Classic & Vintage - croce d'aune derailleur

Sheldon's site says the CdA group "does not index with current shifters, it went with the obsolete "Synchro" system, which hardly anybody could get to work."

I have a CdA rear derailleur that I want to use with indexed 7 speed Dura Ace downtube shifters (the ones that can be switched between friction and indexed). Will they work?

Also, one of the jockeys has a broken tooth, and the proper ball-bearing replacement jockeys are inordinately expensive. Will any old jockeys work with this derailleur? Any recommendations for decent ones, preferably with cartridge bearings? Thanks

Good questions - if you don't get the answer here, I'd suggest trying the forum over at the Campy Only site.

The answer is no. You can run it in friction, indexed will not work. You can try it, but the likely hood of it working is small. However the wheels should be fine for 7-speed, 7-speed cogs and chains are similar to 6 speed etc.. it's only once you get up to 8-9-10 that they get thin and require smaller chain rings and pulleys.

I'm running CdA with bog standard campy friction levers, and there's
a reason for that! I love the gruppo but the syncro is a pita.
One small point, the Croce d'Aune and C-Record rear derailleurs
both work better with the bushing type jockey wheels, especially
in index mode, seems like a little play (slop) helps.

Marty

I have a CdA rear derailleur with Shimano downtube friction/indexed shifter, the indexing system isn't perfect but works ok. The occasional shift is a little noisy, but everything works most of the time. I think the shifters I have are 105, but I haven't looked close enough to see, the bike is at my son's place a few hours drive away.