff, which makes it more fun in the hills than 100mi (160km) tours over flat roads which are anything but smooth. I love this bike, but I'm thinking of saving it for hilly torture, where it is oh so sweet.
I am considering building another bike in the near future. This one will be a Bianchi EV Carbon, which I will use in the flats and for long tours. I'll outfit this one with Record, Corima Aeros, and a comfy (ie. not featherweight) saddle. I figured I'd get this group with a 12-29 and medium cage, transfer this derailleur and cassette to the first bike (EV4), which I will relegate to strictly hilly courses, and swap the short cage and 11-23 set to the Carbon bike, which will be used in the flats and looong rides.
Yes, this all costs, but fortunately I have no wife to argue...
My present ride is a Bianchi EV4 with '04 Record, Hyperons, Selle Italia SLR. I am using a 11-23 and have the short cage unit. This setup is incredibly light (15.6 lbs) and equally stiff, which makes it more fun in the hills than 100mi (160km) tours over flat roads which are anything but smooth. I love this bike, but I'm thinking of saving it for hilly torture, where it is oh so sweet.
I am considering building another bike in the near future. This one will be a Bianchi EV Carbon, which I will use in the flats and for long tours. I'll outfit this one with Record, Corima Aeros, and a comfy (ie. not featherweight) saddle. I figured I'd get this group with a 12-29 and medium cage, transfer this derailleur and cassette to the first bike (EV4), which I will relegate to strictly hilly courses, and swap the short cage and 11-23 set to the Carbon bike, which will be used in the flats and looong rides.
Yes, this all costs, but fortunately I have no wife to argue...
I agree. (advise is only for the novice - boys and girls do not try this at home!)
