andrew wrote:
> I'd like to lower the gearing on my road bike a bit. But there seems to be a couple of problems.
>
> Its Campag equipped eight speed at the back, 13 - 24 AFAIK.
That's an odd size, so check (count the teeth). Maybe it's 13-23, 12-25 or 13-26?
> So I could get a bigger cassette but I don't think they make them anymore & I'm not sure how much
> difference a 27 would actually make.
Even a 26 would make a small but worthwhile difference.
> Could I get a bigger 8 speed anywhere?
Don't panic!
I still use one Campag 8sp wheel and know you've got a number of options. Most
aren't cheap or easy but it'll be worth doing something...........
1. 13-26 is a more common 8sp cassette. I don't know where you could get a new one for a
/reasonable/ price right now but somewhere (like Mercian) is bound to have some left. Parker Int
have a Record 13-26 for £44.
2. I expect to have some un-needed 8sp sprockets soon. They are well used, but if lucky, the 23 &
26 won't skip with your chain. You could have them for cost of postage. This next option is
better though...........
3. Marchisio sprockets. Any size up to 28. Adaptors and spacers are available to make them suit
Campag 8sp. Could just replace largest one or two sprockets and nevermind any big jumps. See
www.parker-international.co.uk/components.htm . Will need a 0.5mm spacer behind cassette. With a
28, you may possibly have certain problems with mech but these can be solved; and chain may
require an extra link.
...and www.sdeals.com for information details. (SDeals didn't have a 28T Aviotek last time I
checked, and note their prices don't include VAT).
4. Use Campag 9sp sprockets (cheap and go up to 28T). Don't fit? That's right ...until the spline
tabs are filed down. Sounds like a right old bodge, and it is, but it works. I've done this with
two sprockets so far and am about to do some more. Takes a lot of time and patience with a file
or stone drill bits, etc - but little skill (if a dummy like me can do it.....!). Would have to
respace cassette somehow because 9sp sprockets are thinner. (I'll be using 9sp shifters so won't
have to). This bodge can be worth doing alone just for the largest and smallest sprockets to get
lower gears; cassette wouldn't need re-spacing then. Campag 9sp cassettes now have a 14-28
option, as well as 13-28.
5. New hub/wheel.
> To swap for a bigger 9 or 10 speed would be an expensive option.
Is is quite: 43 quid to convert to convert freehub & axle so to take 9sp cassettes (see Parker -
hub spares). Cassette could then be respaced for 8sp with a Campag spacer kit. 8sp mechs would
still work.
> Which leaves the front. Now can I just swap the rings? They are 38 - 52 now, or do I have to
> change the whole (expensive) shooting match.
What chainset make & model? 38 is the minimum that will fit modern Shimano (and all 130mm) road
double chainsets. 39 for Campags.
Finding a cheap 110 or 74/110 "touring double" chainset with smaller inner ring could be useful.
Bottom bracket would most likely need changing as well, but chain, front mech and shifters won't.
~PB
